Syntax has been used to make it sound more dramatic. His reference to death, and damnation, shows the violence that is overtaking his mind. It is also reference to hell, which shows the unnaturalness of his thoughts.
He uses strong words that portray how he is feeling. He also sighs ‘oh’ a lot.
“Oh monstrous! Monstrous!”
The repetition of the word ‘monstrous’ shows how in pain and evil he is. The exclamation marks show that he is shouting in anger or distress, which shows the violent nature of Othello. The word ‘oh’ is dramatic, and shows the intensity of his feelings.
His words through this scene become more forceful, and even more violent.
“I’ll tear her to pieces!”
The exclamation mark, again, shows him shouting in anger. His use of violent words like ‘tear’ show how unstable his mind has become. He also wants to tear her to pieces like she tore his heart.
Othello is so hurt that he believes killing her once would not be enough.
“Oh, that slave had forty thousand lives! One is too poor, too weak for my revenge.”
The exclamation shows that he is angry and shouting. When he says ‘slave’ he is referring to Desdemona. This shows he believes her too unworthy of him and a piece of vermin. His words show the strength of his feelings, and how much he wants revenge for the pain she caused him. The fact that Othello’s want for revenge is so strong, shows that he is more then a gentleman and loving husband, but more of a stereotypical fighter.
In the middle of the scene, Othello is still unsure about whether Desdemona is guilty and shows that his mind is in conflict. He was portrayed as a sure and certain character, but now is unsure of himself.
“Now do I see ‘tis true.”
Syntax suggests Othello is asking a question. Othello seems to be in doubt and although on the outside he is convinced of Desdemona’s guilt, in his head he is unsure and still remembers her as his love.
Othello believes what he is doing is right and for it he will go to heaven.
“All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.”
This shows that he feels that by killing Desdemona, he is ridding the world of an evil and he is serving God. Again this shows that he has started to grow unstable in his mind and slightly fanatical. His jealousy has driven him mad.
He is seeking revenge. He has a desire to see Desdemona suffering.
“Oh, blood, Iago, blood!”
The repetition of ‘blood’ shows Othello’s desire to see Desdemona’s blood spilt. An exclamation mark shows that Othello is shouting and determined. The sentence is short but still broken down by commas, which shows his unstable thoughts and his fury is so great he cant say what he needs to.
Othello becomes more forceful and commanding.
“Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.”
This imperative is a short and sharp sentence. This makes it seem as though the thought of living proof is too horrible to imagine but has to be said. The way he says it could also be a sign that he is angry at Iago for telling him. It shows that he still believes Desdemona honest.
Othello is starting to use violent language and in a way, his stereotypical black is rising, which is basically evil and devilish.
“Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell.”
This is ironic as earlier in the play, the Duke went against the claims of Othello’s witchcraft and said that Othello is “fairer then black.” Now however his stereotypical black is rising. Othello uses the word ‘arise’, which suggests him conjuring spirits and points to the earlier signs of witchcraft. This metaphor “hollow cell” has been used, as he believes he is empty and has no soul.
Othello sees himself as an evil creature.
“Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, for ‘tis of aspics’ tongues!”
Othello is saying his hearts made of snake tongues. Snakes traditionally are symbols of evil. The exclamation mark shows him shouting out and the violent language used shows his needs to hurt Desdemona. Commas break down this sentence. This shows how he is again speaking with violence and his words are unable to leave his mouth properly, but show that he still feels emotion.
Othello’s attitude towards Cassio changed dramatically.
“Within these three days let me hear that Cassio’s not alive.”
This long sentence is unbroken by commas, which shows Othello saying his words slowly, and calmly without outward anger. It also shows how, before, Othello believed him innocent but now believes the accusations. The lack of emotion shows how heartless and broken Othello has become. It also shows lack of conscience, which shows that Othello is turning into a psychopath.
Othello realizes how he has changed and will not give in.
“Like to the Pontic Sea, whose icy current and compulsive course ne’er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on.”
Othello is saying that he is like the sea that is cold. Othello confirming his new bitterness shows that he knows that he is being destroyed and hurt. He also says that he is to keep going on, which now shows that there is no confliction left inside him and he has his heart set on revenge, and nothing will stop him.
Othello has accepted Iago’s accusations.
“Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell content.”
Othello believes life is at its end, the repetition portrays he is convinced and it also implies and image of his distraught.
