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Literary Devices
Definition of Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought the box of bricks to... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the... read full definition
Act 3, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—On Horror's Head:
When the idea of Desdemona having an affair first starts to become implanted in Othello’s head, Shakespeare uses alliteration to emphasize his franticness. Raving that his “tranquil mind” is already lost and demanding Iago give him further proof, Othello says:
If thou dost slander her and torture me,
Never pray more. Abandon all remorse;
On horror’s head horrors accumulate
Related Themes:
Act 5, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—O Desdemon:
Shakespeare uses alliteration to emphasize the extent of Othello’s despair after he realizes he has been tricked and is forced to come to terms with the gravity of his mistake in killing Desdemona. Looking to the bed where his dead wife lies, Othello describes how he deserves to be punished in hell before crying:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“O Desdemon! Dead, Desdemon! Dead! O, O!”
Explanation and Analysis—Killing and Kissing :
Before Othello kills himself, Shakespeare uses alliteration to emphasize the link between love and violence which is central to the play. Speaking to the already dead Desdemona, Othello says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself to die upon a kiss. [he dies]
Related Themes:
