In Shakespeare’s Othello, how does Othello’s language change and shift as a means to show his declining and increasingly frenzied mental state|Legit essays

Posted: February 10th, 2023

Discussion Question 1

In Shakespeare’s Othello, how does Othello’s language change and shift as a means to show his declining and increasingly frenzied mental state?

Discussion Question 2

What do we learn about Iago and his plans through his soliloquies in Shakespeare’s Othello? How does the descriptive language he uses effect our understanding of Iago and his motivations?

Parameters

You must make a substantive and thoughtful initial post of 250 words or more to one of the questions, incorporating MLA citation and a Works Cited

SOLUTION

In Shakespeare’s Othello, Othello’s language change is one of the most prominent indicators of his declining mental state. Initially, Othello is portrayed as a confident and well-spoken individual, but as the play progresses, his language becomes more fragmented and impassioned, reflecting his growing jealousy and paranoia. This is particularly evident in Act III, Scene III, when Othello delivers his famous “Essex, I will wear my heart upon my sleeve” speech, which is marked by its rhetorical flourishes and grandiose statements. As Othello becomes increasingly irrational and

Iago’s soliloquies in Shakespeare’s play “Othello” provide insight into his character and his motives. Through these soliloquies, Iago reveals himself to be a master manipulator who is driven by a desire for power, control, and revenge. He is a complex character who is difficult to understand, but through his soliloquies, the audience is given a glimpse into his thoughts and intentions.

Iago uses descriptive language that is often vivid and graphic, and this helps to reinforce the impression of him as a cunning and dangerous individual. For example, in Act 2, Scene 1, Iago says “I am not what I am” to describe his false exterior, and in Act 3, Scene 3, he says “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-ey’d monster.” These lines are memorable and help to illustrate Iago’s devious and calculating nature.