Similes are a literary device used to compare two unlike things using the words "like" or "as." They are a way to add vivid imagery and depth to a piece of writing, and they are often used to convey emotions and help the reader understand the character's perspective. In Shakespeare's play "Othello," similes are used to convey the characters' emotions, add depth to the plot, and highlight the themes of the play.
One of the most famous similes in "Othello" is when Othello compares Desdemona to a white handkerchief. He says, "She's fled to heavy heaven, and her eyes, / Which kept all that was good locked in their spheres, / Are turned now to the ground, and there she weeps / As if her heart would break." The simile compares Desdemona's eyes to spheres, or perfect circles, which represent her goodness and purity. The fact that her eyes are now turned to the ground and she is weeping suggests that her goodness has been shattered and she is in great sorrow. This simile highlights Othello's love for Desdemona and his sense of betrayal when he believes she has been unfaithful to him.
Another simile in "Othello" is when Iago compares himself to a serpent. He says, "I am not what I am." This simile suggests that Iago is sly and deceitful, much like a serpent. This simile foreshadows the role that Iago will play in the play as the villain who manipulates and deceives the other characters.
Similes are also used to convey the characters' emotions and add depth to the plot. For example, when Othello is struggling to come to terms with his jealousy and anger, he compares himself to a "hellish" and "turbulent" sea. This simile highlights the turmoil and confusion that Othello is feeling, and it foreshadows the destructive actions he will take later in the play.
One of the themes of "Othello" is the destructive nature of jealousy and how it can lead to tragedy. Similes are used to highlight this theme. When Othello is consumed by jealousy, he compares it to a "green-eyed monster" that "doth mock the meat it feeds on." This simile suggests that jealousy is a hungry and insatiable beast that preys on the emotions of others. It also highlights the destructive power of jealousy and how it can ruin relationships and lead to tragedy.
In conclusion, similes are an important literary device used in "Othello" to convey the characters' emotions, add depth to the plot, and highlight the themes of the play. They help the reader understand the characters' perspectives and experiences, and they add vivid imagery and depth to the play.
