Color Imagery In Othello

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In the aftermath of the death of Desdemona by Othello, Emilia vehemently attacks
Othello for his wrongdoing. In act five scene two, Emilia says this to Othello: "O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!" (V.ii.129-131). Emilia is not only mad that the pure and immaculate Desdemona was killed, but is enraged that the devil (i.e. Othello), has slain an angel. This scene suggests that the word black was used as a metaphor for the devil and darkness since Othello killed Desdemona in the shadows. Emilia also sees Othello as a monster who cannot control is own anger (possibly due to his Moorish characteristics). Race in Othello is only used to propel more important themes in the play (e.g. love affairs). The racial thematics are not only …show more content…

The utilization of color imagery enhances the play, causing the audience to look past the words and search for a more profound understanding behind the scenes, besides race. In the realms of the play, the color black has always been used to create the mood for evil and deviousness, as we will see, since Iago is portrayed as satan and a trickster. Iago constructs most of his hellish plans in the dark of night to eventually influence the bestiality of Othello to protrude out and cause his demise. In the case of the devil, the color black is used to illustrate the vice and villainous nature of Satan. In act two, Iago assures Cassio that the best way he can get his job back, is to attract Desdemona, then Cassio is sent away. While Iago is alone on the stage, Iago asks the audience why he is evil, since his advice to Cassio is “honest” and free. Iago answers his question and then states, "When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest [tempt] at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now" (2.3.351-353). Iago knows that he is a hellish hypocrite, but he seems to be getting a laugh out of it since he is represented as …show more content…

7). The use of light in this context signifies not only Desdemona’s life as pure and innocent and but the goodness and moral status of the situation. When Othello says “putting out the light” he is killing the pure and innocent and bringing out the devil to send to hell. Thus, Othello is labeled as being a blackamoor or black devil for creating this lack of light, and unveiling the dark to illustrate his Turkish side to the audience. Othello once again uses light in a metaphorical way, stating: “if I quench thee, thou flaming minister/I can again thy former light restore/ should I repent me. But once put out thy light/Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature/I know not where is that Promethean heat/That can thy light relume.” (V.ii. 8-13 ) This suggests that if Othello were to extinguish his candle, he would be able to relight, if he regret his decision. But if Othello makes the choice to kill the innocent Desdemona, he knows he would not be able to bring her back. This also illustrates the fact that Othello could go to hell if he puts out the light (i.e. pure and immaculate Desdemona), and that killing Desdemona would create the darkness that Othello does not want to

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