Othello is full of literary devices that add to the tragedy of the story. These devices include foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism. Each device is used to create a different effect on the reader.
Foreshadowing is used to hint at the events that will occur later in the story. It can be found throughout Othello in scenes involving Desdemona and Brabantio or when Iago tells Roderigo about his plan to make Cassio drunk and have him fired from his job as lieutenant.
Irony is used to create a sense of suspense or to make a point about a character. Iago uses it often when he says things like “I hope my wife had not given him any cause”. This creates suspense for the reader because they don’t know what he’s talking about yet but they know that it must have something to do with Desdemona because he says this right after saying how beautiful she is so she must have done something wrong if she had given him cause (or reason) for jealousy.
Symbols are used throughout Othello as well; they represent ideas or concepts in the story (such as Venice). This symbolizes how Venice has been corrupted by greed and lust just like Othello has been corrupted.
