Shakespeare's Othello

Sample Solution

    Throughout Shakespeare’s Othello, the character of Othello shifts and changes dramatically in language as his mental state declines. This is evident through his tone, choice of words and syntax over the course of the play. For example,  

at the beginning of the play before Iago has started manipulating him, Othello speaks in a balanced manner with complex sentences that demonstrate control over himself and his emotions. He explains his story to Desdemona’s father Brabantio with clear diction such as “Fair Venice…that most generous and free from all contriving/ [I] Have ever enjoyed” (1.3) which highlights both truthfulness and sobriety. However, as Iago begins to manipulate him by planting ideas in his mind about Desdemona’s infidelity – which he does subtly by dropping innuendos during their conversations – Othello starts to become increasingly agitated internally while still maintaining an outwardly composed demeanor. His language reflects this internal tension through a shift towards shorter sentences such as “I will be free/ As I please myself” (2.3), suggesting that he is becoming less convinced by Iago but still incapable of rejecting any information that comes from him due to his devotion for him as a loyal ensign in battle; thus further fuelling her suspicion against Desdemona despite having very little evidence or motives for doing so other than what is suggested by Iago alone. As time passes, these suspicions grow into rage slowly consuming Othello until they reach an uncontrollable level whereupon he lets out on an outburst fuelled by desperation and anger directed towards Cassio describing him with phrases like “a knave very voluble” (4-2). This shows how far gone he is mentally already being unable to restrain himself even when addressing another officer directly rather then talking behind closed doors like earlier on when incandescent yet trying to appear composed around others while speaking with short sentences lacking poetry or joy present before his transformation begun due to influence from poisoning stories told by Iago. The decline progresses further after Emilia reveals the truth behind the handkerchief leading up to dark imagery used throughout Act 5 comparing life resembling death showing how despaired he has become after finding out about Desdemona's innocence visually portrayed through lines like "O devil, devil!/ If that the earth could teem with woman's tears" (5-2). His language becomes more extreme using phrases such as 'black thoughts', 'deadly black' or 'hell itself' (5-2) conveying utter despair defeating every bit of hope left inside him until finally resigning himself accepting fate unknowingly brought upon himself because of manipulation provided for personal gain elsewhere falling victim into trap set up by those willing take advantage regardless consequences involved no matter how great cost would be paid afterward