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Othello Critics
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
-Finally, let me repeat that Othello does not kill Desdemona in jealousy, but in a conviction
forced upon him by the almost superhuman art of Iago, such a conviction as any many would
and must have entertained who had believed Iagos honesty as Othello did
Genre: Tragedy
Underlying theme: Jealousy
Linking themes: Manipulation, Identity.
Alliteration, caesura: As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice
Enjambment, simile: Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,
Burn like the mines of Sulphur.
Awkward syntax, definitive language, foreshadowing: I am not what I
am.
Othello: Caesura, Repetition, High modality language, Directive words,
logical syntax: No, Iago; I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove.
Emilia: Repetition, high modality, diction: They are not ever jealous for
the cause, But jealous for they are jealous
Othello: eloquent syntax, paradoxical statements Inverted syntax: Most
potent, grave, and reverend seigniors Rude am I in my speech
Othello: Alliteration: More than pertains to feats of broil and battle.
Othello: Vivid imagery, emotional diction: And of the Cannibals that each
other eat, These things to Hear Would Desdemona seriously incline.
Othello: anaphora, paradox: Of one that loved not wisely Of one not
easily jealous,
Iago: Metaphorical imagery of plague, repetition, contrasting diction:
Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy
Brabantio: High modality, powerful dictionDamned as thou art, thou hast
enchanted her!
Iago to Cassio: Metaphor, He'll be as full of quarrel and offense
Iago to Othello: Inverted syntax, diction, manipulative language: No, sure,
I cannot think it
That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing you coming.