Epistrophes And Oxymorons In Shakespeare's Othello

In the play Othello, William Shakespeare employs both epistrophes and oxymorons to convey Othello’s relentless nature in his soliloquy, when he decides to kill his own wife, as he can't see her innocence. Shakespeare applies Epistrophes in this soliloquy to portray the things Othello feels he must soon accomplish. For example, a number of times, Othello muttered the phrase “turn out the light.” The light that Othello repeatedly discusses represents Desdemona’s life, which he feels must end, even though that belief is justified by nothing more than some internal rage. Furthermore, the repeated nature of “put out the light” helps make the reader believe that Othello is very determined to achieve his goal of ending Desdemona. The putting

Also, the fact that Othello would go through on the plan, highlights the ideal that at times, there is nothing in the world that can stop a person from achieving their task. Through the quote, the ideal that all good things in life must burn out and end is developed. Another example of a significant epistrophe is Othello’s repetition of the phrase “one more” before he killed Desdemonda. The frequent repetition of the phrase showed how Othello was still mesmerized by Desdemonda’s beauty, and began to have almost second thoughts about killing her. However, he just couldn't trust her, as Othello’s blind rage refused to let him believe anything aside from the false notion that Desdemona cheated on him. Othello’s hesitation represents the good side trying to escape and overcome the blind wrath, however, it simply doesn't work. Through the quote, the belief that humans often begin to second guess themselves is developed. Humans are often unsure of what to actually do, until they fully complete the task. Also, the quote develops the ideal that humans are naturally good, and try to avoid evil tasks, as humans are inherently good, and get corrupted by evil forces in the world, much like Othello. Furthermore, the quote develops the age old cliché that looks can be deceiving, especially in Othello’s eyes, as he sees a gorgeous woman, who's actually done some very heinous things, according to

When Othello and Desdemona's kiss, Othello exclaims “So sweet was ne’er so fatal.” The quote shows that even though Desdemona is sweet, nice, and overall innocent, Othello sees her as merely someone who must die. The quote embellishes the ideal that often times, people don't get what they deserve, as Desdemona didn't deserve to die, for she had done nothing wrong. Also, through the quote, the ideal that pain comes from places you'd least expect it is established, as Desdemona and Othello’s marriage started off happy, yet ended on this bitter note, causing Desdemona lots of pain. Furthermore, the fact that people let glorious things, such as a marriage, turn to shambles and ruins so fast is developed, and speaks to the quality of people in great magnitude. Another example of an oxymoron is when Othello states “it strikes where it doth love” referring Desdemona. The quote embellishes the ideal that despite Othello’s love for Desdemona, she must be punished for her crimes Othello accused her of. Through the quote, it is understood that even at the very end of it all for people, they’ll still love each other, and they will regardless as to what happens. The quote also helps develop the idea that not all actions are justified, yet still occur anyway, as Othello has no reason to accuse Desdemona, yet his own wrath and rage fueled