“GREEN-EYED MONSTER”: A PRAGMATIC-COGNITIVE ANALYSIS OF IAGO’S MANIPULATION IN SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO

Abstract

This article examines the dialogue in Othello, the Moor of Venice, in which Iago uses the metaphor of jealousy as a “green-eyed monster” to intensify Othelo’s suffering at the possibility of Desdemona’s infidelity. The research considers the interaction in light of the notions of goal conciliation, as proposed by Rauen, and relevance, as developed by Sperber and Wilson, as well as the model of Santos and Godoy for the emotional interpretation of communicative stimuli. The study describes how Iago’s rhetorical strategies, combined with Othello’s emotional vulnerabilities, contribute to the tragic outcome of Shakespeare’s play. Furthermore-highlighting the synergy between reason and emotion in the production and interpretation of utterances-points to the benefits of a multifaceted approach to literary and linguistic studies.

Keywords:
William Shakespeare; Othello; Goal Conciliation; Relevance; Emotions