Othello: Writer's Techniques

Othello: Writer’s Techniques

• Structure of the Play: The structure of Othello is significant in how Shakespeare creates tension, suspense, and resolution, employing a five-act structure including the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.
• Atmosphere of the Play: The atmosphere in Othello is built through Shakespeare’s use of dramatic devices, setting, and language to create a powerful mood that oscillates between love, jealousy, deceit, and revenge.
• Shakespeare’s use of Wordplay in Othello: Shakespeare’s abiding use of wordplay in Othello includes techniques such as puns, double entendres, and malapropisms, contributing to deeper layers of meaning.
• Shakespeare’s use of Poetry in Othello: Shakespeare’s use of poetic language in Othello, from iambic pentameter and blank verse to rhymed couplets, serves to heighten the dramatic power and intensity of key scenes and character quintessence.
• Shakespeare’s use of Imagery in Othello: Shakespeare’s use of imagery in Othello unveils the inner-most passions and tensions of characters, with prevalent themes such as darkness and light, animals, and poisonous plants, symbolising the deeper themes of corruption, passion, and jealousy.
• Shakespeare’s use of Symbolism in Othello: Shakespeare crafts rich symbolism in Othello, using objects such as the handkerchief and the ‘green-eyed monster,’ as motifs to explore themes of fidelity, jealousy, and deceit.