Through syntax and repetition Shakespeare is able to connect two very different
characters, while contrasting those characters at the same time. With a close examination
of Shakespeare's writings many would say that his use of iambic pentameter was his most
important trait. However, in this passage of Othello, Shakespeare's use of syntax allows
the reader to better analyze the meaning behind the words.
Syntax is the way in which the author chooses to arrange his sentences and the
sentence structure. In this passage, Shakespeare arranges Othello's and Emilia's sentences
so that they describe the speakers' personalities. In the dialogue of Emilia, Shakespeare
portrays her blunt and to the point personality by making her responses to Othello very
short and to the point. However because of Othello's jealous nature and his inquiring
mind, his dialogue is drawn out and exaggerated, almost pestering.
The use of repetition in this passage of Othello, helps to emphasize words and
actions such as "never" or "seen" and "heard". Because Shakespeare repeats those words
and actions throughout this passage it is possible to know that they pertain to the rest of
the play. Because Shakespeare portrays Othello as very skeptical, he repeats himself
numerous times. This reappears through out the rest of the play because of Othello's
By using both syntax and repetition, Shakespeare successfully conveys the most
important information to the reader in this passage. Though Emilia and Othello's syntax,
Shakespeare contrasts the characters. Through the repetitive wording of the two
characters Shakespeare is able to convey his their most important thoughts.
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