Question: 

“Different techniques may be used to heighten the impacts of moments of crisis in texts” 

Discuss the technique(s) used to heighten the impact of at least one of the moments of crisis in one of the texts you have studied for your comparative course. Support your answer with reference to the text.” 

                                                                                            --(30 marks) 2016 paper 2, question 2 Literary Genre 

Answer: 

As part of my comparative course I studied, Shakespeare’s; Othello and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Both texts deal with moments of crisis but they are heightened in different styles. 

In the brutal killing of Desdemona, Othello’s language becomes violent and harsh. Othello is so caught up in his own irrational thoughts, that have been planted by Iago, to see Desdemona for who she is. A kind a loyal wife. Shakespeare uses words like; “cruel”, “devil”, “sacrifice” and “bloody passion”. This gothic language and frightful tone heightens the impact of the crisis because an eerie atmosphere has been created. 
    This is in stark contrast to Brontë’s description of death. Although Cathy’s death has a horrific build up, to the point where she doesn’t even recognize her own reflection, her exact moment of passing is peaceful and tranquil. Using words like; “mellow”, “smooth”, “divine rest” and “happy” make it seem like a lullaby. Death brings brief moments of calm to Wuthering Heights. This moment of crisis is heightened by an odd feeling of calm, as if something must be up. 
    Language is used in both texts to create an atmosphere where a moment of crisis intensifies. 

 

Imagery can also be used to heighten moments of crisis. In Othello, Desdemona is compared/linked strongly to the light. This connection allows the readers to find deeper meanings in Shakespeare’s words. Othello says, “Put out the light” and so without having to directly say it we know that he is referring to killing Desdemona. The light imagery firstly gives happiness and life to the text, and then in Cyprus it is twisted, the lines between lightness and darkness become faint and now the light is unbearable. This imagery adds to this moment of crisis because of its ambiguous meaning. 
    Similarly, Brontë uses imagery to reflect a character's feelings. It is important to remember that Brontë is a poet and so the text is layered with imagery and double meanings. In Cathy’s final moments she is described as wanting fresh air. Saying “Open the window” repeatedly. Cathy feels trapped in her marriage and craves freedom. Later, Mr. Linton is described as “opening the gate himself”, which may seem like a simple passing comment. However, because of the efforts of layering of imagery it can’t go unnoticed. She is a woman suffering greatly from oppression and he is a man who thinks nothing of it. This outstanding use of imagery heightens the impact of this moment of crisis because the reader gets an overwhelming sense of pity for Cathy, but we know her fate. 
    Shakespeare’s and Brontë’s use of imagery both add another dimension to their texts. It forces us as the reader to look between the lines and uncover more information every time. The impact of the moments of crisis in both texts and heightened by this imagery, as it allows us to understand the characters in an unbiased way. 

 

Short sentences and exclamation marks add drama and a sense of urgency to these texts. 
In Othello the short sentences show just how quickly this is all unfolding. It adds drama to the text because of its fast pace, and the exclamation marks are used to show the anger of all characters (particularly Othello). Iago’s constant devil references show his evil character. This means that when Othello’s language changes we can see that Iago has gotten into his head and planted seeds of doubt.  
   Similarly, in Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff’s fiery character is reminded to us constantly throughout the text. Almost every sentence he says is followed with an exclamation mark and littered with words of an evil nature. “May she wake in torment!”, “She’s a liar to the end!”. His abrupt tone is a true reflection of the horrors of living in Wuthering Heights.This heightens every moment of crisis because there is never a moment of peace. 
    The structure of a texts adds to moments of crisis because it indicates the pace and the generally mood. 

 

Animalistic imagery is scattered throughout both of these texts in very similar manners. 
    Othello is described as a “Black ram”, once again drawing attention to his skin tone. The animalistic imagery is also degrading, Iago often refers to woman as “creatures” and Othello and Cassio to “dogs”. 
    Whereas in Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is referred to as a “wolf” and having “sharp teeth”. This adds a frightening almost gothic atmosphere as the characters have become unpredictable and strong. 
    This heightens the impact of moments of crisis in both texts as the constant derogatory terms, and the hunger nature of the animals leaves us wondering when they will strike and fight back. We are always on the edge of our seats.