William Shakespeare's Othello

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William Shakespeare's Othello Every scene in a play has some dramatic significance otherwise the

author wouldn't have included it. However, certain scenes have a

greater significance than others. In this instance, Act 3, Scene 3 is

fairly pivotal.

We can quite easily split this chapter into several separate "pivot"

points, each essential individually, and collectively. I am going to

look at each of these points.

In this scene, Iago successfully manages to convince Othello that both

his wife and best friend have betrayed him.

If we jump to the end of the scene, we can see how successful Iago was

as at the end of the scene Othello is determined to take revenge, on

his lover and right hand man as it were. This is brought about by

Iago's intricate planning and manipulation that is at a Climax in this

scene. This climax marks the 'point of no return'. The point, at which

the tragic outcomes of the play have been set in stone and the

following chain of events cannot be avoided. Going back to the front

of the scene, we observe a clever use of dramatic irony. It is

significant that this scene opens with a conversation between

Desdemona and Cassio. This conversation, despite Iago's views, is

based purely out of respect. Desdemona and Casio's relationship is

defined purely by their mutual love of Othello. The cheerful optimism

shown by Desdemona is soon to be darkened by Iago's scheming. The

important part comes when Desdemona vows to pursue Cassio's cause

relentlessly as Cassio is desperate to return to Othello's service.

This happens just like Iago predicted and ...

... middle of paper ...

...vengeance", hatred, revenge and

"blood".

The scene ends with Iago pledging his undying and absolute loyalty to

the general by accepting that in order to avenge "wrong'd Othello" he

will perform "what bloody work so ever". Othello asks Iago to bring

about the death of Cassio and says that he will dispose of Desdemona.

Iago's triumph seems complete as Othello promotes his ensign to the

rank of lieutenant. The scene ends with Iago dutifully, (or rather for

us ironically) pledging his loyalty for ever.

Act 3, Scene 3 is one of the most dramatically significant scenes in

the play. It shows us how Iago's plan is now moving with the momentum

of a freight train. Othello now trust Iago totally, evident by his

subsequent promotion and distrust Desdemona to an extent where he will

kill her for her apparent wrong doings.

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