Considering three separate elements this essay analyses a passage at the beginning of Scene III Act III in which the four main characters are present. Firstly examining why this section is important to the play as a whole this essay will then consider the pivotal role this passage plays in moving the drama along. Next this essay will explore the way in which Shakespeare uses distinctive features of language. Looking at how word choice and dramatic irony are used to convey particular meanings this essay will also consider the way in which sound patterns and register are used in the passage to contribute to the creation of the characters. Finally this essay will look at two sections of the passage, Cassio’s departure from the stage and the way
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By using these methods Shakespeare is able to present to an audience an environment in which they hold more knowledge than the characters. This is particularly relevant to Cassio and Desdemona who are unknowing of their status as victims. At the beginning of the passage Cassio says to Desdemona “whatever shall become” (Line8) of him he remains in her favour. Considering the ending of the play this carries some irony and emphasises to the reader that the characters do not know the turn the play will take. Another example of dramatic irony in the passage is Desdemona’s assurance that “if I do a vow of friendship, I’ll perform it to the last article” (line21) Shakespeare adds to Desdemona’s character a strong sense of perseverance, different from the sweet and willing wife in Othello’s mind. Here she is determined to help Cassio but it is this relationship that Iago twists from platonic to romantic, giving the line a sense of irony. Closing her speech Desdemona says she “shall rather die” (line27) than not help Cassio. Shakespeare uses her strong statement to foreshadow to an audience, expecting the play to be a tragedy, the outcome of the ending. This ironically ominous statement increases the tension of the passage and adds to the overall feeling of the play. It is through these techniques that Shakespeare begins to create a tense atmosphere and teases the reader as to what will happen
By using these methods Shakespeare is able to present to an audience an environment in which they hold more knowledge than the characters. This is particularly relevant to Cassio and Desdemona who are unknowing of their status as victims. At the beginning of the passage Cassio says to Desdemona “whatever shall become” (Line8) of him he remains in her favour. Considering the ending of the play this carries some irony and emphasises to the reader that the characters do not know the turn the play will take. Another example of dramatic irony in the passage is Desdemona’s assurance that “if I do a vow of friendship, I’ll perform it to the last article” (line21) Shakespeare adds to Desdemona’s character a strong sense of perseverance, different from the sweet and willing wife in Othello’s mind. Here she is determined to help Cassio but it is this relationship that Iago twists from platonic to romantic, giving the line a sense of irony. Closing her speech Desdemona says she “shall rather die” (line27) than not help Cassio. Shakespeare uses her strong statement to foreshadow to an audience, expecting the play to be a tragedy, the outcome of the ending. This ironically ominous statement increases the tension of the passage and adds to the overall feeling of the play. It is through these techniques that Shakespeare begins to create a tense atmosphere and teases the reader as to what will happen