The Role of the Opening Act of William Shakespeare's Othello

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The Role of the Opening Act of William Shakespeare's Othello

The play Othello portrays the story of the protagonist Othello (The

Moor) and his loved one- Desdemona- and his struggles to overcome a

racist society in 17th century Venice. In the meantime Iago, one of

Othello’s closest friends’ plots revenge on him, as Othello passed him

over for an important position in the army and gave it to Cassio, an

outsider from Florence.

The outcome of the play reveals that Iago’s plan has been successful-

Desdemona is murdered by Othello in a spate of jealousy and anger,

caused by Iago’s cunning machinations. Othello soon realizes his

mistake and damns himself by committing suicide. While Iago is found

out and taken away to be tortured, the audience still realizes that

his plot has succeeded- he took over the military position and took

revenge on both Cassio and Othello.

The opening act provides the audience with clues which hint at the

outcome of Othello. Act one establishes Othello’s and Iago’s

characters, and how they are diametrically opposed. It establishes the

prejudice faced by Othello as a black man in a white society,

Desdemona’s loyalty to him as his wife, the setting of conflict and

war, the themes of jealousy, betrayal and pride and the insecurity

which Othello has in himself. In short, act one contains the essence

of the play.

Act one, Scene one establishes Iago’s character and his motives.

Indeed, the first word the audience hears from Iago is blasphemous;

“Sblood, but you will not hear me”, and later we hear “And I, God

bless the mark, his moorship’s ancient”

Iago is immediately established as the antagonist of th...

... middle of paper ...

... speaks in such a way- and its rhyme

implies its perfection. The audience, at the end of act one will

without a doubt realize that Iago’s plan will work.

It is thus possible to see that act one provides a plethora of hints

and visions for the end of the play- it shows us how Iago could

possibly exact his revenge on Othello and how others are fooled by

him, as well as the end result.

Probably the most important factor in act one which decides on the

ending of the play is the establishment of Othello’s and Iago’s

contrasting personalities. Shakespeare establishes a definite good

side and an evil side with a definite split between the two. Thus, it

encourages the notion of a final battle in the end of the play. The

audience will expect one of the sides to win- and indeed Iago, the

antagonist prevails over Othello.

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