Othello Literary/Dramatic Devices

Allusion “(Act 3, scene 3, line 442): “”As Dian’s visage””Othello is making reference to the goddess of chasity”
Allusion “(Act 4, scene 2, line 88):”” and the moon winks…””Othello once again references Diana or Cynthia the goddess of chasity.”
Allusion “(Act 4, scene 2, line 106):”” That have the office opposite to Saint Peter….””Othello is referencing to hell because that his where Desdemona will go becuase she was unfaithfull the him.”
Simile “(Act 1, scene 3, line 391-392): “”The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts…””In a simile Iago compares the taste of food to the delicous taste of locusts.”
Simile “(Act 1, scene 1, line 50): “Wears out his time, much like his master`s ass…`Iago uses a simile comparing the servants to donkey`s to show the unfair treatment of servants.”
Metaphors “(Act 3, scene 3, line 441- 445): “” Her name, that was as fresh as dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black…””This line is a metaphor because Othello basically saying the Desdemona’s repuation was as white as snow.”
Metaphors “(Act 4, scene 1, line 75):”” A horned man’s a monster and a beast…””This a metaphor becuase Othello says that becuase of Desdemona`s unfaithfulness it has turned his personality into something like a beast.”
Apostrophe “(Act 4, scene 1, line 54-58):”” Work on, My medicine, work!…””In this line Iago is talking to the “”poison”” that he planted in Othello’s mind which makes it an apostrphe becuase he is talking to an object.”
Hubris “(Act 3, scene 3, line 314):”” ’tis the plague of great ones…””In this line Othello is being very hubris because he is basically say that great people have to suffer more than average people. He is showing his big ego and is using it to convince himself why Desdemona would be unfaithful to him”
Hubris “(Act 3, scene 3, line 406): Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!…In this quote Othello is talking about his position as a general, and how since Desdemona cheated on him that everything he had is now gone.”
Comic Relief “(Act 3, scene 1, line 4- 29)This is comic relief because the clown is making fun of the musicians bad playing.”
Comic Relief “(Act 3, scene 4, line 3-22)This is comic relief because the clown is making puns out of what Desdemona is saying like “” He’s a solider, and for me to say a soldier lies, ’tis stabbing.”””
Paradox: “(Act 1, scene 4, line 238-239): “”The robbed that smiles steasl something from the theif…””This is a paradox because the Duke advices Brabantio to accept his decisions regarding Othello with good humour instead of grumbling.”
Paradox: “(Act 3, scene 3, line 202): “”Poor and content is rich, and rich enough…””In this quote Iago is “”comforting”” Othello with a paradox after Iago arouses Othello’s suspisious of Desdemona being unfaithful.”
Symbol: “Handkerchief:symbolizes Desdemona and Othello’s bond and marriage and once it is lost we see that their marriage is coming apart.”
Symbol: Willow song: represents to Desdemona that acceptance of her husdband disowning her.
Symbol: Candle: The candle that Othello plays out before he kills Desdemona represent Desdemona’s fragile body and life taht can be taken away from the world instantly.
Foreshadowing: “(Act 1, scene 3, line 333-334) :”” Look to her, Moor, if though hast eyes to see. She has decieved her father, and may thee.””This line said by Brabantio foreshadows that Desdemona may deceive Othello since he decieved her own father.”
Foreshadowing: “( Act 2, scene 1, line 199- 209):”” It give me wonder greate as my content to see you here before me. O my soul’s joy! ifafter every tempest come such calms…””This line said by Othello forshadows that there may be something bad comeing in the furture for him and Desdemona.”
Foreshadowing: “(Act 1, scene 3, line 321-324): “”So please your Grace, my ancient. A man he is honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife…””This line foreshadows that Iago may not be a such an honest man.”
Foreshadowing: “(Act 3, scene 3, line 100- 103):”” Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul…””This line foreshadows bad events that will happen if Othello falls out of love with Desdemona.”
Dramatic irony: “Dramatic irony:(Act 3, scene 3, line 135):”” I think thou dost; and for I thou ‘rt full of love and honesty…””This is ironic because Othello thinks Iago is a honest man when in reality Iago is scheming against him”
Irony “(Act 4, scene 1, line 245):””Lives sir””This line is dramati irony because Iago says that Cassio is alive, but the readers know that Cassio will not be alive for long”
Irony “(Act 4, scene 2, line 13-20):”” I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, lay down my soul at stake. If you think other, remover your thought…””This is dramatic irony because Emilia is talking badly about the person that put those jealous thoughts in his head, and the ironic thing is the Emilia does not know that the man that did so was her husband Iago”
Suspense “(Act 1, scene 3, line 438): “”After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear…””This creates suspense because we as the readers want to know how Iago is going to corrupt Othello.”
Suspense “(Act 2, scene 1, line 295): Iago says to Roderigo””Provoke him that he may, for even out of that will I cause…””This creates suspense in the story because this makes you wonder what Cassio’s reaction will be and what will result from it”
Simile: Act 1, scene 3, line 343-392Moors are changeable in their wills — fill thy purse withmoney. The food that to him now is as luscious aslocusts, shall be to him shortly as acerbe as thecoloquintida. She must change for youth: when she issated with his body, she will find the error of her choice. Iago compares Othello’s feelings for Dedemona to food.The food is delcious at first, but then becomes bitter. So too is theprogression of Othello’s relationship with Desdemona, at leastaccording to Iago. Othello delights in Desdemona first, but will soonbecome tired of her.
July 1, 2019