Literary
Genre
2. “Our
interest and attention can be captured at the beginning of a text by the
effective use of various techniques.” initial impact of
protagonist/interaction with other characters - dramatic
action/flashbacks/flash‐forwards/voice overs attract attention early in the
text - language, dialogue, tone,
contrast/lighting, music, sound effects to arouse interest - powerful imagery, symbolism, motifs
to capture initial interest and attention.
Othello, the
play by William Shakespeare consistently uses techniques that keep the audience
engaged with the tragic and tense storyline. This essay will explore three such
techniques, how they are used and what makes them so effective.
Firstly, the
setting at the beginning of the poem. The audience begins the story in darkness,
reflective of the secretive nature of, arguably the plays most important character,
Iago and the important theme of trickery. During this first scene the audience
is also informed of a wedding being held that night in secret. This is
effective in creating the question of why these characters must keep their
wedding hidden? Later in the story we find that the bride’s father has not blessed
the union. This in turn illustrates to the audience the norms of the Venetian high
society. These social differences between Venice at the time and modern cities
will hold an audience’s interest. War is also a feature of the setting and time
period, as well as meaning the characters must move away from the safety of the
wealthy and orderly city of Venice. Cyprus provides a great contrast to Venice further
in the play and the different setting is effective in moving the play along and
adding action. This holds the audiences interest as well.
The second
technique is language and imagery. This introduces the audience to key motifs
and symbolism, that continue throughout the play. There is more reference to deception
with the use of the “Silence motif”, Iago’s first line includes the quote “you
will not hear me”. This foreshadows Iago’s secretive and destructive actions
that the other characters are unaware of. Iago and Brabantio’s racism and prejudice
against Othello are also revealed. Both use animalistic and religious language,
e.g. describing Othello as a “devil”, “ram” and “beast”, this reveals to the
audience that their hatred of Othello and anger at his marriage are, at least
in part, due to their racist attitudes. This is effective in engaging the
audience as they learn more about the plays villain(s). This language also
shows the religious and superstitious nature of the cultures beliefs, another
interesting point for the audience. Iago’s villainy is also referenced as he
describes his words as poison in the quote “poison his delight”, this is one of
the most important points in the play; that Iagos cunning use of words and manipulation
can poison the mind of even the best of us.
The
beginning of the play also introduces us to all the main characters. The audience
learns of Iago’s plan and his use of Roderigo as his pawn. This creates a tense
atmosphere for the audience from the very start of the story. The audience sees
how easily he lies to Roderigo and manipulates Brabantio creating a sense of dread
with regards to his future plans. His motivation of jealousy, rage and racism
paint him in a truly cruel light and is effective in connecting the audience to
him emotionally. Othello is also introduced. Well spoken, a diplomat and a
great warrior, he seems from the very beginning invincible. Not to mention
deeply devoted and in love with Desdemona, who clearly shares these feelings. He
urges others not to fight in the street, agrees to lead the army in Cyprus and proudly
expresses his love for Desdemona, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
and I loved her, that she did pity them”. This introduction becomes a great
contrast with the man he becomes due to Iago’s lies, and engages the audience
as they watch this transformation. Desdemona is also shown to be brave, defiant
and adoring of Othello, “I challenge, that I may profess due to the moor”. This
connects the audience to her and makes her fate even more tragic in their eyes.
In
conclusion, the beginning of a play or any story is what hooks the reader/watcher
in. It introduces the characters, themes, messages and language that remain for
the rest of the story. Othello effectively engages the audience from the very
start using dialogue, symbolism, character interaction and setting. This
beginning is captivating enough to create a strong basis for the rest of the
story to go from.
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