Figurative Speech in Shakespeare's Othello

Through each character's speech and actions, we learn about the character's desires, intentions, motivations, and dreams. Various aspects of figurative speech are seen throughout Shakespeare's "Othello." One example of figurative speech is pattern of imagery created by Desdemona constantly being referred to as "fair." The use of "fair" presents Desdemona not only as white, but also as having a pure body, mind, soul, and great beauty. The word Cuckold is used more than once in reference to the men. A Cuckold is a man whose wife has cheated on him; these men were thought to have grown horns. In Act 2, the seed of Othello's jealousy is planted. The key moment of the act is when Othello witnesses the meeting between Cassio and Desdemona.

Figurative speech is present throughout all of Shakespeare's works. "Othello" is filled with vibrant and symbolic speech. Shakespeare uses epizeuxis, which is emphatic repetition of a word with no other words between, in "Othello." "Reputation, reputation, reputation! O! I have lost my reputation (2.3.264)." Another literary device used by Shakespeare is pun. "Sir, would she give you so much of her lips, as of her tongue; she oft bestows on me; You would have enough (2.2.101-104)." Iago is speaking of his wife, Emilia, here. Furthermore, foreshadowing is seen in "Othello." "If it not were now to die, Twere now to be most happy; For I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to his succeeds in unknown fate (2.1.187-191)." Othello is foreshadowing his untimely fate.

Themes and motifs are often revealed through an author's use of figurative language. Othello's foolish loyalty is revealed through Shakespeare's use of figurative language. Othello relies on others advice. Iago was denied his promotion because of this dependency on others. Other's influenced Othello's decision to pick Cassio. Iago makes Othello trust him. Iago even begins to turn Othello's trust from Desdemona. One of Othello's biggest mistakes was placing trust in Iago.