Rhetorical Devices in Shakespeare’s Othello Power Presentation, © June 2011 by Prestwick House, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-935468-17-2 Item.

Table of Contents – By Device
View Presentation By Act Alliteration (20 slides) Apostrophe (7 slides) Epistrophe (8 slides) Allusion (11 slides) Assonance (20 slides) Epithet (9 slides) Anadiplosis (11 slides) Asyndeton (11 slides) Extended Metaphor (15 slides) Anaphora (8 slides) Catachresis (7 slides) Hendiadys (11 slides) Antithesis (7 slides) Climax (5 slides) Hyperbaton (7 slides) Aphorism (9 slides) Conduplicatio (11 slides) Hyperbole (5 slides) Aporia (5 slides) Consonance (20 slides) Hypophora (7 slides) Aposiopesis (5 slides) Diacope (9 slides) Metabasis (5 slides)

Table of Contents – By Device
View Presentation By Act Metaphor (15 slides) Parallelism (5 slides) Pun (5 slides) Metonymy (9 slides) Parenthesis (9 slides) Simile (7 slides) Oxymoron (5 slides) Personification (9 slides) Synecdoche (9 slides) Paradox (3 slides) Polysyndeton (11 slides) Understatement (3 slides)

Table of Contents – By Act
View Presentation By Device Act I Act II Alliteration Paradox Alliteration Polysyndeton Allusion Parallelism Allusion Pun Anaphora Personification Antithesis Synecdoche Antithesis Simile Aphorism Assonance Synecdoche Assonance Catachresis Asyndeton Consonance Catachresis Diacope Consonance Epistrophe Epithet Epithet Extended Metaphor Extended Metaphor Hendiadys Hendiadys Hypophora Metabasis Metaphor Metaphor Metonymy Metonymy Personification

View Presentation By Device Act III Act IV Alliteration Metonymy Alliteration Parenthesis Anadiplosis Oxymoron Anadiplosis Personification Anaphora Parenthesis Anaphora Polysyndeton Aphorism Personification Aporia Understatement Aporia Polysyndeton Aposiopesis Apostrophe Pun Assonance Assonance Simile Asyndeton Asyndeton Synecdoche Catachresis Climax Conduplicatio Conduplicatio Consonance Consonance Diacope Epistrophe Epistrophe Extended Metaphor Hyperbaton Hyperbole Hyperbole Metaphor Hypophora

View Presentation By Device Act V Alliteration Diacope Allusion Epithet Anadiplosis Hyperbaton Apostrophe Hypophora Assonance Oxymoron Climax Parallelism Conduplicatio Simile Consonance

ALLITERATION / ASSONANCE / CONSONANCE
Contents by Act Contents by Device ALLITERATION / ASSONANCE / CONSONANCE The repetition of letter sounds within two or more words of a phrase, sentence, or longer passage. Alliteration repeats the beginning sounds. Assonance repeats vowel sounds. Consonance repeats consonant sounds. PLAY PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 20

Alliteration / Assonance / Consonance
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Roderigo: Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. Slide 2 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Roderigo: Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. Slide 3 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Othello: Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin, But partly led to diet my revenge, For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap’d into my seat; Slide 4 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Cassio: He has had most favorable and happy speed: Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds, The gutter’d rocks, and congregated sands, Traitors ensteep’d to clog the guiltless keel, As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by The divine Desdemona. Slide 7 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Cassio: He has had most favorable and happy speed: Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds, The gutter’d rocks, and congregated sands, Traitors ensteep’d to clog the guiltless keel, As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by The divine Desdemona. Slide 8 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Othello: Give me to know How this foul rout began, … Slide 9 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Othello: Give me to know How this foul rout began, … Slide 10 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: She’s framed as fruitful As the free elements. Slide 11 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: She’s framed as fruitful As the free elements. Slide 12 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Cassio: Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, Or breed itself so out of circumstances, That I being absent and my place supplied, My general will forget my love and service. Slide 13 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Cassio: Ay, but, lady, That policy may either last so long, Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, Or breed itself so out of circumstances, That I being absent and my place supplied, My general will forget my love and service. Slide 14 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Never, Iago: Like to the Pontic Sea, Whose icy current and compulsive course Ne’er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on To the Propontic and the Hellespont, … Slide 15 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Never, Iago: Like to the Pontic Sea, Whose icy current and compulsive course Ne’er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on To the Propontic and the Hellespont, … Slide 16 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Iago: Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew That stroke would prove the worst! Slide 17 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Iago: Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew That stroke would prove the worst! Slide 18 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! Slide 19 of 20

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: O Desdemon! dead, Desdemon! dead! Slide 20 of 20

Allusion ALLUSION Contents by Act Contents by Device ALLUSION A reference to a fairly well known event, place, or person. The reference may appear in the form of a simile, metaphor, analogy, or it may not be within any other rhetorical device at all. PLAY Slide 1 of 11

Allusion Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. Contents by Act
Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. Slide 2 of 11

Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. This allusion is the reverse of God saying to Moses, “I am what I am” and emphasizes the Satan-like, consummate evil of Iago early in the play. Slide 3 of 11

Iago: Plague him with flies.
Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: Plague him with flies. Slide 4 of 11

Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: Plague him with flies. This is another of Iago’s biblical allusions, this time to one of the ten plagues God used in order to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Slide 5 of 11

Othello: And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas
Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Othello: And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas Olympus high, and duck again as low As hell’s from heaven! Slide 6 of 11

Also Metaphor and Alliteration
Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Othello: And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas Olympus high, and duck again as low As hell’s from heaven! The allusion is to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, and the place where the gods lived. Also Metaphor and Alliteration Slide 7 of 11

Othello: O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword! Slide 8 of 11

Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: O, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword! Othello is alluding to Themis, the goddess of justice, who was often portrayed as carrying a scale in one hand, symbolizing fairness, and a sword in the other, symbolizing retribution. Also Personification Slide 9 of 11

Othello: I know not where is that Promethean heat
Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: I know not where is that Promethean heat That can thy light relume. Slide 10 of 11

Allusion Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: I know not where is that Promethean heat That can thy light relume. Othello alludes to Prometheus, the Titan who brought fire to humans. This entire speech is filled with references to light and extinguished light. Slide 11 of 11

ANADIPLOSIS / CONDUPLICATIO
Contents by Act Contents by Device ANADIPLOSIS / CONDUPLICATIO Anadiplosis repeats the last word or words of a sentence, phrase, or clause at or near the beginning of the next. Conduplicatio takes an important word from anywhere in one sentence and repeating it at the beginning of the next sentence, clause, or phrase. PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 11

Anadiplosis / Conduplicatio
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Is he not honest? Iago: Honest, my lord? Othello: “Honest?” Ay, honest. Slide 2 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Is he not honest? Iago: Honest, my lord? Othello: “Honest?” Ay, honest. Slide 3 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm. Othello: Why of thy thought, Iago? Iago: I did not think he had been acquainted with her. Othello: O, yes, and went between us very oft. … What dost thou think? Iago: Think, my lord? Othello: “Think, my lord?” By heaven, he echoes me, As if there were some monster in his thought Too hideous to be shown. Slide 4 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: But for a satisfaction of my thought; No further harm. Othello: Why of thy thought, Iago? Iago: I did not think he had been acquainted with her. Othello: O, yes, and went between us very oft. … What dost thou think? Iago: Think, my lord? Othello: “Think, my lord?” By heaven, he echoes me, As if there were some monster in his thought Too hideous to be shown. Slide 5 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: But jealous souls will not be answer’d so; They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous. Slide 6 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: But jealous souls will not be answer’d so; They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous. Slide 7 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn: Sir, she can turn and turn, and yet go on, And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, Very obedient. Slide 8 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Ay, you did wish that I would make her turn: Sir, she can turn and turn, and yet go on, And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; And she’s obedient, as you say, obedient, Very obedient. Also Polysyndeton Slide 9 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Thy husband knew it all. Emilia: My husband! Othello: Thy husband. Emilia: My husband! … My husband? Othello: What needs this iteration, woman? I say thy husband. Slide 10 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Thy husband knew it all. Emilia: My husband! Othello: Thy husband. Emilia: My husband! … My husband? Othello: What needs this iteration, woman? I say thy husband. Slide 11 of 11

ANAPHORA / EPISTROPHE Anaphora / Epistrophe
Contents by Act Contents by Device ANAPHORA / EPISTROPHE The repetition of an important word or words in consecutive sentences, clauses, or phrases. Anaphora repeats the first word or phrase in successive sentences. Epistrophe repeats words or phrases at the end of successive sentences. PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 8

Othello: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,
Anaphora / Epistrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hairbreadth ’scapes i’ the imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the insolent foe, … Slide 2 of 8

Othello: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,
Anaphora / Epistrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hairbreadth ’scapes i’ the imminent deadly breach, Of being taken by the insolent foe, … Slide 3 of 8

Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Anaphora / Epistrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: O, now forever Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell, Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, … Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone! Slide 4 of 8

Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Anaphora / Epistrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: O, now forever Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars That make ambition virtue! O, farewell, Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, … Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone! Slide 5 of 8

Othello: An unauthorized kiss.
Anaphora / Epistrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Iago: Will you think so? Othello: Think so, Iago? Iago: What, To kiss in private? Othello: An unauthorized kiss. Iago: Or to be naked with her friend in bed An hour or more, not meaning any harm? Othello: Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm! Slide 6 of 8

ANTITHESIS Antithesis
Contents by Act Contents by Device ANTITHESIS The use of contrast in language to bring out a contrast in thought, usually expressed in opposites. PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Iago: In following him, I follow but myself;
Antithesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: In following him, I follow but myself; Slide 2 of 7

Iago: In following him, I follow but myself;
Antithesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: In following him, I follow but myself; Slide 3 of 7

Iago: You rise to play, and go to bed to work.
Antithesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: You rise to play, and go to bed to work. Slide 4 of 7

Antithesis Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: You rise to play, and go to bed to work. This clever use of opposites shows Iago attempting to categorize women as insincere, who can plot against men all day because they have acted like whores all night. Also Parallelism Slide 5 of 7

Iago: How am I then a villain
Antithesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! Slide 6 of 7

Antithesis Act II, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! The twin aspects of good and bad appeal greatly to Iago; joining the antithetical elements of holiness and evil show his character. Also Alliteration Slide 7 of 7

Aphorism APHORISM Contents by Act Contents by Device APHORISM An original thought, spoken or written in a clever, memorable form. Distinct from sentential in that sentential is a quotation from another source. PLAY Slide 1 of 9

Iago: Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used.
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used. Slide 2 of 9

Iago: Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used.
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used. Slide 3 of 9

Iago: Who steals my purse steals trash;
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Who steals my purse steals trash; Slide 4 of 9

Iago: Who steals my purse steals trash;
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Who steals my purse steals trash; Slide 5 of 9

Othello: I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: I swear ’tis better to be much abused Than but to know’t a little. Slide 6 of 9

Othello: I swear ’tis better to be much abused
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: I swear ’tis better to be much abused Than but to know’t a little. Slide 7 of 9

Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: …
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: … Slide 8 of 9

Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: …
Aphorism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: … Slide 9 of 9

Aporia APORIA Contents by Act Contents by Device APORIA An expression of doubt about a stated idea; vacillation between possible choices. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

I think my wife be honest, and think she is not;
Aporia Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. Slide 2 of 5

I think my wife be honest, and think she is not;
Aporia Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not. Slide 3 of 5

Othello: A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman!
Aporia Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman! Iago: Nay, you must forget that. Othello: Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. Slide 4 of 5

Othello: A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman!
Aporia Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: A fine woman! a fair woman! a sweet woman! Iago: Nay, you must forget that. Othello: Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. Slide 5 of 5

APOSIOPESIS Aposiopesis
Contents by Act Contents by Device APOSIOPESIS An emotionally charged sentence that is so strong that it is left unfinished. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Othello: What hath he said?
Aposiopesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: What hath he said? Iago: Faith, that he did—I know not what he did. Othello: What? what? Iago: Lie— Othello: With her? Slide 2 of 5

Aposiopesis Act IV, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: What hath he said? Iago: Faith, that he did—I know not what he did. Othello: What? what? Iago: Lie— Othello: With her? In this contrived aposiopesis, Iago pretends to be so emotionally caught up in what he is about to reveal to Othello that he is unable to even say the words that will condemn Desdemona. Slide 3 of 5

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Lie with her! lie on her!—We say lie on her, when they belie her.—Lie with her! ’Zounds, that’s fulsome! Handkerchief—confessions—handkerchief! To confess and be hanged for his labor first, to be hanged, and then to confess. I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is’t possible? Confess?—Handkerchief?—O devil! Slide 4 of 5

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Lie with her! lie on her!—We say lie on her, when they belie her.—Lie with her! ’Zounds, that’s fulsome! Handkerchief—confessions—handkerchief! To confess and be hanged for his labor first, to be hanged, and then to confess. I tremble at it. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. It is not words that shakes me thus. Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is’t possible? Confess?—Handkerchief?—O devil! The emotions Othello’s feels are overwhelming, and he is so distressed that he falls down immediately after delivering this semi-coherent, broken, hesitating speech. Slide 5 of 5

APOSTROPHE Apostrophe
Contents by Act Contents by Device APOSTROPHE A break in the flow of dialogue in which a character addresses a power, a force, or another character not present in the scene at the time. PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Othello: Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!
Apostrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, For ’tis of aspics’ tongues! Slide 2 of 7

Apostrophe Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, For ’tis of aspics’ tongues! Othello, through apostrophe, addresses vengeance, love, and his own heart, all of which serve to show his loathing for Cassio, who is now “proven” to be having an affair with Desdemona. Slide 3 of 7

Iago: O grace! O heaven defend me!
Apostrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O grace! O heaven defend me! Slide 4 of 7

Apostrophe Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O grace! O heaven defend me! In this example, using verbal irony, Iago calls on forces of good to defend himself against Othello’s accusations. Slide 5 of 7

Emilia: Villainy, villainy, villainy!
Apostrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Emilia: Villainy, villainy, villainy! I think upon’t, I think, I smell’t, O villainy! I thought so then. I’ll kill myself for grief: O villainy, villainy! Slide 6 of 7

Emilia is so caught up in Iago’s evil that she is capable of suicide.
Apostrophe Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Emilia: Villainy, villainy, villainy! I think upon’t, I think, I smell’t, O villainy! I thought so then. I’ll kill myself for grief: O villainy, villainy! Emilia is so caught up in Iago’s evil that she is capable of suicide. Slide 7 of 7

ASYNDETON / POLYSYNDETON
Contents by Act Contents by Device ASYNDETON / POLYSYNDETON A series of words, phrases, or clauses. Asyndeton uses no conjunctions in the series. Polysyndeton places a conjunction after every item except the last. PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 11

Asyndeton / Polysyndeton
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, … Slide 2 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, … Slide 3 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart, To wrong’d Othello’s service! Slide 4 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart, To wrong’d Othello’s service! Slide 5 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Desdemona: ’Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit … It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, And fearful to be granted. Slide 6 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Desdemona: ’Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves, Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit … It shall be full of poise and difficult weight, And fearful to be granted. Slide 7 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: If there be cords or knives, Poison or fire or suffocating streams, I’ll not endure it. Slide 8 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: If there be cords or knives, Poison or fire or suffocating streams, I’ll not endure it. Notice that two of the uses of polysyndeton connect the items’ potential functions: Knives cut cords and streams will extinguish a fire. Slide 9 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Desdemona: If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, Delighted them in any other form, Or that I do not yet, and ever did, And ever will, … Slide 10 of 11

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Desdemona: If e’er my will did trespass ’gainst his love Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, Delighted them in any other form, Or that I do not yet, and ever did, And ever will, … This series of phrases, contradictory, interconnected, and jumbled, seem to highlight Desdemona’s confusion over Othello’s treatment of her. Slide 11 of 11

CATACHRESIS Catachresis
Contents by Act Contents by Device CATACHRESIS An exaggerated, powerful metaphoric phrase that combines highly unlikely ideas or objects in ways that could never be literally true. PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Iago: For when my outward action doth demonstrate
Catachresis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In complement extern, ’tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. Slide 2 of 7

Also Paradox and Aphorism
Catachresis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In complement extern, ’tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. Iago’s entire comment points out his villainy; others may show their emotions, but he disguises and conceals them. Also Paradox and Aphorism Slide 3 of 7

Iago: For whiles this honest fool
Catachresis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: For whiles this honest fool Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear, That she repeals him for her body’s lust; Slide 4 of 7

Catachresis Act II, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: For whiles this honest fool Plies Desdemona to repair his fortune, And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear, That she repeals him for her body’s lust; Pestilence is generally considered as something intangible but catastrophic, not a substance that can be poured. Also Alliteration Slide 5 of 7

Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks,
Catachresis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak thy deeds. Slide 6 of 7

Also Metaphor and Hyperbole
Catachresis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak thy deeds. Othello’s anger at Desdemona causes this rush of emotion: His cheeks would become a blacksmith’s fires that are hot enough to destroy the virtue of modesty. Also Metaphor and Hyperbole Slide 7 of 7

Climax CLIMAX Contents by Act Contents by Device CLIMAX A parallel series of words, phrases, or clauses arranged so that they proceed from the least to the most important. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Othello: I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;
Climax Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy! Slide 2 of 5

Climax Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy! While also assuring himself, Othello tells Iago that he will not act against Desdemona without absolute proof; once that is incontrovertible, however, nothing will stop him. Slide 3 of 5

Iago: Now, whether he kill Cassio,
Climax Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Iago: Now, whether he kill Cassio, Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain. Slide 4 of 5

Climax Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Iago: Now, whether he kill Cassio, Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain. Iago puts forth the argument, step-by-step, that whichever way the fight proceeds, he will win. Slide 5 of 5

Diacope DIACOPE Contents by Act Contents by Device DIACOPE Repetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase as a method of emphasis. PLAY Slide 1 of 9

Diacope Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. Contents by Act
Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. Slide 2 of 9

Diacope Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: I am not what I am. This short statement effectively summarizes Iago’s duplicity throughout the play. Also Paradox Slide 3 of 9

Brabantio: Light, I say, light!
Diacope Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Brabantio: Light, I say, light! Slide 4 of 9

Brabantio: Light, I say, light!
Diacope Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Brabantio: Light, I say, light! Slide 5 of 9

Diacope Act IV, scene i Iago: Work on, My medicine, work!
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Iago: Work on, My medicine, work! Slide 6 of 9

Diacope Act IV, scene i Iago: Work on, My medicine, work!
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Iago: Work on, My medicine, work! Slide 7 of 9

Othello: Put out the light, and then put out the light.
Diacope Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Put out the light, and then put out the light. Slide 8 of 9

Diacope Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Put out the light, and then put out the light. In this diacope, Othello feels he needs to extinguish the candle before killing Desdemona. Obviously, the first action is inconsequential compared to the second. Slide 9 of 9

Epithet EPITHET Contents by Act Contents by Device EPITHET An adjective or adjective phrase that identifies a particular and significant trait of the noun being modified. PLAY Slide 1 of 9

First Senator: Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well.
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii First Senator: Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. Slide 2 of 9

First Senator: Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well.
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii First Senator: Adieu, brave Moor, use Desdemona well. Slide 3 of 9

Othello: My life upon her faith! Honest Iago,
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: My life upon her faith! Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee: … Slide 4 of 9

Othello: My life upon her faith! Honest Iago,
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: My life upon her faith! Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee: … Slide 5 of 9

Cassio: Great Jove, Othello guard,
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Cassio: Great Jove, Othello guard, And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, … Slide 6 of 9

Cassio: Great Jove, Othello guard,
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Cassio: Great Jove, Othello guard, And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, … Also Allusion Slide 7 of 9

Othello: Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench!
Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench! Pale as thy smock! Slide 8 of 9

Epithet Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench! Pale as thy smock! Othello, in his grief, claims Desdemona was fated to die—ill-starr’d—rather than acknowledging her as his victim. Also Simile Slide 9 of 9

Hendiadys HENDIADYS Contents by Act Contents by Device HENDIADYS The use of two similar words linked by a conjunction and frequently following a preposition to express a single, more complex idea. PLAY Slide 1 of 11

Brabantio: Are there not charms
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene ii Brabantio: Are there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abused? Slide 2 of 11

Hendiadys Act I, scene ii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene ii Brabantio: Are there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abused? Brabantio’s question about Desdemona’s lack of obedience joins her youth and innocence to the harm he feels Othello has caused. Slide 3 of 11

But that I love the gentle Desdemona,
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene ii Othello: For know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea’s worth. Slide 4 of 11

Also Hyperbole and Alliteration
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene ii Othello: For know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea’s worth. Othello uses two adjectives—circumscription and confine— meaning “surrounded” and “restricted”—to show the strength of his love for Desdemona. Also Hyperbole and Alliteration Slide 5 of 11

Othello: The tyrant custom, most grave senators,
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war My thrice driven bed of down. Slide 6 of 11

Hendiadys Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Othello: The tyrant custom, most grave senators, Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war My thrice driven bed of down. Othello uses a description of a couch made of the metals associated with war to emphasize the difficulties of a warrior. Also Antithesis Slide 7 of 11

Desdemona: O most lame and impotent conclusion!
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Desdemona: O most lame and impotent conclusion! Slide 8 of 11

Hendiadys Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Desdemona: O most lame and impotent conclusion! These two adjectives strengthen Desdemona’s opinion of Iago’s way of valuing Emilia. Slide 9 of 11

Iago: He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog. Slide 10 of 11

Iago: He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense
Hendiadys Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog. Also Simile Slide 11 of 11

The placement of words in an unusual or unexpected order.
Hyperbaton HYPERBATON Contents by Act Contents by Device HYPERBATON The placement of words in an unusual or unexpected order. PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks,
Hyperbaton Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak thy deeds. Slide 2 of 7

Hyperbaton Act IV, scene ii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: I should make very forges of my cheeks, That would to cinders burn up modesty, Did I but speak thy deeds. Othello speaks this sentence convolutedly and with anger. The prepositional phrase to cinders should follow what he would burn—modesty: “I would burn up modesty to cinders.” Slide 3 of 7

Emilia: I would you had never seen him! Desdemona: So would not I.
Hyperbaton Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Emilia: I would you had never seen him! Desdemona: So would not I. Slide 4 of 7

Hyperbaton Act IV, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Emilia: I would you had never seen him! Desdemona: So would not I. The more common word order would have eliminated the adverb not and have Desdemona say, “So would I.” Slide 5 of 7

Othello: Yet I’ll not shed her blood,
Hyperbaton Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Yet I’ll not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow And smooth as monumental alabaster. Slide 6 of 7

Hyperbaton Act V, scene ii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Yet I’ll not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow And smooth as monumental alabaster. This hyperbaton is needed to preserve the rhythm of the first line; putting the adjective phrase that would begin with whiter after hers completely alters the iambic pentameter: “Nor scar that skin of hers [that is] whiter than snow and smooth as monumental alabaster.” Slide 7 of 7

Hyperbole HYPERBOLE Contents by Act Contents by Device HYPERBOLE The exaggeration of some part of a statement in order to give it emphasis or focus. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Othello: If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Hyperbole Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror’s head horrors accumulate. Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; For nothing canst thou to damnation add Greater than that. Slide 2 of 5

Also Diacope and Alliteration
Hyperbole Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror’s head horrors accumulate. Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; For nothing canst thou to damnation add Greater than that. Using hyperbole, Othello says, that if Iago is slandering Desdemona, that one deed far exceeds any other evil that Iago could possibly do. Also Diacope and Alliteration Slide 3 of 5

Othello: Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with
Hyperbole Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with her needle, an admirable musician. O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear. Of so high and plenteous wit and invention! Iago: She’s the worse for all this. Othello: O, a thousand, a thousand times. And then, of so gentle a condition! Slide 4 of 5

Hyperbole Act IV, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Hang her! I do but say what she is. So delicate with her needle, an admirable musician. O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear. Of so high and plenteous wit and invention! Iago: She’s the worse for all this. Othello: O, a thousand, a thousand times. And then, of so gentle a condition! Othello first praises Desdemona hyperbolically; then, he condemns her because of Iago’s prodding. Also Antithesis Slide 5 of 5

The technique of asking a question, then proceeding to answer it.
Hypophora HYPOPHORA Contents by Act Contents by Device HYPOPHORA The technique of asking a question, then proceeding to answer it. PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Hypophora Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: And will she love him still for prating? Let not thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, … loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in. … [W]ho stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? … Why, none; why, none; a slipper and subtle knave, a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave! Slide 2 of 7

Hypophora Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: And will she love him still for prating? Let not thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, … loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in. … [W]ho stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? … Why, none; why, none; a slipper and subtle knave, a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave! Iago asks Roderigo three questions and answers all of them, falsely for the purpose of making Othello more jealous, of course. Slide 3 of 7

Emilia: What is it that they do
Hypophora Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Emilia: What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport? I think it is. And doth affection breed it? I think it doth. Is’t frailty that thus errs? It is so too. And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well; Slide 4 of 7

Also Anaphora and Conduplicatio
Hypophora Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Emilia: What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport? I think it is. And doth affection breed it? I think it doth. Is’t frailty that thus errs? It is so too. And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well; Emilia asks four questions about men—Why do they treat women unfairly?; Is it affection?; Is it weakness?; Don’t both sexes feel the same emotions?—and answers each one in the affirmative. Also Anaphora and Conduplicatio Slide 5 of 7

Othello: What’s best to do?
Hypophora Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: What’s best to do? If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife. My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife. Slide 6 of 7

Othello: What’s best to do?
Hypophora Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: What’s best to do? If she come in, she’ll sure speak to my wife. My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife. Also Anaphora Slide 7 of 7

A summation prior to moving on to make a new point.
Metabasis METABASIS Contents by Act Contents by Device METABASIS A summation prior to moving on to make a new point. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Desdemona: That I did love the Moor to live with him, …
Metabasis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Desdemona: That I did love the Moor to live with him, … I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, A moth of peace, and he go to the war, The rites for which I love him are bereft me, And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him. Slide 2 of 5

Desdemona: That I did love the Moor to live with him, …
Metabasis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Desdemona: That I did love the Moor to live with him, … I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, A moth of peace, and he go to the war, The rites for which I love him are bereft me, And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him. Slide 3 of 5

Metabasis Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. … Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered. … We will have more of this tomorrow. Slide 4 of 5

Metabasis Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. … Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered. … We will have more of this tomorrow. Slide 5 of 5

METAPHOR / EXTENDED METAPHOR
Contents by Act Contents by Device METAPHOR / EXTENDED METAPHOR A metaphor is a comparison that equates two dissimilar objects or concepts. An extended metaphor continues the comparison for a few sentences, or more PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 15

Metaphor / Extended Metaphor
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: … you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you’ll have your nephews neigh to you; you’ll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. Slide 2 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Iago: … you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you’ll have your nephews neigh to you; you’ll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. Iago makes this forceful and disgusting horse metaphor to convince Brabantio to be outraged about Desdemona and Othello. Also Alliteration Slide 3 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: Virtue? a fig! ’Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. Slide 4 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: Virtue? a fig! ’Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners; so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. Shakespeare sets up the initial metaphor, by saying that virtue is unimportant. The extended imagery of a complex series of tasks that both a person’s will and a gardener undertake is emphasized through the opposite choices that are made. Also Antithesis Slide 5 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: So will I turn her virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all. Slide 6 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene iii Iago: So will I turn her virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all. In this double metaphor, Iago plans to use Desdemona’s goodness as the catalyst by which he will trap Othello. Virtue changes to the racially tinged black tar, which will then become a net. Slide 7 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on. Slide 8 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on. This description of jealousy as a monster with green eyes has become clichéd and commonplace: being “green with envy.” Slide 9 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Good name in man and woman, dear my lord Is the immediate jewel of their souls: … Slide 10 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Good name in man and woman, dear my lord Is the immediate jewel of their souls: … It is ironic that this description of someone’s reputation being a metaphoric jewel of high value comes from Iago, especially considering his later declaration to Cassio that, “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition.” Slide 11 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: I should be wise; for honesty’s a fool, And loses that it works for. Slide 12 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: I should be wise; for honesty’s a fool, And loses that it works for. In this metaphor, Iago claims that his honesty to Othello has become a fool that attempts to be truthful, but fails. Also Personification Slide 13 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs and we all but food; They eat us hungerly, and when they are full They belch us. Slide 14 of 15

Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Emilia: ’Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs and we all but food; They eat us hungerly, and when they are full They belch us. Emilia constructs the metaphor in two parts: how men and women are different, yet connected, and how poorly women are treated by men. Slide 15 of 15

Oxymoron OXYMORON Contents by Act Contents by Device OXYMORON A paradox or self-contradictory statement reduced to two words, usually a noun and adjective. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Othello: Excellent wretch!
Oxymoron Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Excellent wretch! Slide 2 of 5

Othello: Excellent wretch!
Oxymoron Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Othello: Excellent wretch! Slide 3 of 5

Othello: An honorable murderer, if you will,
Oxymoron Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: An honorable murderer, if you will, For nought did I in hate, but all in honor … Slide 4 of 5

Othello: An honorable murderer, if you will,
Oxymoron Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: An honorable murderer, if you will, For nought did I in hate, but all in honor … Slide 5 of 5

A seemingly self-contradictory statement.
Paradox PARADOX Contents by Act Contents by Device PARADOX A seemingly self-contradictory statement. PLAY Slide 1 of 3

Duke: The robb’d that smiles steals something from the thief;
Paradox Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Duke: The robb’d that smiles steals something from the thief; Slide 2 of 3

Also Aphorism and Alliteration
Paradox Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Duke: The robb’d that smiles steals something from the thief; The Duke states that Brabantio should not show any concern after being robbed of Desdemona. Also Aphorism and Alliteration Slide 3 of 3

PARALLELISM Parallelism
Contents by Act Contents by Device PARALLELISM The use of the same general structure and syntax for multiple parts of a sentence, or for multiple sentences. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Parallelism Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: Put money in thy purse; follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse—nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration; put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills:—fill thy purse with money. Slide 2 of 5

Parallelism Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: Put money in thy purse; follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse—nor he his to her. It was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration; put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills:—fill thy purse with money. After the first two uses of the phrase, the repetition—meaning “bet on it” or “it is guaranteed”—emphasizes Iago’s fixation on Othello. Slide 3 of 5

Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee.
Parallelism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee. Slide 4 of 5

Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee.
Parallelism Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee. Also Alliteration and Antithesis Slide 5 of 5

PARENTHESIS Parenthesis
Contents by Act Contents by Device PARENTHESIS Adding material into a sentence to provide additional, often tangential, information, disrupting the natural flow of the sentence. PLAY Slide 1 of 9

Iago: I know not that; but such a handkerchief—
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: I know not that; but such a handkerchief— I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with. Slide 2 of 9

Parenthesis Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: I know not that; but such a handkerchief— I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with. The sly insertion of this crucial piece of information further incriminates Desdemona. Slide 3 of 9

Othello: Proceed you in your tears.
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Proceed you in your tears. Concerning this, sir—O well-painted passion!— I am commanded home. Slide 4 of 9

Othello: Proceed you in your tears.
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Proceed you in your tears. Concerning this, sir—O well-painted passion!— I am commanded home. Slide 5 of 9

Othello: Dost thou hear, Iago?
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most cunning in my patience; But—dost thou hear?—most bloody. Slide 6 of 9

Othello: Dost thou hear, Iago?
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Othello: Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most cunning in my patience; But—dost thou hear?—most bloody. Also Conduplicatio Slide 7 of 9

Desdemona: My love doth so approve him,
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Desdemona: My love doth so approve him, That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns— Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor in them. Slide 8 of 9

Desdemona: My love doth so approve him,
Parenthesis Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene iii Desdemona: My love doth so approve him, That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns— Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor in them. Slide 9 of 9

PERSONIFICATION Personification
Contents by Act Contents by Device PERSONIFICATION The giving of human attributes to something—an animal, an inanimate object, or an abstract concept—that is non-human. PLAY Slide 1 of 9

Brabantio: A maiden never bold;
Personification Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Brabantio: A maiden never bold; Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion Blush’d at herself; Slide 2 of 9

Personification Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Brabantio: A maiden never bold; Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion Blush’d at herself; Brabantio use of motion here means “emotion” or “motivation,” both of which fit his description of his daughter, and constitute personification. Also Alliteration Slide 3 of 9

Montano: Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land;
Personification Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Montano: Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; Slide 4 of 9

Personification Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Montano: Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; The wind is depicted as a huge force, begun at sea, yet strong enough to be heard on land. Slide 5 of 9

Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
Personification Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on. Slide 6 of 9

Jealousy consumes the person who is jealous.
Personification Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on. Jealousy consumes the person who is jealous. Slide 7 of 9

Othello: Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks;
Personification Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, Is hush’d within the hollow mine of earth, And will not hear it. Slide 8 of 9

Personification Act IV, scene ii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene ii Othello: Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks; The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets, Is hush’d within the hollow mine of earth, And will not hear it. This series of personifications emphasizes the disgust Othello has for Desdemona’s denial of her supposed betrayal. Slide 9 of 9

Pun PUN Contents by Act Contents by Device PUN A humorous ambiguity that relies on two or more words’ similar meanings or pronunciations. PLAY Slide 1 of 5

Iago: And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband.
Pun Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Slide 2 of 5

Pun Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: And I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. There are similar sounds in the words dare and dear. In addition, Shakespeare uses a pun and also foreshadows Desdemona’s death through the two different meanings of dear—“beloved” and “paying a high price.” Slide 3 of 5

Desdemona: Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies?
Pun Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Desdemona: Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? Clown: I dare not say he lies anywhere. Desdemona: Why, man? Clown: He’s a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies, is stabbing. Slide 4 of 5

The pun on lies is obvious—it means both “is” and “tells the truth.”
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iv Desdemona: Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies? Clown: I dare not say he lies anywhere. Desdemona: Why, man? Clown: He’s a soldier; and for one to say a soldier lies, is stabbing. The pun on lies is obvious—it means both “is” and “tells the truth.” Slide 5 of 5

A comparison between unlike things using the word “like” or “as.”
Simile SIMILE Contents by Act Contents by Device SIMILE A comparison between unlike things using the word “like” or “as.” PLAY Slide 1 of 7

Iago: The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts,
Simile Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts, shall be to him shortly as acerb as the coloquintida. Slide 2 of 7

Also Alliteration and Metaphor
Simile Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts, shall be to him shortly as acerb as the coloquintida. Locusts were considered a delicacy, but the taste of them will soon be as sour as coloquintida, also known as “bitter apple,” which was used to cure stomach discomfort. Also Alliteration and Metaphor Slide 3 of 7

Iago: It is impossible you should see this
Simile Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: It is impossible you should see this Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross As ignorance made drunk. Slide 4 of 7

Simile Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: It is impossible you should see this Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross As ignorance made drunk. In this quadruple simile, Iago compares Desdemona and Cassio to images of goats in rut, monkeys in heat, lusting wolves, and licentious drunks. Slide 5 of 7

Simile Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench! Pale as thy smock! Slide 6 of 7

Simile Contents by Act Contents by Device Act V, scene ii Othello: Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr’d wench! Pale as thy smock! Slide 7 of 7

Synecdoche employs a part to represent the whole.
Synecdoche / Metonymy SYNECDOCHE / METONYMY Contents by Act Contents by Device SYNECDOCHE / METONYMY Metonymy uses one object to represent another with which it is closely associated. Synecdoche employs a part to represent the whole. PLAY PLAY Slide 1 of 9

Roderigo: [Aside] What a full fortune does the thicklips owe,
Synecdoche / Metonymy Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Roderigo: [Aside] What a full fortune does the thicklips owe, If he can carry’t thus! Slide 2 of 9

Synecdoche / Metonymy Act I, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene i Roderigo: [Aside] What a full fortune does the thicklips owe, If he can carry’t thus! Referring to Othello not as a person, but by only one physical quality, shows that Roderigo views him in racial terms. Slide 3 of 9

Iago: After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear
Synecdoche / Metonymy Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife. Slide 4 of 9

Synecdoche / Metonymy Act I, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act I, scene iii Iago: After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife. Iago’s synecdoche does not mean Othello’s ear will literally be bothered; Iago hopes that he can spread lies that will infect Othello’s mind and entire being. Slide 5 of 9

Iago: When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, …
Synecdoche / Metonymy Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, … Slide 6 of 9

Synecdoche / Metonymy Act II, scene i
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act II, scene i Iago: When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, … Iago uses the synecdoche of blood to stand for Desdemona and her emotions, which are lessened after making love with the “defective” Othello. Slide 7 of 9

Iago: Witness that here Iago doth give up
Synecdoche / Metonymy Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart, To wrong’d Othello’s service! Slide 8 of 9

Synecdoche / Metonymy Act III, scene iii
Contents by Act Contents by Device Act III, scene iii Iago: Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart, To wrong’d Othello’s service! Iago is falsely offering his wit, hands, and heart, rather than the now-clichéd “mind, body, and soul” in this metonymy. Slide 9 of 9

UNDERSTATEMENT Understatement UNDERSTATEMENT
Contents by Act Contents by Device UNDERSTATEMENT A technique in which the force of the words is less than what would normally be expected. PLAY Slide 1 of 3

Lodovico: Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate
Understatement Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Lodovico: Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? This the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce? Iago: He is much changed. Slide 2 of 3

Lodovico: Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate
Understatement Contents by Act Contents by Device Act IV, scene i Lodovico: Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? This the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce? Iago: He is much changed. Also Metaphor Slide 3 of 3

Rhetorical Devices in Shakespeare’s Othello Power Presentation, © June 2011 by Prestwick House, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-935468-17-2 Item.

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Rhetorical Devices in Shakespeare’s Othello Power Presentation, © June 2011 by Prestwick House, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-935468-17-2 Item.

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Presentation on theme: "Rhetorical Devices in Shakespeare’s Othello Power Presentation, © June 2011 by Prestwick House, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-935468-17-2 Item."— Presentation transcript:

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