James Lee

English 3233
Bayer
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The Truffle of Deceit

Iago utters these lines as he takes Desdemona’s handkerchief

from his wife. Othello requires ocular prove of Iago’s claims

that Desdemona and Cassio were being unfaithful. Although Iago

pours doubt into the mind of Othello, he needs concrete proof to

cement the guilt of Othello’s loved one. Shakespeare uses irony

and sophisticated diction to weave a web of deceit between Iago

and Othello.

Iago alerts the audience of his intended plans of exacting

revenge against Othello at the beginning of the play. He

believes that Othello seduced his wife, Emily, and insults him

further by giving Cassio his position in the military. Iago

becomes the puppet master as he weaves a web of deceit hoping to

snare all those who wronged him.

Iago concedes in the opening of the lines the fate of his

deceit hangs on the ability to provide a “truffle as light as

air.” He mocks the reliability and weight that Othello places on

a small piece of fabric. He relies on Othello’s sentimentality

to this trinket to inflame the jealousy planted in his mind.

Iago suggests this trinket will become like a holy writ—etched in

stone proving the infidelity of his wife.

In the next instance, Iago confirms this proof will

guarantee the actions of Othello. This may do something,

James Lee
English 3233
Bayer
Close Reading Paper

completely changing the love and trust Othello bares for

Desdemona. As the astute observer of the human condition, Iago

announces to the audience of the changes in the Moor. Iago

claims responsibility for the changes because of the words and

lies (poisons) he placed in Othello’s ears. Slowly he continues

to pull the strings causing Othello to dance according to his

instructions.

Iago acknowledges dangerous conceits are poisonous in their

nature. The use of these conceits promises to create harm in the

lives of their victims. One of the dangers to the victim is the

ease in which they believe the lies. One may profess they are

false and not listening to these words but as time progresses the

lies work into their brain and begin to burn and etch themselves

as a permanent part to their beliefs. Iago realizes that with a

little act of proof, his procuring the handkerchief, the deceits

ignite and burn bright.

In the last part of the lines, Iago informs the audience

that even the most powerful drug fails to guarantee death like

lies and deception. Iago intends to take the life of Othello and

render him to the sleep he owes for yesterday. He uses yesterday

as reference to perceived sins of Othello in the past. With his

trifles and poisons, Iago expects to succeed in his plans of

revenge.
James Lee
English 3233
Bayer
Close Reading Paper

Shakespeare employs the use of sophisticated word choice

when writing the lines for Iago. This word choice illustrates to

the audience the craftiness of Iago’s plans, emphasizes his

control of thought and his ability to manipulate all those he

encounters. This word choice also serves as a foil to the words

of Othello. Othello acknowledges at the beginning of the play

that he is incapable of soft sweet speech of those he encounters.

The weight of these words also provides an extra layer of

credibility for Iago. Othello trusts his education and his

knowledge as he starts to judge his wife.

The diction adds to the irony of the selection. His

reference to holy writ when dealing with lies underscores Iago’s

deception. He references drowsy sweet syrups of the world to

highlight the addiction and power of his eloquent words. Iago

understands the power of his ability to speak well and impress

the people with the craft of word choice.

Shakespeare creates an effective piece of drama when he

allows Iago to take control of the stage. His use of diction,

and irony coupled with Iago’s deceit doom the poor Moor to an

unspeakable fate.