Figurative Language In Othello's Soliloquy

Othello’s soliloquy in Act V, Scene ii of William Shakespeare’s Othello serves not only as a climax for the play’s events, but also as a demonstration of the emotional conflict between Othello’s enmity for Desdemona’s infidelity and his lingering affections for his wife. The soliloquy reveals the complete shift in Othello’s character, as the initially prudent and deliberate Othello now contemplates murdering his trustworthy wife. Othello articulates his uncertainty in killing Desdemona in a confused tone which is exposed through indecisive diction and apologetic figurative language; Othello’s doubts dissipate when he finally settles on murdering Desdemona. Othello’s diction is significant in exhibiting his emotional disorientation …show more content…
His doubts in the morality of killing Desdemona are apparent when he has to repeat the phrase “It is the cause” three times just to persuade himself that he’s doing the right thing. When Othello considers his next course of action, he contrasts Desdemona’s “whiter skin...than snow”- a pure, innocent image- to the type of women who’ll “betray more men” (4-6). These two descriptions are manifestations of Othello’s conflicted feelings of love and hate, assisting in developing the imagery of Othello’s confusion. When Othello refers to his hate, his tone becomes much more specific and concrete, such as when he states that “she must die” or “I will kill thee” (6, 18). Whereas when his love for Desdemona is invoked, he speaks in a much more abstract manner, as seen when he describes Desdemona’s beauty, and when he compares the metaphorical candle flame and rose to Desdemona’s life. This polarized imagery and Othello’s assertive tone after kissing Desdemona contribute to the suspenseful and definitive mood of the soliloquy, as the audience will soon discover Othello’s ultimate decision in whether or not he spares his lover. Thus, the soliloquy serves as the climax for the play’s

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