

However, the clown in Othello does not reappear he has less personality than Feste, if only because he gets just a brief appearance.Ĭassio seems to be one of the only "honest" people in the play he discloses his plans, his thoughts, and his concerns to Iago, omitting little or nothing. The fool-figure receives money, then goes to do his bidding this is a common set-up for comic relief. As in Twelfth Night, a man entreats a servant to fetch someone hither but since the servant is a clown, there is a bit of frustration and word-play before anything is done. The minor comic relief that is present is reminiscent of Feste's wit in Twelfth Night. Both of these differences make Othello one of Shakespeare's most focused, intense tragedies. Also, there are no subplots running through Othello, as in most Shakespearean plays. Even Hamlet had Polonius and the gravedigger to lighten up certain scenes, but in Othello, there is no relief from the tragedy that unfolds. Othello is unlike other Shakespearean dramas in that there is a scarcity of comic relief, which only appears briefly at the beginning of this short scene. Emilia comes out, and bids Cassio to come in and speak with Desdemona about his tarnished reputation. Iago enters, and Cassio tells him that he means to speak to Desdemona, so that she may clear things up with Othello. The third act begins with a bit of comic relief a clown is mincing words with a few musicians, then has a little wordplay with Cassio, who bids the clown to go and see if Desdemona will speak with him. Thank you for reading! Check summaries of other scenes in Othello via the links below.Buy Study Guide Act III, scene i: Before the castle. The scene also reveals the general’s honor and gullibility, which make him vulnerable to people like Iago.

It once again demonstrates the trust that Othello has in Iago. 🔍 Othello Act 3 Scene 2 AnalysisĪct 3 Scene 2 of Othello is concise. Act 3 Scene 1 creates a drastic contrast between two couples. This family is very different from Iago’s one because it is based on love and respect. The couple is also a foil for Othello’s and Desdemona’s relationships. Everyone falls into Iago’s manipulations, even his wife. Another irony used in the scene is Cassio’s referral to Iago as honest.Īfter Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2, the audience knows that Cassio asking for help from Desdemona will cause a lot of damage to everyone. He says, “Oh, thereby hangs a tail.” The musicians ask, “Whereby hangs a tale, sir?” which means that the clown compares musical instruments to kites with tails. The reader can find one of the puns at the very beginning of the set. Its purpose here is to give the audience a short break from the tension experienced in the previous episodes.įor instance, the clown uses puns, irony, and oxymorons in this scene. The musicians at the beginning of Act 3 Scene 1 create a scene within a scene.

When he exits the stage, Othello goes on a tour around the fort. After that, the general tells Iago to meet him at fortification. Othello gives several letters to Iago that need to be sent to Venice. Othello Act 3 Scene 2 is a short scene in which Othello, Iago, and a gentleman walk together. Nevertheless, Cassio wants to speak to Desdemona and asks Emilia for help. At the same time, he confesses that he loves Cassio and intends to reinstate him as soon as possible. The general thinks that it would be nearly impossible to reappoint Cassio because of Montano’s influence in Cyprus. Desdemona spoke in favor of Cassio and tried to reason with Othello. When Emilia finally arrives, she tells Cassio that Othello and Desdemona discussed his case. Cassio feels grateful and thanks Iago for his honesty and goodwill. He also guarantees that he will occupy Othello for them to talk freely. Upon hearing Cassio’s idea, Iago pretends to be helpful and promises to send Emilia himself. As soon as he leaves, Iago joins the scene. Cassio pays the clown and asks him to bring Emilia, who may call for Desdemona. While musicians are playing, a clown enters the stage, whom Othello sent to dismiss the musicians. He tries to win back the general’s favor by doing this. Othello Act 3 Scene 1 starts with Cassio sending musicians to Othello.
