Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
How does Shakespeare make this moment in the play so disturbing? - Coggle…
How does Shakespeare make this moment in the play so disturbing?
context: moment where Othello finally snaps and believes Iago's manipulation
turning point for Othello's character - contrast to his previous calm and loving demeanor towards Desdemona
"O blood blood blood!"
Repetition of 'blood' shows Othello's bloodlust and wish for violence, which contrasts to his previous peaceful nature (eg. Act 1 Sc. 2). The audience is used to seeing him as a peaceful man, but in a short time his demeanor changes, which makes the transformation very disturbing to the audience.
"I'll tear her all to pieces."
use of hyperbole, makes Othello seem like a monster. "Tear" connotes Othello's physical strength and the violence of the action
"O monstrous monstrous!"
the adjective 'monstrous' creates a disturbing feeling for the audience because it implies that Othello now sees Desdemona as an evil monster.
Disturbing to the audience as they can see how much Iago has corrupted Othello's view of his wife
In the past, Othello is portrayed as rational and calm, but this exclamation shows his inability to think logically.
there is some irony here as Othello describes Desdemona's alleged actions as 'monstrous', but his language is the one that shows savagery
'Monstrous' also implies the fantastical nature of Othello's thoughts and how he is believing something that isn't real. The audience is disturbed because we can clearly see Othello losing his grip on reality and warping details to fit imaginary circumstances
Othello's dialogue changing from longer more poetic monologues in the beginning of the play to shorter, snappier dialogue
"Tis gone. Arise, black vengeance,"
Audience is disturbed as his change in tone makes him seem volatile and unpredictable, contrast to our impression of him earlier in the play.
Auditory imagery: "Cry 'O sweet creature!' then kiss me hard"
the harsh 'k' sounds enhance the details of Iago's version of events, making them seem more bold, scary and frightening. The audience is disturbed because they see how easily Othello is being manipulated.
The audience finds it disturbing that Othello does not question Iago's account of events at all, but believes him completely.
stage direction "he kneels" (Othello)
kneeling signifies Othello's strong belief of Desdemona's infidelity. At this point, Othello is also visually beneath Iago, showing Iago's power over him.
kneeling is symbolic of desperation, submission, conviction, making a solemn vow to God
disturbing to the audience as we see Othello give a "sacred vow" to commit a sin
disturbing to the audience as we see him fully commit to murdering his wife, it seems there is no turning back after this