How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 scene 1? Consider:

• Setting
• Language
• Structure of lines
• Use of characters
• Other dramatic methods

During this scene Iago and Roderigo are discussion how they are going to kill Cassio. Iago is trying to convince Roderigo that he should kill Cassio because he is the one that has stolen Desdemona from him, although his true motif is so he doesn't have to get involved as it would ruin his opportunity to become lieutenant.


The setting of this scene is important to creating a sense of fear and confusion. This is because the setting of the street leads it to be a vulnerable place as their would have been no street lighting. Having this sense of vulnerability builds up fear in both the audience and the characters as they cannot anticipate when the attack is going to happen. After the attack it also leaves confusion as the characters are unaware of who has fought who and the amount of people wounded which is displayed by Shakespeare's use of short lines and constant use of questions.


Shakespeare's use of entrances and exits at this point in the play also helps to add to the sense of confusion. This is because the use of having so many characters on the stage creates a manic atmosphere.


Iago's aside at the end of this scene is also something which heightens the fear in the audience. 'This is the night,That either makes me, or foredoes me quite.' as an audience we then feel fear because we know that this is the point where Iago's plan all falls into place and Othello will kill Desdemona. we feel fear as an audience because we have created a sense of empathy for Desdemona as we now that she has committed the affair Othello believes her to have.

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