Othello Key Scene Essay
Othello Essay on Act 3 Scene 3
One of the most important scenes in Shakespeare’s play, ‘Othello’, is Act 3 Scene 3. During this scene, the protagonist, Othello is influenced by Iago to become suspicious of his wife Desdemona’s involvement with Cassio, after she begs her husband to restore Cassio as his lieutenant since he was recently fired. Cleverly, Iago uses Desdemona’s pleas in a mission to destroy Othello, persuading him of her infidelity and vowing that he will help him to get revenge and punish both Desdemona and Cassio. This scene provides a turning point in the play, as it displays Iago’s manipulation of Othello to gain control over him, and Othello’s first doubts in his wife, which by the end of the scene, lead to him becoming completely convinced that she’s unfaithful.
Iago’s first words in the scene are already aimed to influence Othello:
‘Ha! I like not that.’
As Cassio departs, Iago makes this comment, as it is apparent that Cassio is leaving to avoid speaking with Othello. Therefore, Iago makes this comment in Othello’s presence, in an attempt to bring Cassio’s swift exit to Othello’s attention and make Cassio appear guilty, although he hasn‘t yet mentioned why he would be guilty. Desdemona tries to bring Cassio up in conversation:
‘I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man who languishes in your displeasure.’
Desdemona refers to Cassio here as a ‘suitor’, though she only means that he would like to win back his former job, and therefore stands as a candidate for the opening Othello currently has as his lieutenant. However, it could be interpreted as someone who is asking for her hand in marriage, and this double meaning is important as it is ironic since Iago is going to convince Othello that she and Cassio are having an affair.
As Desdemona tries to speak to Othello, he fails to show much interest: ‘The sooner, sweet, for you… No, not tonight.’
She is trying to arrange a meeting with Othello to discuss Cassio,
One of the most important scenes in Shakespeare’s play, ‘Othello’, is Act 3 Scene 3. During this scene, the protagonist, Othello is influenced by Iago to become suspicious of his wife Desdemona’s involvement with Cassio, after she begs her husband to restore Cassio as his lieutenant since he was recently fired. Cleverly, Iago uses Desdemona’s pleas in a mission to destroy Othello, persuading him of her infidelity and vowing that he will help him to get revenge and punish both Desdemona and Cassio. This scene provides a turning point in the play, as it displays Iago’s manipulation of Othello to gain control over him, and Othello’s first doubts in his wife, which by the end of the scene, lead to him becoming completely convinced that she’s unfaithful.
Iago’s first words in the scene are already aimed to influence Othello:
‘Ha! I like not that.’
As Cassio departs, Iago makes this comment, as it is apparent that Cassio is leaving to avoid speaking with Othello. Therefore, Iago makes this comment in Othello’s presence, in an attempt to bring Cassio’s swift exit to Othello’s attention and make Cassio appear guilty, although he hasn‘t yet mentioned why he would be guilty. Desdemona tries to bring Cassio up in conversation:
‘I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man who languishes in your displeasure.’
Desdemona refers to Cassio here as a ‘suitor’, though she only means that he would like to win back his former job, and therefore stands as a candidate for the opening Othello currently has as his lieutenant. However, it could be interpreted as someone who is asking for her hand in marriage, and this double meaning is important as it is ironic since Iago is going to convince Othello that she and Cassio are having an affair.
As Desdemona tries to speak to Othello, he fails to show much interest: ‘The sooner, sweet, for you… No, not tonight.’
She is trying to arrange a meeting with Othello to discuss Cassio,