Dramatic Tension in Act 4 Scene 3 of William Shakespeare's Othello

Dramatic Tension in Act 4 Scene 3 of William Shakespeare's Othello

Shakespeare employs the use of dramatic devices to signify the

approaching climax of the play throughout “Othello”. With Act 4,

scene 3 being the final scene to involve Desdemona before her murder,

the use of such dramatic devices is prevalent in order to create

tension.

The scene begins with tension, as Lodovico promptly attempts to escape

Othello’s company (pg 152, line 245). This behaviour can be attributed

towards his disgusted reaction at having recently seen Othello’s

public humiliation of Desdemona. Lodovico bids Desdemona goodnight

with graciousness and reverence. Subsequent to the event that Lodovico

has just witnessed, his behaviour appears to be a deliberate defiance

of Othello’s wishes, and thus creates dramatic tension. Further

dramatic tension is created in Lodovico’s polite address towards

Desdemona being contrasted with Othello’s domineering commands (pg153,

lines1-10). Dramatic tension is also conveyed through

characterisation; in Othello’s embodiment of the attitude of a

typically patriarchal man, and Desdemona’s obedient tolerance.

Evidently, Othello takes pleasure in publicly victimising Desdemona,

who has in turn come to fear Othello. These behaviours allude towards

tension due to their dissimilarity to the accustomed conduct of

Othello and Desdemona. Desdemona’s growing fear of Othello is evident

in the precautions she takes to avoid his anger. Desdemona places the

importance of Othello’s commands above her need to confide in Emilia,

as presented in her imposing Emilia’s ordered dismissal.

Shakespeare applies foreshadowing throughout the...

... middle of paper ...

...sfully incorporates dramatic tension in

“Othello” act 4, scene 3, the presence of which remains constant

throughout the play with continuous references to themes,

characterization, foreshadowing and contrasts. This dramatic tension

surfaces during the very beginning of the scene and remains, although

only subtly detected, until the end. Shakespeare successfully reaches

various peaks of dramatic tension through different parts of the

scene, which prevents the level of dramatic tension from dissipating

and thus maintains the build up. The main source of dramatic tension

is patently the foretelling of Desdemona’s fate; a theme which one

would expect to be so prevalent in the final scenes of the play.

Shakespeare is also successful in achieving dramatic tension through

methods such as length and style of speech and irony.