LODOVICO

• "May be the letter moved him; For, as I think, they do command him home, Deputing Cassio in his government."

  Act 4 Scene 1
• Euphemism:

  • The phrase "May be the letter moved him" can be seen as a softening of the situation. Desdemona is referring to the letter as a reason for Cassio's behavior, implying that there might be an official or legitimate reason for him to return, avoiding the suggestion of anything inappropriate or scandalous.
• Foreshadowing:

  • The mention of "Deputing Cassio in his government" foreshadows the tension between Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona. This line subtly hints at the conflict that will intensify as Othello begins to suspect Desdemona's loyalty in relation to Cassio.
• "My lord, this would not be believed in venice, Though I should swear I saw't. 'Tis very much: Make her amends; she weeps."

  Act 4 Scene 1
• • Hyperbole:
  • Emilia uses hyperbole in the phrase "this would not be believed in Venice, Though I should swear I saw't." She exaggerates the idea that such a terrible accusation would be so unbelievable that even a sworn testimony would not make it credible.
• • Irony:
  • There is dramatic irony in the line, as Emilia is speaking the truth, but Othello has already been manipulated by Iago into believing falsehoods about Desdemona. The audience knows that Desdemona is innocent, which makes Emilia’s words ironic.
• Pathos:

  • The phrase "she weeps" evokes a sense of pathos, as Emilia is drawing attention to Desdemona’s sorrow, which underscores the cruelty of Othello's accusations and the tragic situation.
• "Is this the noble moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? This is the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue The shot of accident not dart of chance Could neither graze nor piece?"

  Act 4 Scene 1
• Juxtaposition:

  • Desdemona contrasts Othello's past character with his current state, showing the shift from "the noble moor" and "all in all sufficient" to the jealous, irrational man he has become. This contrast highlights the tragedy of Othello's downfall, which is caused by his susceptibility to Iago's manipulations.
• Rhetorical Question:

  • The line "Is this the noble moor whom our full Senate / Call all in all sufficient?" is a rhetorical question. Desdemona is questioning how the man she married, who was once seen as so noble and virtuous, could now be acting in such a harmful and irrational way.
• "I am sorry that I am deceived in him."

  Act 4 Scene 1
• • Irony:
  • The irony is that Lodovico, like many others, has been deceived by Iago’s false portrayal of Othello. He expresses sorrow over being deceived, unaware that the true deceiver is Iago himself, not Othello.
  • Pathos:
  • There is an emotional element in this line, as Lodovico’s sorrow reflects the broader tragedy unfolding in the play. His regret over Othello’s change conveys the sense of loss, not only for Desdemona but for Othello’s former noble character.