Othello By William Shakespeare - What is the dramatic significants of the first scene?

Othello By William Shakespeare

Essay by Alexandra Salters C1KNG

Q. What is the dramatic significants of the first scene?

A. During his reign as literature king Shakespeare wrote the play Othello. The play is based mainly on the conflict between Italy and Cyprus in the early 1600’s; Shakespeares characters also reflect this troubled time.

Act one Scene gives the reader their first glimpse as to what the play might represent. The scene starts in the middle of an argument between Iago and Rodergio somewhere in Venice. They are arguing about Othello marriage to Desdemona (the daughter of Brabantio a important Venetian senator.) Roderigo questions Iago about his lack of knowledge surrounding this event. From the language used we know that Iago has taken money from Rodreigo to keep track on Desdemona as Roderigo is secretly in love with her. Iago has failed by not knowing about Othellos secret wedding to Desdemona.

“That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse as if the strings were thine shouldst know of this.”

The fact that this scene begins mid way through an argument is very significant as this would of grabbed an audiences attention in the early 1600’s as there were no microphone and no proper way of showing the audience that the play has begun. In starting this way the play has interested the audience and left them with the question, what is this argument about?

Iago is what was known as during the time of Elizabethan theatre a Machiavliel villain. This means the audiences know this character is untrustworthy; he is only really out for himself. Iago wants Power and money. Through out this scene money terminology is used to a great affect. This shows that money and status was very important at this time.

“By debitor and creditor; this counter caster, he, in good time, must be a lieuitenant be,”

Iago is a very bitter man he wants to take his own revenge upon Othello even if this means Othello will truly ...

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“By debitor and creditor; this counter caster, he, in good time, must be a lieuitenant be,”

Iago is a very bitter man he wants to take his own revenge upon Othello even if this means Othello will truly suffer the consequences as he was not given the top job, which he believes he deserves. However Othello gave the job to Michael Cassio who we not yet been introduced too. Iago makes cruel comments about Michael Cassio stating he is all talk and no action on the battlefield this is highly insulting. Iago is also very cruel when talking with Roderigo about Othello he is very racist and patronizing Othellos name is never used throughout this scene he is referred to as “The Moor.” I believe this to be very rude and pure jealousy on Iagos part. However this does not really matter at this moment as Othello is highly regarded within this society.

Within this scene Iago clearly shows he is not someone to be trusted. He is very ironic with that the fact that he shows Roderigo and the audience he is who he is and no one can change that about him. At this point the audience sense the Irony of this particular line. He is admitting he cannot be trusted.

“I am not what I am”

Iago decides that one of the ways in which to seek his revenge upon Othello is by telling Brabantio (Desdemonas father) about her secret wedding to Othello. However Iago is very cunning as he talks Roderigo into calling upon Desdemona father and telling him the truth, as obviously he doesn’t want this crime to be traced back to him this plan makes perfect sense.

“Call up her father, Rouse him, make him after his poison his delight.”

Brabantio then enters this scene he asks about what is all the noise about as this scene takes place in the middle of the night. Brabantio is obviously worried as Iago calls out and say thieves are at Brabantios this creates a lot of fuss. Iago tells him that someone close is plotting against him (Othello) and that he should be more aware. Iago wants to be seen as a hero. Roderigo then takes the lead, as Iago does not want to get into trouble as he has still got to go back to Othello. Roderigo breaks the news to Brabantio. The language here shows that Roderigo is trying to break this news gently but the truth is he does not care about the consequences.

“The worser welcome, I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors; in honest plainness thou hast heard me say etc

Upon malicious bravery dost thou come to start my quiet.”

Branbantio cannot believe what he is hearing he is in shock as he regards Othello highly. This clearly shows Othello has a very high status. Roderigo swears it is true and Iago backs this up showing his character to be a liar. Brabantio is forced to believe them making him insanely jealous and totally nieve. Iago then explains that Desdemonas happiness is important to him; once again Iago seems like our unlikely hero. Brabantio decides that he must go and find Othello to confront him.

At the end of this Roderigo and Iago are once again left alone this is very significant to the scene as it shows that this scene had begun and ended in a very similar way. Roderigo finally reminds Iago of their deal the only thing they want is revenge on Othello. They strongly believe he deserves it, however as an audience we cannot make this judgement, as we have never met him. The only thing we as an audience can go off if what other characters have said about him. We believe Othello to be noble and brave not cunning and kneiving. Iago finally leaves to go back to Othello. This shows Iago is a plotter by going between these two characters, we do not know where his loyalty lies.

Finally Brabantio returns and goes to find Othello he is angry and upset. Roderigo decides to go and find Othello too. This scene ends on a semi tense cliffhanger. This scene leaves the audience wondering what may lie ahead. The dramatic significants within this scene shows dramatic irony mainly focusing on Iago. This villain needs to be stopped, but how? Is the question still to be answered.