Shakespeare uses the motif of hell and devils in Othello to lead us to inform our interpretation about Iago. Shakespeare does this by having Iago make many references to hell and devils throughout the play. When talking about his hatred towards Othello, Iago says, “Though I do hate him as I do hell pains….” (I/i/153) Through this metaphor, Shakespeare is showing that Iago knows what hell pains feel like. Logically, the only way that Iago could know these pains, would be if he had previously experienced them. Iago also says, “Hell and Night/ Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” (I/iii/392-393) Through this paradox, Shakespeare shows us that Iago is definitely mixed up in supernatural affairs, as he calls on hell to aid him
