Othello's Allusion To Ate In L. 448
In this scene, several language forms and features were used to convey major themes and allow character development. “Arise black vengeance, from thy hollow cell” in L 448 is an allusion to Ate; the Greek goddess of delusion and folly who dwelt in infernal regions, exposing Othello’s shift of faith from good to evil.
In lines 551-2, Othello says “Swell bosom, with thy fraught, For tis aspics’ tongues” which refers to the tongue of a venomous snake. This exhibits the poisoning of Othello’s heart and love, and developing the motif of bestial imagery, which ultimately represents his growing jealousy. Also from lines 444-460, Othello describes his newfound hatred towards Desdemona like “the Pontic Sea” with an “icy current and compulsive course”.
This simile expresses the extent of his hate and urge for revenge. By comparing his rage to the strong current of the violent black sea, it conveys that his course of revenge must be carried out.
The significance of Iago standing and circling the seated Othello alludes to the scene of a predator circling his victim, depicting Iago’s power over Othello in their relationship. The ceremonious ritual of Iago and Othello becoming blood brothers solidified the relationship between the two and also illuminates the evil that has overcome Othello’s character as he is bound to Iago.
Finally, Iago broke the fourth wall to deliver his line “I am your own forever’ to emphasise the darkness of his character and reveal the amount of control that he had. Iago’s ability to acknowledge the audience, contrasts Othello’s oblivion, further underlining the extent of Iago’s cunning, manipulative and powerful nature.
Overall, this scene was essential to the plays plot and character development achieved through a variety of language & dramatic techniques.
In lines 551-2, Othello says “Swell bosom, with thy fraught, For tis aspics’ tongues” which refers to the tongue of a venomous snake. This exhibits the poisoning of Othello’s heart and love, and developing the motif of bestial imagery, which ultimately represents his growing jealousy. Also from lines 444-460, Othello describes his newfound hatred towards Desdemona like “the Pontic Sea” with an “icy current and compulsive course”.
This simile expresses the extent of his hate and urge for revenge. By comparing his rage to the strong current of the violent black sea, it conveys that his course of revenge must be carried out.
The significance of Iago standing and circling the seated Othello alludes to the scene of a predator circling his victim, depicting Iago’s power over Othello in their relationship. The ceremonious ritual of Iago and Othello becoming blood brothers solidified the relationship between the two and also illuminates the evil that has overcome Othello’s character as he is bound to Iago.
Finally, Iago broke the fourth wall to deliver his line “I am your own forever’ to emphasise the darkness of his character and reveal the amount of control that he had. Iago’s ability to acknowledge the audience, contrasts Othello’s oblivion, further underlining the extent of Iago’s cunning, manipulative and powerful nature.
Overall, this scene was essential to the plays plot and character development achieved through a variety of language & dramatic techniques.