How effective is Act 1 as an introduction into the play? Consider characters, dramatic devices, language and setting - Othello

The first 200 words of this essay...

How effective is Act 1 as an introduction into the play? Consider characters, dramatic devices, language and setting.

Shakespeare begins Othello with Iago, the main character of the play conversing with Rogerigo, Iago's pawn in the plot against Othello. Here Shakespeare has immediately brought in the two characters that will bring about Othello's downfall. The next character on stage is Brabantio. The audience sees Brabantio's hatred for the "The Moor" which is a representation of Venice's hatred since Brabantio is a representative of powerful Venetian.

Iago mentions the wedding of Othello and Desdemona in the first three lines as well as the war, the fact that they are soldiers and "The great arithmetician" Cassio. Shakespeare uses this remark to portray Iago's sarcasm and his bitterness toward Cassio for being awarded a higher post.

The first mention of Othello's race is in line 33 highlighting its importance to the play. The use of "his Moorship" is mocking Othello but indicates his position in society, that of power. Shakespeare also uses "God bless" as one would in adoration but here hinting at sarcasm and bitterness on Iago's side showing he resents Othello's power and