Othello -

The central pattern of imagery, one closely connected at times to the ideas of magic and witchcraft, is that of imprisonment, of evil entrapping good, of Iago the spider catching Othello the fly. This passage is crucial to the development of the play and to the relationship between Iago and Othello because it is an important part of Iagos plot that leads to Othello’s downfall, and shows how manipulative and calculating Iago is to the trusting unsuspecting Othello.

This passage occurs during a conversation after Cassio “steal(s) away so guilty-like” when Othello approaches and Iago first very subtly sets up his plot saying “Ha! I like not that.” Iago then slowly builds up, carefully leading Othello with suggestions and hints, till he finally tells him he thinks Cassio and Desdemona ...