Othellos Loss for Words Essay - 1590 Words

Othello’s Loss for Words Othello’s character throughout the play demonstrates a skill and confidence in the art of language. From the beginning we see long, eloquent speeches that dazzle his audience – eloquently mixing complex words that help portray him as not only a strong warrior but also a fighter with a sound mind. However when Iago pressures him about the possible relationship between his wife Desdemona and Cassio, Othello’s passion for his beloved wife breaks down his self-control. In the next few pages I will demonstrate how Othello’s speech during the beginning of the play helps to strengthen his character, and by his death, he’s but a stuttering empty shell of a man. In addition, we’ll compare the language of the moor†¦show more content†¦Iago is as much a wordsmith as Othello in this regard. When we compare this character to that of Othello, the two are, however, radically different. In act one Shakespeare writes: Your heart is burst, you ha ve lost half your soul. Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. (I.i.86-91) From the very beginning we see Iago’s hatred toward Othello in these descriptive words. This animalistic imagery initially establishes the dramatic tension in the play, but it also helps satisfy our suspicion of Iago’s cruel motives toward Othello. Iago skillfully uses insinuations, indirect accusations and subtle hints to get his own point across. For example, Shakespeare writes: ‘Swounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you, you’ll have your coursers for cousins and jennets for germans. (I.i.110-115) Here, the exchange with Brabanzio is a direct one, but we can see Iago’s malicious, crude descriptions ofShow MoreRelatedIs It Power of Words Which Destroy Othello or His Own Hubris?1714 Words   |  7 PagesIs it power of words, which destroy Othello or his own hubris? Othello is one of Shakespeare’s finest plays, as it concentrates on a courageous’ general’s demise, physically and mentally. It could be argued that Othello bought his destruction on himself, by allowing himself to be poisoned by â€Å"Honest† Iago’s fluent rhymes of lies. However I will argue that it is infact his hubris, his overwhelming pride which infact causes his inevitable demise. 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