Cinthio In Othello Extract

This extract comes from act two of Othello and takes place after Othello has demoted Cassio for behaving disorderly at a celebration. We see a direct link to the source text of Othello; Cinthio’s Tale as the captain in the source text injures a guard and the Moor has no choice but to strip him of his rank. In this extract, as well as the events before, we are clearly shown Iago’s Machiavellian nature. Unable to manipulate Cassio with words, Iago tries other means such as making Cassio drunk so that he loses his inhibitions as well as common sense. This could clearly link to the tragic genre as we see the manipulative skills that Iago possess and as the antagonist of the play, it could be seen that his purpose is to cause Othello’s tragic downfall …show more content…
This dramatic device could show Iago’s power over the characters in this play and link to the tragic genre as Iago causes misery and isolation which could be seen as key elements of the tragic genre.
The setting of the extract could be seen as interesting as it takes place in the castle grounds at night, the fact that the castle is present may relate to the theme of power, however in comparison to the events that have occurred, it could show the audience who has the power. In this case Iago. Pathetic fallacy could have been implemented as like most other important events in Othello, the fight happened at night. This could be used to show the dark nature of Iago has he is the main instigator of these events and links to the tragic genre as the antagonist should exude a dark and evil