The predominant meter of William Shakespeare's Othello is iambic pentameter. This rhythmic structure is utilized for the majority of the play, giving the dialogue a natural yet elevated quality characteristic of Shakespearean tragedy.
Understanding Iambic Pentameter in Othello
Iambic pentameter is a poetic meter consisting of lines that are typically ten syllables long, made up of five "iambs." An iamb is a metrical foot composed of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (da-DUM). The term "pentameter" indicates that there are five such iambs per line.
Shakespeare famously employed blank verse—unrhymed iambic pentameter—throughout his plays, including Othello. This choice allows for a rhythm that closely mimics natural speech patterns while maintaining a certain formality and poetic structure.
The Structure of Iambic Pentameter
To break down the structure:
- Iamb (da-DUM): A two-syllable unit where the first syllable is unstressed and the second is stressed.
- Pentameter (PENTA- = five): Five iambs per line, totaling ten syllables.
Here's an illustrative example of an iambic pentameter line from Shakespeare (though not necessarily Othello), showing the unstressed (U) and stressed (/) syllables:
U / U / U / U / U /
Shall I com-PARE thee TO a SUM-mer's DAY?
This consistent rhythm helps to carry the narrative forward and often enhances the emotional impact of the characters' speeches.
Why Shakespeare Used Iambic Pentameter
Shakespeare's choice of iambic pentameter for much of Othello and his other plays was deliberate, serving several key purposes:
- Mimics Natural Speech: Despite its poetic structure, iambic pentameter closely resembles the natural rhythm of English conversation, making the dialogue feel more authentic and less rigid than other verse forms.
- Flexibility and Fluidity: As blank verse (unrhymed), it offers greater flexibility than rhyming verse, allowing for a more natural flow of dialogue and character interaction.
- Memorability: The inherent rhythm aids actors in memorizing lines and helps the audience follow the spoken word.
- Elevated Tone: It lends a sense of grandeur and seriousness to the dramatic exchanges, befitting the tragic themes and noble characters.
- Characterization: The use of verse can differentiate characters, with noble or articulate figures often speaking in verse, while others or moments of heightened emotion might shift to prose.
Variations in Othello's Meter
While iambic pentameter forms the backbone of Othello's language, Shakespeare was a master of varying his meter to achieve specific effects or to distinguish characters. Not every line adheres strictly to the iambic pentameter, and the play also features:
- Prose: Characters of lower status, or noble characters experiencing madness, manipulation, or moments of frank and unadorned speech, often speak in prose. For instance, Iago frequently shifts between verse and prose to underscore his manipulative nature or when speaking to himself in asides.
- Rhyming Couplets: Two consecutive lines that rhyme, often in iambic pentameter, are typically used to signal a character's exit, mark the end of a scene, or emphasize a key point or final thought.
- Broken Lines: Sometimes, a line of iambic pentameter is split between two or more characters, creating a dynamic exchange that still maintains the underlying rhythm.
These variations add texture and depth to the play's language, allowing Shakespeare to control the pace, emotion, and character dynamics.
| Meter Type | Characteristics | Common Usage in Othello & Shakespearean Plays |
|---|---|---|
| Iambic Pentameter | Five unstressed-stressed syllable pairs per line (10 syllables), unrhymed | Noble characters, dramatic speeches, philosophical reflections, driving the main plot |
| Prose | Unstructured, everyday speech, no set rhythm or rhyme | Lower social status characters, comic relief, madness, private thoughts, manipulation |
| Rhyming Couplets | Two consecutive lines that rhyme, often in iambic pentameter | Scene endings, character exits/entrances, prophecies, expressing strong emphasis |
Understanding the rhythmic undercurrents of iambic pentameter, along with its strategic variations, unlocks a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of language that Shakespeare weaves in Othello.
