Click on picture to see full size
Comment on Othello’s use of figurative
language in this extract. What does his language tell you about his emotions
and state of mind?
In this passage,
it is clear that Othello's language changed since the beginning of the play.
His language has become more vulgar and offensive and someone who used to treat
Desdemona with love, care and respect is now calling her a whore, slut,
strumpet and a weed pretending to be a flower. Othello also starts to use
sexual imagery much like Iago and this proves how much they are becoming alike.
Through Othello's
diction and tone it is also clear that he is in anguish and feels a sense of
betrayal but also confused at the same time because he still cannot believe
that someone he still loves so much (which is also visible in this extract) did
such a disgraceful thing. Othello’s mind is shrouded in feeling of betrayal and
jealousy.
Compare Othello and Desdemona’s interaction
here to earlier scenes in the play. What
is Othello’s view of Desdemona and his attitude towards her? Do you think that
their relationship has changed significantly and how?
Othello and Desdemona's relationship undoubtedly
changed since the beginning of the play. In the earlier acts, they were
respectful, caring and loving to each other and the one time they met, they
were all over each other. However after Iago's cunning manipulation, Othello
lost respect and trust of Desdemona. Othello is very offensive and constantly
accuses Desdemona (calls her a whore and a strumpet and says she lost her honor),
while she is in complete shock and confusion. However it is clear that the two
are still in love (which makes Othello angrier). Iago has without a doubt
successfully ruined their marriage and destroyed the bond between them.