Act 1 Sc III 77-94 Act 3 Sc III 343-355 - By examining the language of the speeches closely what do you learn of the change in Othello's character?

        The second speech is well contrasted to this, as it is full of harsh abrasive soundz which are more sinister and provoking like “the neighing steed and the shrill trump” Also the use of violent exciting imagery sets in feeling of a storm brewing which quite yet, hasn’t exploded. He once again talks very much about war and his life in war. However now we see that he explains all the negative aspects, as before in Act I he never once mentioned the death in war even thought that is its whole purpose. He makes it a noble game whereas now he mentions “mortal engines” where he calls cannons killing machines. However he keeps the honour in the battle as he mentions where patriotic symbols like the “ear piercing fife” and the “Royal Banner”. These constant mentions to war when Othello is ever socially challenged shows a venerability about him as he needs to go back into what he knows, battle, instead of trying to tackle the problems ahead of him. We also see through his portrayals of war how he himself has change through the play. Though his thoughts on war may be the same throughout the play he was able in Act I to think clearly enough to make everything seem nice and nobilic. Soft phrases and uses of a variety of literary devises such as alliteration, pathetic fallacy, and use of sycophantic phrase allow for a calmer reflection of Othello.

        Othello seems to revert to his more primal nature of fighting and war where he sings its praises in his second speech “Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!” He has changed his attitude by this time and is now willing to go to further extremes.

        It seems though, that in Act III, Othello has gone slightly mad. So distraught is he over Desdemona’s conceptual sins that he has relinquished his old self “O now, for ever farewell the tranquil mind” and given in by his own count, to the evils of time and space. Similar to Lady Macbeth’s calling to all “devils of the night” they both relieve themselves of their moral duties. This is interesting because that means they are decent people usually and physically wouldn’t be able to their evil acts. This shows just how the “noble moor” was in fact truly a noble moor. This redemption into evil is confirmed through the literary technique, repetition, repetition of the word farewell seems very much like a drum beat. The rhyming schemes inbetween these is very complex and goes 4,2,4,11,0. It seems to start with sorts of verse into then a conclusion with the 11 syllables between and then a repetition of farewell.

So we see how such a noble man could be lead to such destructive paths by guiding hands. We examined the speeches and we now see how Othello has been spirred into a frenzy with the blood-lust of war on his chin. He hath changed.

And through these speeches, the artist was Shakespeare who allowed us to understand, or just know, that he has changed but we don’t know how we can tell - until we examine why we don’t see all the incredible devices he uses.