The First Act of Othello by William Shakespeare

The First Act of Othello by William Shakespeare

Most of Shakespeare's tragedies consist of one of the characters in

the play seeking revenge to right a wrong, many are seen to be

achieving vengeance , this can often includes one character using

wicked or brutal behaviour against another. This character may be seen

as troubled or may just be the show of a bitter character who is

revengeful of another . Shakespeare tries to portray his evil

character speaking of God and being blasphemous. Shakespeare also

tries to use religion to describe and illustrate how the plot works

and to show a more philosophical side to it. In many of the plays

behaviour of a wicked kind is used to show desire for a possession or

power. In many cases this is an object of great importance or status

among the characters of the play. Many plays show a woman fighting for

control over her own life and often caught in a secret love affair,

often looked upon as a negative issue or a forbidden aspect.

In 'Othello' many of these ideas are used to show how the play is a

tragedy. The play also uses racism and negative terms towards women

and others, this is also showing acts which involve tragedy as it

hurts and upsets many of the characters. In act 1 of Othello Iago and

Roderigo are shown to be plotting against Othello and Desdemona,

Iago has been paid by Roderigo to separate Othello from Desdemona.

(A1S1L2) "…thou, Iago, who hast my purse"

However this is not made instantly clear, the start of the play is

very confusing. This captures the audience's attention as now they

need the answers, which are shown as the act continues..

(A1S1L97) "My daughter is not for thee"

Roderigo finds out of Othello and Desdemona's secret love affair and

is bitter as he himself wanted Desdemona to become his wife. Roderigo

then hires Iago (a villain) to separate Desdemona and Othello, at the

same time Iago wants to seek revenge upon Othello as he was denied the