OTHELLO
Key scenes
ACT 1.2
In this scene, Othello and Iago are together for the first time. It is
important because Othello’s attitude and tone suggests to the audience
that he’s an honourable man, contrasting with the negative image Iago
has created of him and introduced him by in Act 1.1.
This scene explores the theme of masculine honour by both Othello’s and
Iago’s speeches. The theme of love and marriage is also explored.
This is a quiet and calm exchange, but it exposes Iago’s manipulative
mindset and his methods. He is already deceiving Othello and being
truthful to his words in Act 1.1.
Within all of Iago’s speeches there is irony. The audience knows he is
telling lies to benefit him. Othello’s poetic description of marriage to
Desdemona, contrasts with Iago’s blunt speaking style.
ACT 1.3
at this point, Rodrigo is persuaded to follow Othello and Desdemona to
Cyprus. Iago outlines his evil motives and plans. This is important because
it shows how Iago’s methods of manipulation influence Rodrigo, who, as a
character, is used and exploited. This scene also shows Iago’s contempt
for others and gain insight into his motives.
This explores the theme of deception, evil and jealousy which are themes
always associated with Iago throughout the play. Another theme explored
is the difference between appearance and reality
When Rodrigo is on the stage, the mood is energetic as Iago rallies him.
However, when Iago is on stage alone, the mood becomes darker. This
shows the dramatic impact these characters have.
This scene shows Iago’s facility with words; insults, rhetorical questions,
similes, exclamations and images of evil are used. The personal pronouns
in his soliloquy show egotism.
ACT 2.3
In this scene, Cassio is in disgrace after being drunk. Iago comforts Cassio
and advises him. This is important because it’s a turning point for Iago.
When Cassio leaves, the audience knows Iago’s plans are working. Cassio
is led to trust Iago’s judgement which is progress of Iago’s plans.
Key scenes
ACT 1.2
In this scene, Othello and Iago are together for the first time. It is
important because Othello’s attitude and tone suggests to the audience
that he’s an honourable man, contrasting with the negative image Iago
has created of him and introduced him by in Act 1.1.
This scene explores the theme of masculine honour by both Othello’s and
Iago’s speeches. The theme of love and marriage is also explored.
This is a quiet and calm exchange, but it exposes Iago’s manipulative
mindset and his methods. He is already deceiving Othello and being
truthful to his words in Act 1.1.
Within all of Iago’s speeches there is irony. The audience knows he is
telling lies to benefit him. Othello’s poetic description of marriage to
Desdemona, contrasts with Iago’s blunt speaking style.
ACT 1.3
at this point, Rodrigo is persuaded to follow Othello and Desdemona to
Cyprus. Iago outlines his evil motives and plans. This is important because
it shows how Iago’s methods of manipulation influence Rodrigo, who, as a
character, is used and exploited. This scene also shows Iago’s contempt
for others and gain insight into his motives.
This explores the theme of deception, evil and jealousy which are themes
always associated with Iago throughout the play. Another theme explored
is the difference between appearance and reality
When Rodrigo is on the stage, the mood is energetic as Iago rallies him.
However, when Iago is on stage alone, the mood becomes darker. This
shows the dramatic impact these characters have.
This scene shows Iago’s facility with words; insults, rhetorical questions,
similes, exclamations and images of evil are used. The personal pronouns
in his soliloquy show egotism.
ACT 2.3
In this scene, Cassio is in disgrace after being drunk. Iago comforts Cassio
and advises him. This is important because it’s a turning point for Iago.
When Cassio leaves, the audience knows Iago’s plans are working. Cassio
is led to trust Iago’s judgement which is progress of Iago’s plans.
