How do the events of Act 3 Scene 3 prepare an audience for what happens in the remainder of the play.

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Farah Muman 12L        English Coursework        Miss Butt

How do the events of Act 3 Scene 3 prepare an audience for what happens in the remainder of the play.

Shakespeare’s “Othello” (1600-1605) a tragic story based upon love, hate, jealousy and revenge tells us of the ill-fated downfall of Othello, a high ranking army officer who loses everything dear to him including his own life, due to the evil plans plotted against him by his close ‘friend’, Iago.

All through the beginning of the play up to Act 3 Scene 3 audiences would see Othello as a sincere, self confident, just and noble man. The first two acts of the play show the audience the positive sides of his personality. His ability to command power and inspire confidence within the people around him, his softer more sensitive side and ability to stay humble and neutral to everyone.  

“My services which I have done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints… I fetch my life and being from men of royal siege, and my demerits may speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune as this that I have reached…” Act 1 Scene 2, lines 21-24.

Iago is here telling Othello that the Senator of Venice is unhappy with him marrying Desdemona his daughter and wants to see him immediately.  Othello doesn’t fear he may lose his newly found love, he is confident within himself and has faith in himself and in his love for Desdemona. Audiences would pick up on his confidence and self respect in this scene. Othello is nobly spoken, respectful and true to himself, his humble nature comes across in Act 1 Scene 3.

“…And little of this great world can I speak…Yet by your gracious patience I will round unvarnished tale deliver…” Act 1, Scene 3, lines 86-90. Here he is about to explain to everyone present in the council chamber how he and Desdemona fell in love. The quote suggests his sincerity and that he speaks truthfully and is genuine.

Shakespeare developed a seemingly well-rounded character, Othello presents himself as a great man who none would expect fall into such a tragic trap. Aswel as his status and leadership qualities Othello is a man who loves above anything else. The audience are introduced to Othello’s loving characteristics particularly in Act 2 Scene 1 where he returns to Cyprus after defeating the Turks and greets Desdemona warmly.

“To see you here before me, O, my soul’s joy…If it were now to die, ‘twere now to be most happy; for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that no other comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate.” Act 2, Scene 1, lines 176-185.  Othello speaks with much passion and is not ashamed to speak in such a way in front of people. However, the audience, at this point are not inclined to realise that even out of its goodness, his loving ways are his weakest flaws and will be taken advantage of later on in the play.  Othello cherishes his followers and close friends and yet is able to strike a perfect balance between personal and professional decisions. He is not swayed by his own emotions when it comes to his job and honour. We see this in Act 2, Scene 3 where Iago has cunningly persuaded Cassio to drink one more glass of wine, but in the knowledge that drink does not agree with him. The consequences are diar for poor Montano who is injured badly by Cassio. Othello proves himself an excellent commander and human being here.

“Cassio, I love thee, but never more be officer of mine.” Act 2, Scene 3, lines 229-230.

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Othello makes a wise decision on the grounds of his role in society rather then his friendship with Cassio. The audience are made more aware of his excellent leadership.

As with all of Shakespeare’s great tragedy’s, alongside the tragic hero himself an equally powerful villain must live his life. ‘Honest’ Iago, Othello’s supposed, devoted loyal friend is one of the most complex characters in the play. Smart and cunning Iago is able to poison many a good mind with his careful plotting and hidden manipulative qualities. Iago’s ability to take advantage of other peoples weaknesses and his excellent judge ...

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