What techniques does Shakespeare use, in order to involve the audience in the plot of the play and g

Authors Avatar

Jessica Wheelhouse

What techniques does Shakespeare use, in order to involve the audience in the plot of the play and give insight into Iago’s character, during act 1 scene 1 of ‘Othello’?

        In the first act of Othello Shakespeare uses a lot of dramatic techniques. He does this to make the audience feel involved in the plot. It is a long act but it gives the audience an insight to Iago’s character and it serves to create tension, this has an affect on the rest of the play. Shakespeare kicks off the play         in the first scene with an argument between Iago and Roderigo, he uses this technique to get the audience’s attention and make them feel involved straight away.

        The first scene is set at night to create atmosphere, tension and to generate the idea that things are hidden in the darkness. In Elizabethan theatre there was no electricity lighting and no stage curtain so it was essential that the playwright made the opening dramatic to signal the start of the performance and to silence the audience. This is why William Shakespeare achieves this, by starting with an argument so that the audience are focused immediately.

Join now!

        Iago and Roderigo are arguing because Iago has stole money from Roderigo, ‘That thou, who hast had my purse’ and Iago was given the money to get Desdemona to fancy Roderigo. Shakespeare includes this to show unrest tension, it makes the atmosphere feel like there’s going to be arguments later on.

        In the opening, Shakespeare gives us a huge insight on Iago’s character. He hates Othello because he gave Cassio the job as a lieutenant and didn’t deserve it. Iago is much more experienced in battle unlike Cassio ‘That never set a squadron in the field’ this shows Cassio ...

This is a preview of the whole essay