The Power of Language in Shakespeare 's Othello In Othello, the contamination of linguistic matter (whether through verbal or human associations, through deliberate perversion, or by senseless mouthing of meaninglessness) ultimately destroys the ordered control of normal behaviour patterns, personal or social (Shaw 306). In one of the finest play written by William Shakespeare, language is not only the medium that conveys the drama but also the action. For example, talking about an event will alter reality as if that event had happened, as it makes that event become true for those who hear it. Othello descends into exasperated jealousy because he trusts a man whose every assertion is deceitful. When the tragic hero is taken in by deceptive words, tragedy is unavoidable. The play portrays the power of language as the characters build up their identities through language, and employ power either by communicating,
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Barbantio 's warning to Othello in the first Act, "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee." (1.3.293-294) becomes a reality for Othello later in the play. The prophecy of an Egyptian woman to the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona also turns into Othello 's reality, even though Desdemona just dropped it and did not actually give it away. Finally, what Iago had said becomes reality for him, "I have 't, it is engendered! Hell and night / Will bring this monstrous birth to the world 's light." (2.1.402-403). As a result, there is a pattern that all of these instances fall into: first an event is put into words and then the character 's action makes it a reality. One excellent example of how words relate to action is Othello 's monologue before he murders Desdemona.
Put out the light, and then put out the light!
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light
Barbantio 's warning to Othello in the first Act, "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee." (1.3.293-294) becomes a reality for Othello later in the play. The prophecy of an Egyptian woman to the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona also turns into Othello 's reality, even though Desdemona just dropped it and did not actually give it away. Finally, what Iago had said becomes reality for him, "I have 't, it is engendered! Hell and night / Will bring this monstrous birth to the world 's light." (2.1.402-403). As a result, there is a pattern that all of these instances fall into: first an event is put into words and then the character 's action makes it a reality. One excellent example of how words relate to action is Othello 's monologue before he murders Desdemona.
Put out the light, and then put out the light!
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,
I can again thy former light