Literary Devices In Othello

Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a classic example of some literary devices at work, and while many devices were identifiable in the play, I am only going to focus on three. In “The Tragedy of Othello,” William Shakespeare uses symbolism and dramatic irony to add to the suspenseful tone throughout this drama. Symbols are central to understanding “Othello” as a play. There are two significant symbols in “The Tragedy of Othello”: the handkerchief and the “Willow” song. The handkerchief is the most important symbol in this drama as it represents many different things for different characters in the play. To Desdemona the handkerchief functions as a token of Othello’s love because it was his first gift to her (Shmoop Editorial Team). As for Othello

This play is loaded with dramatic irony until the very end. The audience knows from the very beginning of the play that Iago hates Othello, and that he plans to ruin his life. Throughout the play all the major characters believe that Iago is an honest and trustworthy man, when in reality he is manipulating them to bring about the destruction of Othello. As seen in Act III when Othello and Iago are discussing Cassio, Othello say to Iago “I think thou dost; And, for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty..." (Shakespeare 1336). This is ironic because Othello, like everyone else, thinks Iago is an honest person when in reality Iago is plotting against him (Ramadan). It shows the trust Othello mistakenly puts in his “best friend”. More irony is seen when Lodovico arrives in Cyprus and asks how Cassio is doing. Iago replies "Lives sir" (Shakespeare 1361). This line is ironic because Iago tells Lodovico that Cassio is alive, but the readers know that according to Iago’s plan, Cassio will not be alive for long. Again we see some more irony as Emilia tries to vouch for Desdemona, “If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse! For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, there’s no man happy...” (Shakespeare 1363). This quote is ironic because Emilia is talking badly about the person that put the jealous thoughts in Othello’s head, and the ironic part is that Emilia does not know that