The Verbal Irony in “Othello” by Shakespeare

The verbal irony in “Othello” by Shakespeare

In the tragedy Othello, Shakespeare uses many important literary elements, but one of the most important is irony. Shakespeare 's use of irony in Othello has a great impact on the play. The irony is what makes the story so fascinating and different than any other stories. Irony is also used to add suspense and at the same time to make the reader wonder what is going to happen next.
“Verbal irony is a contrast between what a character says and what he clearly means.”(“Introduction”) “These techniques Shakespeare uses in his tragedy Othello to show the reader the intended effect of actions, his characters are signifying, without letting the other characters entertain suspicions. We see Iago many times use this form of sarcasm and irony to enlighten the reader of his villainous plans without having to uncover his plot to the other characters and therefore making the play that much more convincing.” (“Verbal”) Also he is the best example of someone who knows how to use a verbal irony very well. Everything he says is always the opposite of what he thinks.
During the whole play Iago lies and manipulates the people around him for his evil purpose of destroying Othello’s life and also to get promoted. An example of this is when Iago says to Othello, “My lord, you know I love you” (IIIiii116). This is also an example of verbal irony, because Iago really detests Othello and he isn’t honest with him. He will do everything to ruin Othello’s life. And to this Othello responds, “I think thou dost; and for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty…”(IIIiii117-188), which shows to the reader that Othello takes on trust everything Iago says. In the first act Iago tells Roderigo that “You, Roderigo! Come, sir, I am for you” (Iii58). This statement is verbal irony because Iago is not actually “for” Roderigo. He is only using him as part of his scheme. He offers his help in exchange for some money, “Put money in my purse” (Iiii329). “Another example of verbal irony is when Iago says to Roderigo, “What say’st thou, noble heart?”(Iiii301). This is a form of verbal irony, because Iago does not really mean that Roderigo has a noble heart.”(“The irony”) Iago calls him “noble heart”, because he wants to make a compliment to Roderigo and also to win his way to Roderigo’s heart. After some lines in the same dialogue Iago says to Roderigo, “I have professed me thy friend…” (Iiii332). “Iago is far from Roderigo’s friend. Iago is using Roderigo for his wicked purpose as he reveals in this passage: “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; for I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit” (Iiii373-376).” (“The irony”)
Iago uses verbal irony in his conversations with Cassio too. “He tells him: “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness” (IIiii306). In this passage, Iago states that he acts out of love and kindness, which is far from the truth. Iago advised Cassio in a way that will facilitate his evil plan of ruining Othello’s life.” (“The irony”) Iago’s plan is to make Othello believes that Cassio has a love affair with his wife. This will break Othello’s heart and will destroy his life. It is an easy goal, because all characters trust Iago and follow his advises. He uses his reputation to manipulate all people around him and in the end to take some benefits like better position in Venice society and full with money purse.
“In Act III Scene III Iago says to Othello, “My friend is dead; ’tis done at your request” (474). It is ironic that Iago refers to Cassio as his friend since Iago hates and uses him.” (“The irony”) Iago calls everybody “my friend”, but the true is that he doesn’t have any friends. He treats the people like potential victim, which will help him to succeed in his life. The use of verbal irony helps him to express himself in a way people want to hear and also to cover his lies; because Iago’s whole life is built by millions of lies.
“Irony plays a very important role in the tragedy of Othello. The verbal irony is very useful in creating an overall feeling of loss and catastrophe in the play. The audience can see that because of Othello’s tragic trust in Iago, miscommunication occurs and disaster follows. The characters, Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Emilia, and Roderigo are all intimately close to Iago, and are all manipulated by him. Because of Iago’s reputation of being trustworthy and honest, the characters believe in him without doubt, and that brings about the destruction of Othello and on a greater level; the disintegration of social order.” (“The irony”)

Work Cited

1. “Introduction to the Terms of Literary Analysis”, Oct. 21. 2009
2. Shakespeare. “Othello”, Abraham, R. Literature: The human experience. 9th ed. Boston: Bedford\ST. Martin’s, 2006.
3. “The irony of Othello”. Oct. 21. 2009 (http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/Miscellaneous/THE_IRONY_OF_OTHELLO.shtml)
4. “Verbal irony of Iago”. slusher49. Mart. 05. 2009. Oct. 21.2009

Cited: 1. “Introduction to the Terms of Literary Analysis”, Oct. 21. 2009 2. Shakespeare. “Othello”, Abraham, R. Literature: The human experience. 9th ed. Boston: BedfordST. Martin’s, 2006. 3. “The irony of Othello”. Oct. 21. 2009 (http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/Miscellaneous/THE_IRONY_OF_OTHELLO.shtml) 4. “Verbal irony of Iago”. slusher49. Mart. 05. 2009. Oct. 21.2009