How Does Shakespeare Use Color Imagery In Othello
Color Imagery in Othello
Imagery, as defined by Webster 's Dictionary, is the use of vivid figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. In Othello, Shakespeare makes use of colors to represent ideas or to set the mood for the scenes taking place. The use of such color imagery enhances the play, causing the reader to look past the mere words and search for the deeper meaning behind the scenes. The predominant colors that Shakespeare makes use of are black and white; however, some symbolism is portrayed through the use of green and red also.
Throughout history, the color black has always been used to set the mood for evil and deceit. In Othello, Iago, the antagonist, construes most of his evil plans in the dark of night. The play even opens at night as Iago begins his wicked scheming (1.1). The play also ends at night as Othello smothers his innocent wife and, later, kills himself. In a soliloquy, Iago declares "When devils will the blackest sins put on,/They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,/As I do now" (2.3.315-317) and finishes with "So will I turn her [Desdemona] virtue into pitch" (2.3.324) This speech, using the symbolism implied by the color black, allows Iago to make …show more content…
It is mostly symbolized in the mention of blood. As with nearly all literary writings, the use of blood is meant to speak of life and death, mostly of the latter. As Othello passes by after Iago has stabbed Cassio, he hears Cassio cry out and assumes that he is dying. Satisfied that Iago has served justice upon Cassio, he sets his mind to killing Desdemona declaring, "Minion, your dear lies dead,/And your unblest fate hies: strumpet, I come./Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted;/They, bed, lust-stain 'd, shall with lust 's blood be spotted" (5.1.33-36). Although he truly does not plan on shedding her blood, the reference to it allows the audience to fully realize his determination to kill
Imagery, as defined by Webster 's Dictionary, is the use of vivid figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. In Othello, Shakespeare makes use of colors to represent ideas or to set the mood for the scenes taking place. The use of such color imagery enhances the play, causing the reader to look past the mere words and search for the deeper meaning behind the scenes. The predominant colors that Shakespeare makes use of are black and white; however, some symbolism is portrayed through the use of green and red also.
Throughout history, the color black has always been used to set the mood for evil and deceit. In Othello, Iago, the antagonist, construes most of his evil plans in the dark of night. The play even opens at night as Iago begins his wicked scheming (1.1). The play also ends at night as Othello smothers his innocent wife and, later, kills himself. In a soliloquy, Iago declares "When devils will the blackest sins put on,/They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,/As I do now" (2.3.315-317) and finishes with "So will I turn her [Desdemona] virtue into pitch" (2.3.324) This speech, using the symbolism implied by the color black, allows Iago to make …show more content…
It is mostly symbolized in the mention of blood. As with nearly all literary writings, the use of blood is meant to speak of life and death, mostly of the latter. As Othello passes by after Iago has stabbed Cassio, he hears Cassio cry out and assumes that he is dying. Satisfied that Iago has served justice upon Cassio, he sets his mind to killing Desdemona declaring, "Minion, your dear lies dead,/And your unblest fate hies: strumpet, I come./Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted;/They, bed, lust-stain 'd, shall with lust 's blood be spotted" (5.1.33-36). Although he truly does not plan on shedding her blood, the reference to it allows the audience to fully realize his determination to kill