In Shakespeares Othello, Iagos manipulation lead to the moral and virtuous man Othello

becoming suspicious, uncertain, and jealous. This is partially achieved by the abuse of Desdemonas
generous and free-minded spirit, as she eventually becomes a passive, witless victim of Othellos
insatiable rage. These portrayals are made clear in Act 5 Scene 2.

In Othellos first soliloquy within this scene, his undying love for Desdemona is made clear, however
he still convinces himself that she must be murdered. This contrast between what he desires and
what he believes must happen is shown in the metaphor Put out the light, and then put out the
light. This imagery of lightness becoming darkness is symbolic of Othellos view on a world without
Desdemona, showing the strength of his passion for her. However, from the beginning of the play,
Othello has been portrayed as a man ruled by justice, and this still guides him at the brink of mental
collapse. Another metaphor is used Justice to break her sword, to show how this ideal is causing
Othellos actions as he believes that she must die, else shell betray more men. This contrast
between selflessness and his selfish desire to keep her alive for his pleasure is shown in the
repetition of One more, one more! This creates the impression that Othello is confused and
irrational in his thoughts, portraying him as a shadow of the eloquent and virtuous man he once was.
In this scene Othello is also portrayed as having adopted Iagos negative view of women, shown in
his mirroring of Iagos rude speech, as he repeatedly calls Desdemona a strumpet and a whore.

In contrast, Desdemona is portrayed in this scene as innocent and passive, a victim of Othellos
misguided hatred. This innocence is shown in her statement Since guiltiness I know not, but yet I
feel to fear. The contrasting ideas in this statement shows the unjust nature of Othellos
persecution of her, reinforcing the idea that she is a victim, being unfairly treated. The consequences
of Iagos manipulation are further shown as Othello believes she has given his handkerchief to
Cassio, making a dishonest and traitorous portrayal of her in his mind, creating dramatic irony in
contrast to the innocent and honest Desdemona that is clear to the audience. Othellos portrayal of
Desdemona is clear as he accuses her of lying when he states O perjured woman! Thou dost stone
my heart. The symbol of his heart becoming stone shows how Othello believes that Desdemona has
betrayed him. However this is very different to the portrayal of Desdemona that is made clear to the
audience, as she proclaims her innocence A guiltless death I die. This short sentence is
representative of Desdemonas innocent, almost witless outlook on life as even after being
murdered, she does not presume to blame Othello because of the love she bears for him.