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Use Of Dramatic Irony In Othello

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Renowned for complicated plot twists, Shakespeare is able to hook audiences through his use of dramatic irony. By definition, dramatic irony is “the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect” ("BBC - GCSE Bitesize: Dramatic Irony." BBC News. BBC. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.). The frequent use of dramatic irony in “Othello” is evident through the use of misplaced trust, symbolism, as well as jealousy and love. Shakespeare’s use of the dramatic irony convention helps to create a complicated but interesting plot for both audiences and readers, oftentimes causing audiences to feel anger, disbelieve, or sympathy towards the characters. Throughout the play almost all …show more content…

Rodrigo thought of Iago as a good friend for helping him ‘woo’ Desdemona. Cassio allows Iago to talk him into consuming a lot of alcohol, which caused Cassio to lose respect and that high ranking position Othello had given him. Even Othello nicknamed Iago ‘Honest Iago’ and trusted the advice that Iago gave him about his wife. “Damn her, lewd minx: O damn her, damn her! Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw to furnish me with some swift means of death for the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.” …show more content…

The handkerchief was a gift from Othello to his new bride Desdemona, the handkerchief symbolizes love and fidelity. Iago’s attempts to change Othello’s perception of his wife wasn’t effective until he was able to get the handkerchief into his grasp. Once he had the handkerchief he placed into Cassio’s room, when Othello found out that the handkerchief was in Cassio’s possession his opinion immediately changed. Othello grew more animalistic and jealous this is extremely noticeable when Othello hits Desdemona and calls her a “Strumpet” in public. During Elizabethan times it was considered illegal to hit a woman, watching Othello hit his wife would either create sympathy towards her or anger towards Othello. In Act 4 scene 3 when Emilia is helping Desdemona get ready for bed, they start conversing about Othello and his actions. Desdemona then starts singing the Willow Song and tells Emilia about the history of the song. “My mother had a maid called Barbary, she was in love, and he she loved proved mad and did forsake her. She had a song of ‘willow’, an old thing ‘twas, but it expressed her fortune and she died singing it. That song tonight will not go from my mind. I have much to do but to go hang my head all at one side and sing it like poor Barbary. Prithee dispatch”. The song and end of Barbary foreshadow Desdemona’s

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