Act 3 scene 3 of William Shakespeare's Othello

Act 3 scene 3 of William Shakespeare's Othello

I have been studying the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare.

As part of my coursework, I intend to analyze Act 3 scene 3 of the

play as a pivotal scene. This lengthy scene is the most significant

throughout the play, as it builds on previous events, and foreshadows

events still to come.

The leading characters within this spectacular and well written play

are Othello: who is also known as “the Moor”, a black African prince

living in a European, colour-prejudiced society, who is lead by Iago

into thinking that his wife is unfaithful to him. Desdemona: Othello’s

white Venetian devoted wife, however due to a cunning Iago, is

suspected of infidelity and killed by her husband. Iago: Othello’s

ensign (standard bearer), who deviously plants suspicion in Othello’s

mind against his faithful wife. Cassio: Othello’s lieutenant, who is

also manipulated by Iago, who wished for the position of “the Moor’s”

lieutenant. Emilia: Desdemona’s maid and Iago’s wife, who is loyal to

both her mistress and husband, however she is also killed due to her

loyalty to her husband. Roderigo: A Venetian, who is also in love with

Desdemona, but is systematically cheated by Iago, and Brabantio:

Desdemona’s father, who is outraged when he hears of his daughter’s

marriage to a black man.

We first come across Act 3 scene 3 building on previous events when

Desdemona reconciles Cassio and assures him that she will do

everything she can to make her husband reinstate him to his former

position as Othello’s lieutenant.

“Be thou assur’d, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities in thy

behalf.”

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..., which he lost due to his

insecurities, and manipulation by the deceitful Iago.

In conclusion the fact that so much significant and crucial parts take

place in Act 3 scene 3 proves that it is very important to the rest of

the play, as it really starts to develop the plot and themes we have

seen growing throughout earlier scenes. This is the scene when we see

Iago has successfully manipulated Othello into believing that

Desdemona has not been faithful to him, this is very significant to

the rest of the play as it affects everything Othello feels and says

from this point onwards. Act 3 scene 3 is also the longest scene

throughout the whole play, which shows its importance as so much

develops and evolves around this one scene. It is also a very

important scene as we see such a drastic change in Othello’s

character.