Act 3 scene 3 is a Pivotal Scene In The Play Othello Essay

I pitch been studying the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare. As part of my coursework, I intend to fail spell 3 stab 3 of the play as a pivotal shaft. This lengthy facial expression is the ab divulge 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 besides known as the Moor, a sorry African prince living in a European, colour-prejudiced society, who is lead by Iago into thinking that his wife is unfaithful to him. Desdemona Othellos white Venetian devoted wife, only ascribable to a tricksy Iago, is suspected of infidelity and killed by her keep up. Iago Othellos ensign (standard bearer), who deviously plants suspicion in Othellos mind against his faithful wife. Cassio Othellos lieutenant, who is as well as manipulated by Iago, who wished for the position of the Moors lieutenant. Emilia Desdemonas maid and Iagos wife, who is loyal to both her mistress and conserve, however she is too killed receivable to her consignment to her economise. Roderigo A Venetian, who is also in get along with Desdemona, but is systematic in ally cheated by Iago, and Brabantio Desdemonas father, who is outraged when he hears of his daughters trades union to a erosive man.We first come across answer 3 scene 3 building on previous events when Desdemona reconciles Cassio and assures him that she volition do everything she can to make her husband reinstate him to his former position as Othellos lieutenant.Be molar concentration assurd, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.This is the irony in her character that her sense of goodness will eventually be the cause of her closing, as Othello starts to suspect her. This builds on Iagos soliloquy in Act 1 scene 3, whither he reveals to the interview that he intends to create suspicion in Othellos mind that Desdemona is having a secret relationship wit h Cassio,that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, as she has no other reason as to why she has gone back on her promise.Othellos quick decisive nature is revealed as he dismisses Cassio in Act 2 prospect 3, with a few words from Iago as to why Cassio became quarrelsome with Roderigo.I know Iago, thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, make it tripping to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee, but never more be officer of mine.Iagos aim with this incident was to have a cause, for advising Cassio to fall uponk Desdemonas assistance, so that Othello suspicion of their relationship would extend, however now that he is also familiar with Othellos nature, he builds upon it in Act 3 scene 3, knowing that it would non be difficult to lead Othello to thinking that his wife is unfaithful to him.Desdemonas actions at the beginning of Act 3 scene 3, as she parts from cassio, builds upon Brabantios words of warning to Othello,look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, she has deceived h er father, and whitethorn theeAs Iago sees Cassio parting from Desdemona, he prompts Othello, by sayingHa I like not that.This instantly reminds Othello of Brabantios earlier warning. If she deceived her father, the man who had loved and cherished her all her life, what would stop her from deceiving her husband? From this Othello starts to play into the hands of Iago as he starts to suspect Desdemona, making him see the meaning of Brabantios words more logically.Iagos devious character begins to unravel, as he informs the audience of his reign of terror in his soliloquy, at the end of Act 1 scene 3.Set on thy wife to observeOthellos trust for Desdemona totally vanishes throughout Act 3 scene 3, and through the manipulation of Iago. The view that he had that he had before of Desdemona, Oh my sweet is now a Lewd Minx. Due to his lack of knowledge nigh her actions his anger builds up and again we can see how Othello has been brainwashed. Othello becomes ignorant to the situation th at Desdemona is his wife, as he is not willing to listen to her thoughts however he is unforgiving to know of Iagos thoughts. He would normally see nothing wrong in Desdemonas thoughts, but since Iago had made him begin to doubt he looks for hinderance of his wifes infidelity everywhere. This shows the downfall of his marriage, as he has no faith left within his marriage and his wife.Iago puts his plan straight into action at the beginning of Act III scene iii when he and Othello are walking towards their wives. Iago notices Cassio walk away from them, so he uses this meeting to begin to change Othello of Desdemonas infidelityOthello tries to clear his own thoughts of Cassio, by questioning Iago,Othello Indeed? Ay indeed. Discernst thou ought in that? Is he not honest?Iago,men should be what they seemThis is ironic because Iago is preaching more or less honesty however he himself does not know the meaning of the word honesty. Once Iago has told Othello he thinks men should be honest he begins to comment on Cassios honesty,For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honestwhy then, I think Cassios an honest manIt also creates the impression that Iago is reluctant to speak ill on the subject of Cassio who Othello thinks to be Iagos loyal and unfeigned friend. Iago again uses repetition to taunt Othello, and urge Othello to question more. Iago uses this device to make Othello see Cassio as an enemy, and himself to be loyal, therefore he may become Othellos lieutenant.Iago then advises Othello, to beware of jealousy, however this is ironic as Iago himself planted the seed of jealousy into Othellos mind, but is also warning him.O beware, my lord, of jealousy It is the one thousand eyed-monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss..Iago is again reluctant to speak, as he does not tell Othello straight that his wife is having an affair. Iago mentions that cuckold, he is referring to Othello, as a cuckold actually meant a man cheated informally by his wife, which he hints to Othello. However, Othello asks for test copy as he stills think that she may be honest.Iago comments on the importance of a reputation, (which Othello has),Good name in man and adult female, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. still he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me scurvy indeedHere Iago is threatening Othellos reputation by saying that a reputation is everything therefore it is his duty to protect that reputation, that jewel, which may be stolen by Cassio. However, this is very ironic as iago himself is stealing the jewel, and destroying Othello and Desdemonas reputation.After dropping all the pebbles, Iago, leaves Othello in a state of confusion, jealousy and hatred towards Desdemona, and Cassio. Othello is left only if and reveals in his short soliloquy his emotions and doubtsWhy did I marry..From this soliloquy we can see that iagos plan seems to be working as planned, as Othello doubts his marriage and love. Here we can see a complete change in Othellos character, as at the beginning of the scene Othello is completely in love with Desdemona, but by the end of the scene Othello is left regretting the day he married her.Race and colour were an important issue in Shakespeares time, and specially in this play, as Desdemona a white Venetian woman chose to marry a black African prince. Desdemona was not attracted to m any other men however sheAct three scene 3, is a pivotal scene as it builds on previous events which I have already explained, and also foreshadows events that afterward authorize in the play, which I shall explain now.After Iagos interference, Othello returns to his bedroom where he is complaining of a headache,I have a pain upon my forehead hereOthello is being ironic here, as he has a headache but not that which Desdemona thinks, the headache is actually due to the false accusations of Desdemonas infidelity. Desdemona tries to comfort Othellos pain in his head, however as she is leaving the room with Othello she drops her hankey, that which Othello first gave to her. As they leave Emilia, (Desdemonas mistress) is left cleaning their room when she sees the handkerchief, and keeps it. She gives the handkerchief to her husband Iago, who had been requesting for it, (unaware of Iagos plan) in desperation of his approval, as he had never accepted Emilia full-heartedly. Iago was in need of the handkerchief as he knew Othello was not redress to accept him without proof.This event foreshadows the destruction of Othello and Desdemona, as this later becomes induction for what Iago had been saying about Desdemona and Cassios affair, and Othellos suspicion is turned to doubt as Cassio is seen wiping his face fungus with it, deliberately presented by Iago. Othello (who is outraged) confronts Desdemona about the handkerchief in Act 3 scene 4. Othello demands for the handkerchief, but Desdemona do es not have it. She explains to him that she has misplaced it, however Othello does not believe her. Desdemona unknowingly infuriates Othello more, as she again brings up the topic of reinstating Cassio. Othellos speech is very short and repetitive,Othello Fetch me the handkerchief. My mind misgivesDesdemona .. Youll never meet a more sufficient manOthello The handkerchiefDesdemona I pray, talk me of cassioOthello The handkerchiefAs we see here, Othellos speech is short, and the handkerchief is repeated three times, this shows his uncertainty about the whole situation.The green-eyed monster which was mentioned by Iago in Act 3 scene 3, foreshadows Othellos jealous character throughout the rest of the play, as jealousy takes control of him. Iago continues to encourage Othellos jealousy in Act4 scene1, as Othello overhears Iago deliberately teasing Cassio about some woman, whom Othello assumes to be Desdemona. In Act 4 scene 1 we see Desdemona explaining to Lodovico (a messenger), tha t Cassio is no longer Othellos lieutenant, and that she thinks that Cassio should be reinstated, however Othello does not seem to agree,..I would do much tatone them, for the love I bear to cassioDesdemona is showing her loyalty to Cassios friendship however Othello is outraged with what she says, and what he had heard earlier, which results in him striking Desdemona. This shows Othello becoming the green-eyed monster, which Iago had already warned him of in Act 3 scene 3.Emilia was seen to be loyal throughout the whole play, to both her husband and mistress. This loyalty to her husband was the main cause of her death in the final act, as she gave the ultimate proof of Desdemonas innocence to her husband, in desperation of his approval, and as he had requested for it, which shows that she was being loyal to her husband as she did exactly as he required. This one mistake, which was done unknowingly also led to her mistress death, as it was this one piece of evidence which could have saved her from her brutal death.The hatred we see towards Cassio in Act 3 scene 3 foreshadows Othellos loss in friends, as cassio was a besotted friend of umpteen others, therefore when Iagos real character is unveiled in the final act, everyone takes Othello to be a very low person as he was manipulated by Iago, into thinking that his wife, who was in actual fact innocent, was being unfaithful to him. Roderigo who was also close to Othello was killed due to Iago. Desdemonas murder was also caused due to the hatred towards Cassio, and this lead to the dismissal of his position, as everyone felt that Othello was not worthy of carrying out his job with respect. Othellos friends, his wife and his reputation were his life, 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 p lot 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. r.In Act III jibe 3 Iago convinces a man who loves his wife completely that she is having an affair with one of his most trusted subjects without using one shred of proof or any real basis. This is a man who can make the most innocent of people guilty and the most loved, hated. He uses many tactics to persuade Othello that Desdemona is bearded darnel on him with Cassio, the reason, is retaliate. Scene 3 is the most important scene to the rest of the play because it accelerates the plot.Othello is a black man in the play, of extremely high dominance he is a proud army general who is looked upon with respect by the state and many leading Dukes. He first comes across to the audience as being very composed and a gentle character towards others. However in Act III Scene 3, Othello?s character takes a salient transformation, from a loving, considerate man, to a man complete with hatred and full of energy for revenge.Our first impressions of Iago are that he is a very sly and cunning man. However in Act III Scene 3 we see the true extent of his evil nature and his manipulating skills. Iago is motivated by jealousy. Iago expresses anger and compunction that the learned Cassio is promoted to lieutenant above him by Othello. He considers himself much more worthy of the position because of his superior experience and expresses and intense desire to get his revenge on Othello. Iago tells the audience in one of his soliloquies I hate the Moor, and he shows his hatred of Othello in the opening scene of the play. Iago refers to Othello as the Moor, and makes many racist comments about him such as Barbary horse and an old black ram. However Iago uses many tec hniques to completely transform Othello?s character.Firstly, Iago plants seeds of suspicion in Othello?s mind, and continues to water and nurture them throughout the whole scene, until he has completely ruined Othello. For instance, Iago?s first words in Act III Scene 3 are ?Ha I like not that?. He is clearly trying to think that something is going on between Desdemona and Cassio. He is doing this in a very sly manor. This clearly illustrates the fact that one of Iago?s techniques is to arouse suspicion.?I know our Country Disposition wellIn Venice they do let God see the pranksThey dare not show their husbands Their best conscienceIs not to leave?t undone but keep?t unknown?. Here Iago plays on Othello?s insecurities. He makes a brief statement saying that Venetian women?s consciences don?t tell them that having personal matters is morally wrong only that they must keep them well hidden from their husbands. Othello knows all too well that Desdemona is a Venetian woman and Iago is using this to imply that since Desdemona is a Venetian woman, what would excuse her from acting the way the majority do. The only reason this technique is so effective is because Othello does not come from Venice but rather a land far away. He feels like an outsider at this comment and knows little of Venetian custom and tradition. As Iago so boldly states he knows ?our country disposition well? and as far as Othello is concerned he is a trustworthy source of information.??Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to seeShe has deceived her father and may thee?.Iago says ?She did deceive her father marrying you, and when she seem?d to shake and fear your looks, she?d love them most?. This clearly means to remind Othello of Brabantino?s earlier warning. If she deceived her father, the man who had loved and cherished her all her life, what would stop her from deceiving her husband? The audience at this point suspect that Othello would be quite distraught at this proposition.By repeating c ertain words Iago also emphasises their meaning to Othello. ?Honest? is an important word because it is the centre of the conversation. Is Cassio honest? By repeating this word it may seem to Othello that Iago thinks he?s not. ?Think? could also be an important word. Think leaves no room for doubt, you are not certain he is honest.Iago later behinds to hold back his thoughts and lets Othello try to dwindle him down into saying them. By Iago playing this sly game, it makes Othello more intrigued to know his thoughts he uses Othellos curiosity against him. some other technique Iago uses to warn Othello is jealousy.?Oh beware, my lord, of Jealousy,It is the green-eyed Monsterwhich doth mock the meat it feeds on?.Whilst pretending to maintain his integrity by not telling Othello, Iago now releases monster. He had said nothing that would indicate that Othello should have reason to be jealous, but by warning him now of jealousy, he suggests that there may be something about which to be j ealous. Iago does this to show his pretence companionship towards Othello, as if hes looking out for him when really its quite the converse.This however builds great tautness towards the audience because the audience don?t know what Othello is thinking right at this moment due to the fact that Iago has planted the seed of jealousy into Othello?s mind leaving him confused.One of Iagos final techniques in undermining Othellos trust in Desdemona is his use of imagery to sicken Othello. Iago uses images of goats and monkeys to represent Cassio and Desdemona and describes them having a sexual relationship together. Iago also is using this speech to think of a way that he can prove to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are in fact involved in a sexual relationship together. Iago also is using this speech to think of a way that he can prove to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are in fact involved in a sexual relationship together. Some may describe Iago as Wasting time here and planning w hat he will do and say to Othello next. Iago cooks up the perfect plan, this involves Cassio calm talking. As Iago has Othellos full trust, Othello does not even consider this not to be true.Iago confesses to Othello that in sleep I heard him say Sweet Desdemona. Iago also tells of Cassios sexual advance on him to further anger Othello. Iago has now given Othello the perfect evidence and as Othello now trusts Iago completely he will believe it. The last dramatic device which Iago uses to make Othello feel even worse is add the handkerchief into the agenda. He comments on a handkerchief which he has seen in Cassios lodgings, Iago also gives Othello the picture of Cassio using this important gift and family air loom to Othello, also his first gift to his wife Desdemona to see Cassio wipe his beard with.This image angers Othello completely. However this will be a time of great tension for the audience as they wait with bated breath to see what will happen next. They will reflect on ho w cruel the torturer is being to his victim and be hypnotised but appalled by how clever Iago is ?having everything planned so neatly. They would very much want Othello not to jump to conclusions.This is where Act III Scene 3 abruptly ends, with Iago swearing to serve Othello in everything. The scene finishes with Othello declaring he will kill Desdemona and appointing his newfound companion Iago as his lieutenant?Damn her, lewd teasing O, damn her, damn herCome, go with me apart. I will withdrawTo furnish me with some sift means of deathFor the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant?.This ending is very unexpected and almost infuriating as it leaves the audience in shock because only they know that Othello is making the wrong decision, all due to Iagos malicious and scheming ways. The scene is also quite upsetting for the audience, as the reality of Desdemonas deliberate death is just around the corner, and they know she is the innocent, yet a condemned victim. Othello also instr ucts Iago to kill Cassio too, as in Othellos mind Cassio is as much to blame as his dishonest wife they are both works of pure evil.CONCLUSIONThe key moment in this scene where the audience knows for certain that Othello is convinced is when Iago belittles Othello and Desdemonas relationship, regarding it in its most instinctive form, a sexual relationship. Othello however approaches it as serious and loving relationship, ? Nor to comply with heat the young affects in me defunct and proper satisfaction But to be free and bounteous to her mind. That is why the audience is particularly amazed that Othello resorts to animalistic images too.Othello refers to Desdemona as haggard, a hawk that cannot be tamed. He also refers to himself as a toad this is a far cry from the man who stood in front of the Duke and other important men of Venice declaring his love. Shakespeare uses this technique to show us that Othello has lost his confidence and is no longer self-assured. As he becomes more a nd more angry his control through his speech begins to slip, no longer does he speak in long flowing sentences but now in exclamations, which hints at his loss of capability to loose his temper. He is also speaking in a similar way to Iago and this may symbolise that he has come to think in the same manner. These images show the audience the depth of Othellos jealousy, the woman he loved he now criticize.However the most effective method that Iago uses to convince Othello of Desdemonas infidelity is by using one of Othellos most treasured possessions and telling Othello that his wife, Desdemona has given it away to her lover, Cassio. The handkerchief was the first gift he gave to Desdemona, so it possesses enormous sentimental value to Othello. Finding out that Desdemona has given it away shows her as inimical. It must have hurt and angered him, after all the woman he loves and is married to has given away without a care for him, would almost certainly anger him, for in Othellos min d she has thought the handkerchief to be a meaningless piece of cloth. This is enough proof for Othello to be convinced that Iago is telling the truth and for him to kill both Desdemona and Cassio.