Othello-1119 #2

Othello is a tragedy. That becomes apparent early in the play when Iago reveals his true intentions to ruin Othello's marriage and get rid of Cassio (II.i.265-291). Iago's manipulation of Othello throughout the play creates the proper feeling for a tragedy and provides a means for tragedy to occur. The audience should definitely know what kind of play Othello is before viewing it. Knowing that the play is a tragedy puts Iago's and Othello's actions into a different context. Every move that Othello makes seems like a move from a horror movie--the kind that evokes a "No! Don't look in the closet!" reaction. In Act III when Othello condemns Cassio with the words "Within these three days let me hear thee say That Cassio's not alive" (III.iii.473-474), the audience feels a greater sense of suspense because the truth of Othello's actions is known. If the audience was unaware, confusion would be more likely, and the suspense would be lessened.