Othellos Loss for Words Essay -- Othello William Shakespeare Essays

Othellos Loss for Words Othellos character throughout the play demonstrates a skill and confidence in the art of language. From the number one we look out long, eloquent speeches that dazzle his audience eloquently mixing complex words that help portray him as not only a firm warrior but also a fighter with a sound mind. However when Iago pressures him about the possible relationship between his wife Desdemona and Cassio, Othellos passion for his passion wife breaks down his self-control. In the next few pages I will demonstrate how Othellos speech during the beginning of the play helps to military uniten his character, and by his death, hes but a stuttering empty shell of a man. In addition, well compare the language of the moor with that of Iago and see how anti-heroic words shape the way we see this self-interested character. During the third scene of the first act, Othello speaks eloquently about how hes won and married Desdemona. This is a beautiful forty-line spee ch that really shows his capacity to forge and communicate effectively before the higher court. The language that he uses helps us see Othello as a true, confident leader. Shakespeare writes Hath this extent, no more, Rude am I in my speech, And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace, For since these arms of mine had seven years pith Till now some nine moons wasted, they engender used Their dearest action in the tented field And little of this great world can I speak More than pertains to feats of broils and battle. (I.iii.81-87)Here Othello uses irony to subtly demonstrate his grasp of the English language. His claim that he is rude in speech is particularly revealing because he knows all too well that no one in that room would believe that he has rudimentary abilities. Similarly, the remaining line of this example shows us his poise with regard to physical strength and the te ther of armies. Ultimately, use of this kind of language reflects Othellos lofty ideals. From the onset, we are given words that mirror powerful, dramatic images that know no bounds and with that, we see his strength and passion for being both an idealized military general and a devoted, loving husband. In contrast, if we look at the language of Iago we see long soliloqui... ...use of animal imagery continuing as before. In the final act of the play we see Iagos language shift from long lines filled with hellish thoughts to shorter sentences much like Othello in act four. However, Iagos slyness remains. Shakespeare writes I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense, And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio Or Cassio him, or each do kill each other, Every way makes my gain. (V.i.11-14)It isnt until Othello begins to understand what has happened that we see a shift in each characters word selections. form erly Othello slowly comes to realize Iago was behind the scandal, his confidence in speech begins to come back and we start to notice more coherent thought. Its interesting to cerebrate about how words play the most crucial role in creating imagery for an audience. In the case of these two characters, particularly Othello, the emotional wave he rode was only represented by his ever-changing use of words. In the beginning, we cheered for him and by the end of play we werent sure what to think. Had he become as evil as Iago? Iago on the other hand, well, hes just Iago.