Shakespeare's Techniques in Othello

Shakespeare's Techniques in 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.

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 hasn’t ever properly been into battle, not like Iago who

has. Iago was promised the job next ‘In personal suit to make me his

lieutenant’ this proves Iago is angry and wanted the promotion more.

Iago is not a typical villain because he has motives for his revenge.

Iago then calls Othello the ‘moor’ he says this in effect that he is

racist because ‘moor’ means complexion and Othello is black.