Exploring the Language Features of Shakespeare's Othello

William Shakespeare's Othello is a masterful Jacobean tragedy that showcases a rich array of language techniques, blending poetic devices with the natural rhythms of speech. This essay delves into the linguistic elements that contribute to the play's emotional and dramatic impact, focusing on the use of iambic pentameter, blank verse, rhyming verse, inset songs, and prose, as well as the specific context and characters that influence these features.

The Rhythmic Basis: Iambic Pentameter

Perhaps the most notable feature of Othello is its use of iambic pentameter, a rhythmical pattern that serves as the backbone for the majority of the play's lines. Iambic pentameter, consisting of ten syllables with an unstressed followed by a stressed syllable, creates a naturally flowing and musical cadence, making the dialogue both challenging and rewarding for modern readers and performers.

Blank Verse and Rhyming Verse

Eliminating the need for rhyme at the end of every line, blank verse allows for a more fluid and natural speaking style, closely mimicking the rhythms of everyday conversation. Shakespeare employs blank verse extensively in his dialogue, lending a sense of authenticity to the characters' speech. However, he occasionally incorporates rhyming verse to add emphasis or create contrast. This is particularly evident in instances where characters express heightened emotions or are enacting a specific dramatic moment.

Inset Songs and Prose

The play also includes an inset song, often sung by Iago in characters such as “Act One, Scene Three.” These songs contribute to the overall atmosphere of the tragedy, often reinforcing or contrasting with the unfolding drama. The use of prose, especially in lines spoken by Iago and other characters, adds a contrasting texture to the more poetic sections, reflecting the characters’ complex and often malevolent intentions.

Contextual and Character-Driven Language

While the play is set in Venice, an Italian city, and features characters with Italian names such as Roderigo and Cassio, Shakespeare does not attempt to recreate an Italian literary style. Instead, the language is deeply rooted in the military and courtly world of the time, with expressions like “cashier’d,” signifying a position removed from military service.

The language of Othello is peppered with the terminology of the military, particularly prevalent in scenes involving Othello and Cassio. This use of language not only emphasizes the characters' backgrounds and roles but also enhances the sense of authenticity and dramatic tension. Moreover, the play incorporates soliloquies and asides, providing insight into the characters' innermost thoughts and emotions, which are critical to the development of the plot and the tragic outcome of the play.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's Othello is a profound theatrical and literary work that relies heavily on its sophisticated use of language. Through the strategic deployment of iambic pentameter, blank verse, rhyming verse, inset songs, and prose, Shakespeare crafts a powerful and emotionally resonant tragedy. The language not only serves to advance the plot but also to convey the complex psychological and emotional states of the characters, ultimately contributing to the enduring appeal of this masterpiece.