I need to find 3 examples of figurative devices, and 2 examples of sound devices in Act II of Shakespeare's Othello play and write their effects(meaning + why Shakespeare decided to use these devices). Anyone have any suggestions for good lines within Act II that exemplifies a hyperbole, pathetic fallacy, apostrophe, alliteration and assonance/consonance and what the effect of these are? My biggest trouble is finding what they mean and their effect. Any help and suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
Do you mean you don't know what the literary devices are, or cannot find them in the play?
If you are having trouble understanding the play itself:
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/
I cannot find them in the play, and if I do find them I don't know what their effect is
Certainly! I can help you find examples of figurative and sound devices in Act II of Shakespeare's Othello and explain their effects.
1. Hyperbole:
Example line: "Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil?" (Act II, Scene 3)
Effect: Shakespeare uses hyperbole, an exaggerated statement or claim, to convey Iago's characterization of women as easily swayed by external attractiveness. This line suggests that Desdemona would be attracted to a devilish figure, emphasizing Iago's misogynistic views.
2. Pathetic Fallacy:
Example line: "Now, whether he kills Cassio | Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, | Every way makes my gain." (Act II, Scene 1)
Effect: Pathetic fallacy occurs when human emotions or behavior are attributed to nature or inanimate objects. In this line, Iago suggests that any outcome of a conflict with Cassio would be beneficial to him. The use of pathetic fallacy implies that the natural world aligns with Iago's sinister intentions.
3. Apostrophe:
Example line: "O God! that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains!" (Act II, Scene 3)
Effect: Apostrophe is when a character directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or thing. In this line, Iago's exclamation conveys a sense of moral outrage as he criticizes other characters, suggesting they are foolish to indulge in excessive drinking that impairs their judgment. This device allows Iago to emphasize the consequence of such actions and question human behavior.
4. Alliteration:
Example line: "A knave very voluble; no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming." (Act II, Scene 1)
Effect: Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds. This line showcases the alliteration of the "v" sound in "voluble" and "very" as well as the "c" sound in "conscionable" and "civil." Shakespeare's use of alliteration creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the line, drawing attention to Iago's harsh judgment of Cassio's character.
5. Assonance/Consonance:
Example line: "It is hypocrisy against the devil." (Act II, Scene 3)
Effect: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds, while consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds. In this line, the repeated "i" sound in "hypocrisy" and "devil" creates an assonance. Shakespeare's use of assonance and consonance helps emphasize the contrast between the concepts of hypocrisy and the devil, highlighting Iago's ability to manipulate appearances and deceive others.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and Act II contains many instances of figurative and sound devices. Analyzing these devices helps you understand their meaning, underlying themes, and the effect they have on the audience.