Othello Language Analysis

Language reveals the hidden messages the author is trying to convey through the powerful use of language. The language also highlights the characters emotions, and the significance of the story. It also allows readers to gain a better understanding of the characters.
William Shakespeare, a English poet, and actor wrote a variety of amazing plays and sonnets.
One of his famous plays, Othello highlights the importance of diction throughout the play. The play opens with an argument between Iago and Roderigo in the streets of Venice. The drama all started when Roderigo found out that Othello was married to Desdemona. Also when Othello promoted Cassio to a higher position, but Iago claims that he deserved the promotion. In Othello by William Shakespeare,
Iago is talking to himself expressing his feelings for the moor.. Iago is always trying to seek revenge of some kind. Abuse means something to bad effect; misuse.(Dictionary). Shakespeare builds on Iago’s outrageous character by writing, “After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear. That he is too familiar with his wife”(1.III 13-14). Shakespeare incorporates a synecdoche to shape Iago’s bitter character and devious plan. A synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa (Dictionary). This line also creates suspense for the audience because they want to know what Iago is going to do to Cassio and Othello. Throughout the soliloquy, Iago expresses his hate for Othello and he claims that he will abuse his ear meaning that he will lie to him and try to frame Cassio. He is going to tell Othello that Cassio has a relationship with Desdemona. The etymology of this term “abuse” tells readers that this means the improper practice wicked act or practice. (Etymology). This word best characterizes Iago’s behavior because he is trying to ruin Othello for not only for the loss of promotion, but also because he is too honest and nice. Shakespeare is using a synecdoche and strong language to exemplify Iago as a outrageous and monstrous character. The famous play, Othello by William Shakespeare illuminates the importance of language in Iago's short soliloquy. Shakespeare is represented as a strong writer in the English language. He has written many pieces of literature ranging from sonnets, poems, to plays. His literature pieces usually reflect revenge, love, and tragedies . The play, Othello by William Shakespeare highlights the words, knavery, monstrous, and abuse to help the readers shape Iago’s