“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for” (Lee, 174). Words are one of the most powerful weapons consistently. Words can dismantle lives and have a colossal effect on everyone. Words in the form of thoughts, rumors, and words on paper play vital roles in shattering people’s lives. Words appear in many different ways but the power of words are strongly presented in three distinct writing styles. William Shakespeare, Harper Lee and George Orwell utilize the power of rhetoric to manipulate others which destroys their futures. Throughout these three books rumors are a key factor in ruining the lives of the characters. First, William Shakespeare used the character Iago to share his words to start rumors, “One may …show more content…
Furthermore, this only transpired because of Iago’s assertive words. Iago had ingenuity for being able to have people believe every word that departs from his mouth. Iago disclosed rumor after rumor after rumor. Eventually his rumors became a reality for Othello leading him into a maniac state. Othello accepted every single word Iago said and desired to kill his wife “One more, one more. Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee and love thee after. One more, and that’s the last (Shakespeare, V.II.16). Iago uses his words to spread rumors that caused many deaths and rifts in relationships. Words are one of the most powerful weapons and is delineated in this book. Likewise, in “To kill a mockingbird” Harper Lee uses words in the also uses rumors to shape a society way of thinking. For instance, a character named Boo Radley is rumored to have stabbed his father with a pair of scissors and has never leaved his house since. Consequently, he is thought to be a shady, scary man. However, Boo saves Jem and Scout who were attacked outside "The man [Boo Radley] was walking with the staccato steps of someone carrying a load to heavy for him, but only after does she observe, "He was carrying Jem" (263).
“Newspeak was designed to. . .diminish the range of thought. . .by cutting the choice of words down to a minimum” explains George Orwell, the author of a dystopian fiction novel, 1984 (Orwell 300). Orwell designs a society in which a totalitarian government rules, depriving people of their thoughts. The story gives us a look into the life of the main character, Winston, who seems to face issues with reality control. Today, we will delve into the depths of this novel and explore Orwell’s views on the nature of language. In simple terms, Orwell suggests that language, if used in a certain way, has the ability to influence people and compel them to alter their thoughts. With this statement and supporting evidence, it can be concluded that the effective use of language can give individuals power to modify or reshape opinions that will allow for change in society.
Iago is an interesting individual and a mystery, because he conceals his secret jealousy and hatred towards Othello, while setting in motion his dubious plot of lies and deceit. Through this Othello begins to believe that Desdemona is unfaithful and murders her. When Othello finds out
In Othello, Shakespeare explores the relationship between words and events. Spoken thought, in the play, has all the power of action; speaking about an event will make that event become reality for those who hear - it will affect reality as if that event had taken place. Shakespeare demonstrates the power of words poignantly through Othello's monologues. Othello struggles with the reality that Iago creates for him. When Othello speaks, he reveals that he is unable to stop himself from carrying out acts that Iago's and his own words have prophesied and initiated. Othello's monologues further demonstrate that even the knowledge of the power of words cannot protect the characters from the
“Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift. As meditation or the thoughts of love,May sweep to my revenge” (Shakespeare 1603). Hamlet in this Act is talking to his father’s ghost. This is the very first time that Hamlet decides that his father's death can not go unpunished. He vows that his Uncle Claudius or step father will pay for poisoning and killing his father and marrying his mother so quickly. However, being part of the royal family makes him prone to negative and stressful situations and thus his engagement with words to level in which he is almost crippled is absolutely tragic, even if it is not because of anything he had overtly done (Smith, 2016). His exchanges with Ophelia are just one example of his use of language to lead
Through using powerful words in, “Othello”, the human behaviour of the characters is either positively or negatively influenced, and their characteristics and destinies are created. In the following essay “the power of words” in “Othello” will be discussed. Firstly, an introduction paragraph will be given about the power of language devices. Secondly, the language device, “words as power”, will be discussed. Thirdly, the language device, “words as character”, will be elaborated upon. Lastly, the
Given the certain circumstances, literature is a very strong thing in this world. It has the power to shape beliefs of the reader, such as who to love or hate, why people did certain things in the story, or even the understanding of whether someone did the right thing or not. The author has the control of what to think, and it’s like they are the puppet master in the whole operation. Not only do they have the control of the reader’s belief, they get to choose who is given power, and gets to shape people’s beliefs in the story itself. It’s not also positive sometimes either. As shown, in literature, power can be given to individuals whose use it to negativity shape people’s beliefs.
The tragic plot of Othello hinges on the potential of the villain, Iago, to deceive other characters, above all Roderigo and Othello, through encouraging them to misinterpret what they see. Othello is prone to Iago 's ploys seeing that he himself is so sincere and
Known for his sly behavior, in one of Iago’s soliloquys he discloses a strategy to seek revenge on Othello, saying “Let me see now:/To get his place and to plume up my will/In double knavery—How? how?—Let’s see./After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear” (Shakespeare.I.III.435-438). Iago, in his methods for revenge and evil doings, hopes to get close enough to Othello to “abuse his ear” (Shakespeare.I.III.438). This phrase alludes to another saying, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The closeness of these phrases reveals that Iago’s plans involve a great deal of stealthiness and patience. Iago’s schemes are masked by mystery and secrecy. Literary critic Daniel Stempel deduces that “to Iago, of course, there is no mystery. The will is free to choose, unmoved by good or evil” (252). Iago’s plan to corrupt Othello “after some time,” showcases his conniving façade and his devotion (Shakespeare.I.III.438). In accordance with this, in Act 3, Iago’s strategy for his undertakings begins to bear fruit as he declares, “[The Moor already changes with my poison;]/Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons,” (Shakespeare.III.III.373-377). Through Iago’s “abuse of Othello’s ear” and “poison,” Othello begins to breakdown. The phrase “dangerous conceits are their natures poisons,” is closely related to Milton’s depiction of Adam and Eve. The serpent, in this story, fills Eve
Words have the power to change the lives of millions, people who take a stand speak for others and fight for what they want. Words have the power to provoke action, calm negative emotions and can inspire change as the following passages will elaborate that words have the power to change people. Events that go into history start with powerful speeches that persuade listeners to fight with them.
The power words are limitless. It does not matter in what language one speaks; persuasion is the key to manipulated people for good or bad. “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” Words are a weapon, and when one uses words carefully to persuade people, it can lead to chaos. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare portrays a universal theme in which friends and enemies turn to against each other, and a war stimulates out of lies and ambition for power. The usage of old and wise words to manipulated people lead to great revelry.
Shakespeare has carefully crafted the text to exhibit that magic does not rely wholly on an individual's ability, but has implied that one's possession or garment can have an impact on their magical credibility. In Act I scene II, a magical garment is plucked from Prospero, suggesting that Shakespeare is indicating that magic resides within clothing and objects rather than individuals. 'Pluck my magic garment from me'. This indicates greatly that Shakespeare has intentionally made it appear that magical elements lie within Prospero's garment and therefore without this piece of clothing, his magical powers would be non-existent or not as compelling. Prospero is incredibly experienced in the art of magic, though knowing that his cloak holds
Once a seed of suspicion or doubt is planted in a person’s mind, the noxious effect of jealousy is soon to ensue. Jealousy and suspicion are Othello’s flaws hubris throughout the play and foreshadow to the audience his imminent downfall. He believes what Iago tells him so strongly that he compromises his close relationship with his best friend and his love for his wife. Iago manipulates Othello through the use of extortion, literary techniques, and his keen judge of character. His syntax and diction are so simple yet so powerful because he uses the correct rhetorical questions and addresses Othello with respectful terms such as “my lord.” He allows Othello do most of the talking
George Orwell, the writer of many highly regarded literary works, is extremely interested in the power of language, mainly how it is abused. By analyzing two of his works, 1984 and Politics and The English Language, it is clear that Orwell is using his writing to bring awareness to the dangers of the manipulation, misuse, and decline of language. In 1984 he demonstrates how language can be used to control thought and manipulate the past. This is proven throughout the novel by examining the language of Newspeak and how it is key to controlling the totalitarian state, and how using language to alter and manipulate history can shape reality. In his essay Politics and the English Language Orwell
Iago plants ideas in Othello’s head, uses the innocent actions of others as his proof; and Othello, who is not practiced in worldly matters, believes his the misnomer of the “honest Iago”, and eventually is consumed by the lie.
Iago’s relationship with Othello becomes a power struggle where Iago attempts to degrade Desdemona in order to position himself so he can ‘poison’ Othello. Here Shakespeare is showing how powerful and manipulative Iago can be with his use of words, and how powerful they can be. This power struggles is exemplified