Othello - Act 5 scene 1

How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 scene 1?


It could be argued that one way in which Shakespeare creates a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 Scene 1 is through where it is set. It is set at night on the streets of Cyprus and this may create a sense of fear because it would be a dark setting.


Another way that Shakespeare creates a sense of fear and confusion in this scene is through the use of Iago's language. He uses a lot of violent imagery when talking about Roderigo killing Cassio for example when he says: 'Wear they good rapier bare, and put it home.' This could create a sense of fear for the audience because of the way
Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo into making him think he has good reason to kill Cassio. Also, a sense of confusion is created at this stage because Iago doesn't actually want Roderigo to live as shown when he says ' Live Roderigo, he calls me to a restitution large of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him as gifts to Desdemona.' Because of this factor, the confusion is caused by the fact that Iago doesn't just kill both Cassio and Roderigo himself.


Furthermore, the use of dramatic method of Iago's soliloquys can be argued to create a sense of fear because of the imagery that is created by his use of language. For example when  he says he has 'rubbed this young quat almost to the sense'. This could create a sense o9f fear for the audience because of the power of his manipulative skills.


Moreover, the structure of the lines in this scene could also create a sense of fear and confusion because of the use of caesura. This could indicate that something bad is about to happen. An example of caesura used in this scene is: I know his gait, 'tis he - Villain, thou diest!' This line is just before Roderigo goes to stab Cassio as well which demonstrates how the caesura can indicate something bad is about to happen.

Othello and Iago Questions

According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?


Othello has been fighting since he was 7.


According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?


It means he is very conscious of the way that he appears to other people, his appearance is very important to him.


What increases Othello's status in Venice?


Marrying Desdemona, the only child of a "very very well to do senator", it means he will inherit all that is currently Brabantio's and a good position, although that's not the reason he has married Desdemona.


Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?


Othello gave the promotion that Iago had been hoping for to a "younger and posher" officer called Cassio.


What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?


they've seen the horrors of war together.


Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?


Through subterfuge, insinuation, and getting people onside.