Shakespeare creates a sense of fear and confusion throughout Act 5 scene 1. This scene occurs at the end of the play after Othello and Iago have decided that it is necessary to kill both Desdemona and Cassio. Iago has also manipulated Roderigo into thinking that he needs to kills Cassio. During this scene a fight between Cassio, Roderigo and Iago takes place.


This scene is set in Cyprus on a street at night. This immediately creates fear as it would be dark which makes the characters on stage seem more vulnerable as they aren't aware of everything that is taking place around them. This is why Iago is able to 'strikes Cassio's legs, and hurries off', without him knowing who it was that wounded him. Therefore it can be said that the dark night also creates confusion as the characters are unsure of what is going on, particularly when they are fighting. The setting is additionally confusing and creates fear because it is set in Cyprus, which is far less orderly then Venice. This makes it easier for a fight to take place.


Iago creates a sense of  fear as the audience can see how evil Iago is. In his aside he says 'whether he kill Cassio, or Cassio him...every way makes my gain'. He shows that he is only thinking about himself and that he has no feelings for the other characters. Creating fear for the audience as we understand that Iago has no remorse and suggests he will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. It also creates fear as we are unsure who will win the fight and whether or not Cassio will be murdered. This scene contains more examples of Iagos duplicitous character. This is evident when he wounds Cassio and then hides. Once Lodovico and Gratiano arrives Iago acts like he is trying to help and like he doesn't know what's happened '[to Cassio] what are you here that cry so grievously'. This is dramatic irony as the audience know that it was Iago that injured Cassio. As the other characters don't realise this, Iago's helpfulness causes confusion as they do not suspect that he had anything to with it.


The other characters on the stage add to the fear and confusion as no one can understand what is going on. This can be implied as the characters speech lengths are very short. For example:
Cassio: O, help
Lodovico: Hark!
Roderigo: O wretched villian!
These short lines show the panic on stage as the characters try to work out what has happened. The short lines also create a fast pace which creates a tense atmosphere for the audience.

Othello and Iago

According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
Adrian thinks Othello has been fighting since the age of 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?
He believes that Othello is always conscious about the way that he appears to others.

What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Marrying Desdemona increases Othello status in Venice.

Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Iago is disgruntled because the job he wanted has been given to a younger, posher man: Cassio.

What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
they have worked together for a very long time and have seen the horrors of war together. Iago is Othello's most trusted soldier.

Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Iago is going to bring Othello down through subterfuge (deceit), insinuation and through getting people on his side.

Desdemona and Emilia
What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?
Emilia is older than Desdemona and has a very different view  of men. Emilia is more active in comparison to Desdemona who is very passive.  Desdemona is also much more naïve then Emilia and she tries to be the perfect wife to Othello. This is evident when Desdemona does not question Othello for striking her or before he murders.

Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona?
Emilia believes that if she gives Iago the handkerchief this will please him and they will be happier in their relationship. The relationship between Emilia and Iago is described as 'abusive', Emilia hopes their relationship will be more like Othello's and Desdemona's.

Extract question

Extract question

This scene is significant in Othello's tragedy overall as Iago can be seen plotting Othello's downfall. Through his aside we can see Iago as he realises that Cassio and Desdemona can be used to manipulate Othello. Shakespeare uses imagery to describe Iago's plan 'with as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio'. This is significant because this formation of a plan will have great consequences throughout the rest of the play. Here Shakespeare also presents Iago's motive for involving Cassio in his plan. Iago explains he wants Cassio's position. He says: 'strip you out of you lieutenatry'. This extract reveals how Iago is not as loyal and honest as he first seems, the audience learn he is cunning, jealous and evil.





The setting of this extract also has a significant role to the play as a whole as it shows how important and well respected Othello is. When Othello arrives 'trumpets' are played. The use of this music demonstrates Othello's high magnitude, as his arrival is announced for everyone to hear. Shakespeare therefore presents Othello as having traits for being an ideal tragic hero in a classic tragedy as Aristotle said a tragic hero must be of great importance. The trumpets show the audience that he fits this role. However, in this extract Shakespeare also contradicts Aristotle's opinion on how a classic tragedy should be written.  This is done through the setting as it changes from Venice to Cyprus. This goes against the three unities, which suggests the setting should be the same throughout the whole play. This is significant as Cyprus is less orderly then Venice, which could influence the characters behaviour and opinions.


Othello's behaviour in this extract is very significant as he is presented to strongly love Desdemona. This is displayed when he speaks to her, he says 'it gives me wonder as great as my content to see you here before me'. His love for Desdemona is clearly presented to the audience here. This is significant as we can understand how happy Desdemona makes Othello, which makes the loss of his love and happiness more tragic later on in the play.
In addition, Othello's behaviour prior to this scene has been calm. This calm nature combined with  his current happiness is significant as the audience can follow the change in his temperament throughout the play, the more he is lied to by Iago.


Iago carries a significant role in this extract as the audience learn more about his character. His aside reveals additional motives for his plan. As well as how he will create Othello downfall. The audience learn that Iago is a Machiavellian character. This characteristic engages the audience in the development of his plot. This opinion is supported by Sean McEvoy who said 'the audience becomes complicit in Iago's intention and, like it or not, is soon involved in his vengeful plotting'. Further evidence of Iago's Machiavellian character can be seen through his lies. He says 'as honest as I am'. This is dramatic irony as all of the other characters believe that this is true but the audience understands, though his asides, that he is deceitful.


This scene has several moods. Firstly Othello and Desdemona create a joyful atmosphere as they reunite with one another after their journey. The audience can see how happy they are to be together. However there is always the presences of Iago on stage with them which reminds the audience of the tragic villain who will effect the future for the characters who are both so happy right now. This can be seen when after Othello and Desdemona kiss, Iago says in another aside 'o, you are well tun'd now; but i'll set down the pegs that makes this music'. This metaphorically foreshadows the issues which are to come. Overall this reminder of happiness and evil makes the audience feel pity for Othello. This contributes the catharsis feeling at the end of the play.


Desdemona and Cassio are used in this extract to show how Iago's plan, to create the appearance of an affair between Desdemona and Cassio, could work. Iago changes Cassio's charm into something that he can use against them both. This is significant as this is the beginning of Iago's manipulation round Desdeona and Cassio. The audience are made aware that Cassio has a charming and polite nature which later results to the final tragedy of many deaths. Shakespere may be implying that this would be Cassio's fatal flaw or his hubris; if he was to have one.


Lastly in this extract Iago does not really interact with any of the other characters. This has its own significance as despite not interacting he is always present and observes the behaviour of the characters around him. His observation is important as through this he realises how he can use the interaction between Cassio and Desdemona as a way to influence Othello's downfall. As Othello is so reliant on him, and Iago is aware of this, he knows he will be able to manipulate Othello so that innocent situations appear suspicious.

Scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?
Because Cassio and Othello are close friends and have known each other a long time: 'you do love my lord, you have known him long.'
And because he helped Othello and Desdemoa to get together: 'Michael Cassio that came a-wooing with you'

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

He means that he does not like the look of Desdemona and Cassio talking to one another, he implies there is something suspicious going on.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

Othello responds with 'o misery' which suggests he starts to fall out of love with Desdemona as he thinks he knows shes been having an affair. Othello wants Iago's help and information.

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

Iago says that 'they do let God see the pranks, they dare not show their husbands' suggesting that in Venice affairs like this are common and many Venetian cheat on their husbands but do not tell their husbands he truth.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

Venetian women had a reputation of being 'unfaithful to their husbands'. This idea is taken from Robert Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy.

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Othello is an outsider and views himself that way. Because of this he believes Iago's ideas about society are more reliable than his own.

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago when he says 'she did deceive her father, marrying you'. highlighting to Othello that she is capale of being deceitful.

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?
 

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

Desdemona produces her handkerchief to use as a bandage for Othello, who is complaining of a headache. Othello rejects the handkerchief, saying 'your napkin is too little', and it falls to the floor. This my symbolize the way that Desdemona's love is not enough for Othello. Othello and Desdemona leave it on the floor. Emilia then picks it up and plans to give it to Iago, as she knows that he wants it; She does not know why.

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?
Emilia believes her relationship with Iago will be better and more romantic if she gives the handkerchief to him. She believes Iago will give the handkerchief to her. 

 

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Iago plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's room so that it will look like Desdemona gave it to him.

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?
Othello warns Iago that if he has lied or cannot provide proof of Desdemona's cheating he will kill him.

 

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

His final proof is that one night when he was sleeping by Cassio he spoke of his affair with  Desdemona 'sweet Desdemona...let us hide our loves', and also tells Othello how Cassio 'laid his leg over my thigh, and sighed and kissed'.

What is Iago's final 'proof'?
Iago's final proof is that he saw 'Cassio wipe his beard' on the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona.

 

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?  
Othello's speeches get shorter throughout the scene. He also becomes increasingly distressed and you can see him failing out of love for Desdemona 'loathe her. O curse of marriage'.

Why do Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio?
To tell him that his daughter had married Othello.




How does Brabantio believe Othello ‘won’ his daughter, Desdemona?
Using witchcraft and magic.




How does Othello believe he ‘won’ Desdemona?
Through his stories of battles and bravery.




What two reasons are there for Othello appearing before the senate?
Because he was going to be told he had to go to war. And because Brabantio wanted Othello to be punished for marrying Desdemona.




What do we learn about Othello’s past?
He used to be sold as a slave.




What terms are used to describe Othello whilst in front of the senate?
He is called racist terms such as 'the moor'  and 'thick lips'.






What is significant about Brabantio’s rhyming couplet “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to
see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.”?
This line foreshadows hat she will be unfaithful to him.




Can you find an example of dramatic irony in Othello’s retort?
Othello is supposed to be the 'hero' however he lets others speak for him like his wife and does not put up a fight for himself. This is dramatic irony as this behaviour is not very hero like.


What does Iago persuade Roderigo to do?
To give him his money.


What do we learn from Iago’s soliloquy?
That he is using Roderigo and manipulating him into giving money. He is doing this because he wants Othello dead.

Marxist questions

How did Marx and Engels view literature?
Marx and Engels viewed literature as insignificant.

What is the sociology of literature?The sociology of literature is the production and distribution on literature in a society, and the social composition of the authors and audiences.

What did Matisse believe about all art?That all art shows some form of history or historic event.
What is 'original' about Marxist literary criticism?Its revolutionary understanding of history.
Why is art part of the superstructure?
Because it shows the way people perceived society and the way they felt about it.

What, according to interpretations of Conrad's work was the crisis facing the Western bourgeois class?Conrad's work marked the ideological pessimism facing the western bourgeois class.
Which four elements make up the levels of 'unity' which Marxist criticism focuses on?Text, ideology, social relations & productive forces.
In his letter Joseph Bloc, what did Engels want to deny about the base and superstructure?He denies that there is any one mechanical correspondence between the base and superstructure because elements from each influence each other.
Why does Marx believe we enjoy classical Greek literature?
Liking Greek art is a nostalgic lapse back into childhood.

The Large Cool Store

The Large Cool Store

How does Larkin explore ideas of inequality between social classes?

The Large Cool Store was written by Philip Larkin in 1961. This poem presents the lives of the working class and the inequalities that they faced from society.   This poem emphasises the way the proletariats tried to convince themselves and the people around them that they were wealthier than they really were. However their true social class is evident throughout the poem.

The first way that the poem presents the working class is through the language used to describe the store. It says ‘selling cheap clothes set out in simple sizes plainly’. The first thing this quote shows is that the proletariats could only afford to buy ‘cheap clothes’ as they could not afford anything else. This suggests that the society was unfair and because they are lower class they are restricted by the limits the upper class, the bourgeoisie, have set for them. The rest of the language in the quote ‘simple’ and ‘plainly’ could also be used to portray the lives of the working class. These words could show the way that way the lower class people lived was very plain and simple as they didn’t have access to the nicer and more extravagant things in life, and that every day was the same.

Larkin then uses the clothes to reflect the lifestyle of the proletariats. He describes the clothes as ‘browns and greys, maroons and navy’. These colours are symbolic and represent their dull and boring lives. These colours also suggest the work setting which could imply that they would have worn these clothes for work too. This contrast to the bourgeoisie who would have had a variety of different clothes to wear many would have been very smart and expensive. Alternatively these colours are used to symbolize their environment as many of the proletariats lived in poor and dirty areas.  This is supported in the next two lines when he says ‘leave at dawn low terraced houses…for factory, yard and site’. This line shows poor houses and the work that they had to do to afford the cheap clothes.

Another way that the poem shows the inequality between the lower class and the upper class is when the poem says ‘the weekday world of those who leave at dawn’. This quote shows that the proletariats lived in a completely separate world and are alienated from the bourgeoisie. It shows that they the different classes don’t mix together. This is because they lived in a capitalist society and the bourgeoisie believed that they were much better than the lower class and for that reason didn’t have anything to do with them, besides employing them. As weekdays are the days for work it also suggests that the life of the proletariats evolved around working.

This poem also presents a false consciousness from the proletariats as they believe that if they buy clothes that appear to be wealthier than they really are will make them richer than they are and therefore accepted by the upper class. This is shown in the poem when he says ‘unreal wishes’, which shows that although this is what they want and believe will happen it will not. This is because the money from the clothes that they buy to appear wealthier goes to the bourgeoisie making them richer. This increases the gap between the bourgeoisie and the proletariats. It also keeps the support of the base and superstructure going.

The proletariats’ buying certain clothes to seem wealthier additionally leads to alienation not just from the bourgeoisie but also from themselves as they try to become someone else. Andrew Motion, a Marxist critic, agreed with this idea saying ‘the argument is whether the shoppers are deluding themselves when they buy something or are they going beyond the limits which society sets the’. Andrew Motion also suggests that they bought the clothes to rebel against their society.

To conclude this poem was written by Larkin to show the inequalities and alienation that the proletariats suffered from because of the bourgeoisie. It also presents the false consciousness believed by the proletariats, about them buying commodities to appear wealthier than they were.