Language in Othello
Language in Othello
Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists used language to establish and build dramatic atmosphere, to define time, place and character. But in Othello, language is not simply the medium by which the drama is conveyed: in this play language is action. Othello ‘falls’ because he believes a man whose every utterance is deceptive. When the hero is taken in by false words, tragedy is the result. The play shows us the power of words; we watch as characters construct their own and others’ identities through language, and exert power either by speaking, remaining silent or silencing others.
Verse and prose
Othello is written in blank verse and prose. Blank verse consists of unrhymed iambic pentameters, with five stressed syllables and five unstressed syllables to each line. Shakespeare uses this traditional form flexibly, however, varying the pace of his writing to achieve specific effects. He also creates specific idioms for each of his characters. If we look at the language of Othello and Iago we can see how the dramatist creates not only character, but also the theme of opposition which is central to the play. From his opening speeches in Act I, Scenes 2 and 3 it is clear that Othello’s characteristic idiom is dignified, measured blank verse. This is appropriate, given his status in the play. His use of blank verse also helps establish his heroism.
In Shakespeare’s plays, verse is usually used to indicate strong feeling or emotion. Characters of high rank and position speak in verse which sounds dignified. A servant or low-class character who usually speaks in prose is often made to speak in verse as a mark of respect, when speaking to his master or superior. Such a character also speaks in verse when he or she is moved by strong passion. On the other hand, a person belonging to a high rank or position speaks in prose when he speaks to his servant or to a subordinate person.
When Othello is in a state of mental chaos, he speaks in prose. For,
Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists used language to establish and build dramatic atmosphere, to define time, place and character. But in Othello, language is not simply the medium by which the drama is conveyed: in this play language is action. Othello ‘falls’ because he believes a man whose every utterance is deceptive. When the hero is taken in by false words, tragedy is the result. The play shows us the power of words; we watch as characters construct their own and others’ identities through language, and exert power either by speaking, remaining silent or silencing others.
Verse and prose
Othello is written in blank verse and prose. Blank verse consists of unrhymed iambic pentameters, with five stressed syllables and five unstressed syllables to each line. Shakespeare uses this traditional form flexibly, however, varying the pace of his writing to achieve specific effects. He also creates specific idioms for each of his characters. If we look at the language of Othello and Iago we can see how the dramatist creates not only character, but also the theme of opposition which is central to the play. From his opening speeches in Act I, Scenes 2 and 3 it is clear that Othello’s characteristic idiom is dignified, measured blank verse. This is appropriate, given his status in the play. His use of blank verse also helps establish his heroism.
In Shakespeare’s plays, verse is usually used to indicate strong feeling or emotion. Characters of high rank and position speak in verse which sounds dignified. A servant or low-class character who usually speaks in prose is often made to speak in verse as a mark of respect, when speaking to his master or superior. Such a character also speaks in verse when he or she is moved by strong passion. On the other hand, a person belonging to a high rank or position speaks in prose when he speaks to his servant or to a subordinate person.
When Othello is in a state of mental chaos, he speaks in prose. For,