The Power of Language in OthelloIn Othello, Shakespeare explores the relationship between words and events. The spoken thought, in the play, has all the power of action; talking about an event will make that event a reality for those who hear it - it will affect reality as if that event had happened. Shakespeare poignantly demonstrates the power of words 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 committing acts that Iago and his own words prophesied and initiated. Othello's monologues further demonstrate that even knowledge of the power of words cannot protect characters from the consequences that words demand. Speaking of an event is a prophecy in Othello, but it is more than just an objective prediction of the future. become the all-powerful initiators of action, once pronounced, they cannot be thwarted, they alone determine the course of the future. Othello's soliloquy before murdering Desdemona is an excellent passage for studying Shakespeare's thesis about how words relate to action. the light, then turn the light off! 8 If I extinguish you, you flaming minister, 9 I can restore your ancient light again 10 if I repent. But once thy light is extinguished, 11 Thou, cunning model of an excellent nature, 12 I know not where is this Promethean warmth 13 Who can revive thy ancient light: when I have plucked the 14 rose, 15 I cannot him restore vital growth, 16 She needs must wither away. Ö(Othello, 5.2.7-...... middle of paper ......d the fate of others. Shakespeare's language in all of his writings is incredibly powerful, but in Othello he makes a statement about the powerful impact that speech has on reality It is a message of responsibility and warning, Othello is a tragedy of powerful words spoken without reason Works cited and consulted Campbell, Lily B. Shakespeare's Tragic Heroes New York: Barnes. and Noble, Inc., 1970. Di Yanni, Robert. “Character Revealed Through Dialogue.” Readings on Tragedies Ed. Clarice Swisher: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Literature N. p.: Random House, 1986. William Shakespeare: Othello New York: Penguin Books, 1968. Shakespeare, William Othello in Electric Princeton University No line number..