Epithets in Othello :: Othello essays

Epithets in Othello   An epithet is an adjective or adjective phrase that characterizes a person or thing.  Epithets can often lie of abusive or contemptuous words such as those directed by the professionally offended Iago in Shakespeares Othello.  Iago refers to Othello with damning epithets to suggest the Moor as a lust driven animal that is violating the innocent Desdemona.  For instance, he calls Othello, an old black ram who is tupping Brabantios white ewe(Act I, characterization I 90-91).  He is referring to the fact that Othello is a Moor, or dark skinned man.  Iago is also making the insinuation that Othello is, at this moment, copulating with Brabantios innocent daughter, Desdemona.  In addition, Iago warns Brabantio that if he does not rescue his daughter, the devil leave behind bedevil Brabantio a grandfather (Act I, Scene I 93).  Again, he is suggesting that Othello is demonic and comparable to a wild animal.  He conti nues erupting insults shouting that a Barbaray horse is mounting Desdemona and that Brabantios nephews will neigh and cousins will be coursers, or strong horses (Act I, Scene I 113-114).  Yet again, Iago is suggesting that Othello is animal-like and that this quality will arise throughout Brabantios family.  It is important to note that in the shirk production Iago speaks such crude and obscene language while hiding behind several clustered poles below Brabantios window.  This gesture reveals Iagos attempt to tarry an honest man in the eyes of the other characters while carrying out a plan of revenge.  Although Iagos insults toward Othello appear to be racial, it does not  make the entire play racist.  Iago is so consumed by revenge against Othello, for passing him over for the promotion that he will say or do anything to attain his peculiar end (Act I, Scene I 62).