Othello - Act 4

"Othello"

By: William Shakespeare

"If that the earth could team with a woman's tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile (IV.i.229-230)." This allusion, a reference common among Shakespeare's writings and prevalent throughout historic anecdotes, establishes a deep imagery and meaning.  According to the myth, alligators cry when eating their pray. This, however, has been proven wrong as alligators lack the ability to cry. In connection to Shakespeare's reference, Othello is begging Desdemona not to shed tears as she eats her pray, or, breaks Othello's heart. Othello sees Desdemona's tears as fake and insensitive just as an alligator's are fake and nonexistent  Yet, her tears are true and meaningful. Thus, the allusion to a crocodile's tears becomes ironic in that all though crocodiles can not shed tears, Desdemona sheds those representing her heart. She sheds her sadness as her marital relationship falls apart from missing trust and lack of  understanding. She sheds her forgiveness as she does not blame her husband, but accepts his accusations knowing they are false. Through the use of the allusion to crocodile tears, Shakespeare establishes meaning of greater depth and value throughout his works. As a common reference thus appearing in "Henry VI" and "Antony and Cleopatra", crocodile tears come to show true character in his masterpieces and works.