Tuesday, February 12, 2013

More foreshadowing!!!

Yet again, I have found another example of foreshadowing.  In Act IV of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare, the death of Desdemona is foreshadowed in many ways.  First, Iago and Othello discuss how Othello should kill Desdemona.  Othello thinks of all kinds of cruel ways to kill her in his hatred, but Iago urges him to instead strangle her in bed.  This bed is referred to later in act IV.  Emilia is talking to Desdemona who says "If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me / In one of those same sheets (IV. ii. 22-23)."  This makes sense, as we know Othello is planning to strangle Desdemona in their bed.  I think this line foreshadows that Othello will indeed kill Desdemona, and she might be buried in those bedsheets, just as she requested.  This quote might also imply that Emilia will not die.  Perhaps Emilia will not die.  Maybe she will kill her evil husband?  Only Act V can tell.

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