Othello's Loss for Words

Othello’s Loss for Words

Othello’s character throughout the play demonstrates a skill and confidence in the art of language. From the beginning we see long, eloquent speeches that dazzle his audience – eloquently mixing complex words that help portray him as not only a strong warrior but also a fighter with a sound mind. However when Iago pressures him about the possible relationship between his wife Desdemona and Cassio, Othello’s passion for his beloved wife breaks down his self-control. In the next few pages I will demonstrate how Othello’s speech during the beginning of the play helps to strengthen his character, and by his death, he’s but a stuttering empty shell of a man. In addition, we’ll compare the language of the moor with that of Iago and see how anti-heroic words shape the way we see this self-interested character.

During the third scene of the first act, Othello speaks eloquently about how he’s won and married Desdemona. This is a beautiful forty-line speech that really shows his capacity to articulate and communicate effectively before the higher court. The language that he uses helps us see Othello as a true, confident leader. Shakespeare writes:

Hath this extent, no more, Rude am I in my speech,

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace,

For since these arms of mine had seven years pith

Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used

Their dearest action in the tented field

And little of this great world can I speak

More than pertains to feats of broils and battle. (I.iii.81-87)

Here Othello uses irony to subtly demonstrate his grasp of the English language. His claim that he is “rude” in speech is particularly revealing because he knows all too well that no one in that room would believe that he has rudimentary abilities. Similarly, the remaining line of this example shows us his poise with regard to physical strength and the leading of armies. Ultimately, use of this kind of language reflects Othello’s lofty ideals. From the onset, we are given words that mirror powerful, dramatic images that know no bounds – and with that, we see his strength and passion for being both an idealized military general and a devoted, loving husband.

In contrast, if we look at the language of Iago we see long soliloqui...

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...use of animal imagery continuing as before. In the final act of the play we see Iago’s language shift from long lines filled with evil thoughts to shorter sentences – much like Othello in act four. However, Iago’s slyness remains. Shakespeare writes:

I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense,

And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio

Or Cassio him, or each do kill each other,

Every way makes my gain. (V.i.11-14)

It isn’t until Othello begins to understand what has happened that we see a shift in each characters word selections. Once Othello slowly comes to realize Iago was behind the scandal, his confidence in speech begins to come back – and we start to notice more coherent thought.

It’s interesting to think about how words play the most crucial role in creating imagery for an audience. In the case of these two characters, particularly Othello, the emotional wave he rode was only represented by his ever-changing use of words. In the beginning, we cheered for him – and by the end of play we weren’t sure what to think. Had he become as evil as Iago? Iago on the other hand, well, he’s just Iago.