Comment on how the setting of Act 1 Scenes 1-3 helps Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy

William Shakespeare’s Othello opens up on a street in Venice with the two characters Roderigo (a rich yet immoral gentleman) and Iago (a prestigious soldier) having an argument. The play is one of two plays where Shakespeare uses Venice as a prime setting, the other being The Merchant of Venice. In both scripts, Shakespeare portrays Venice as a commercially fulfilled city, where the people chase after the luxurious life. In 1602, when the play was written, Venice was the cultural and economic heart of Europe. It was looked upon as a place of riches and culture by those in England. Shakespeare used Venice to talk about English issues subliminally without it being too obvious, had he done this he would have been dealt with the higher powers.

Scene II begins in Othello’s lodgings. Here, Iago warns Othello that Brabantio (Desdemona’s father) will not hesitate to attempt a forced divorce between him and Desdemona. Casio brings Othello the message that he is wanted by the Duke of Venice, a matter concerning Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, controlled by Venice. This builds up tragedy immediately, in the sense we get the feeling that Othello going to war as part of his services will be the perfect lure into Iago causing the havoc he intends to cause.

Scene 3 is set in a Council Chamber. The Duke and Senators are having a meeting about the war they are about to face with the Turks. The military meeting is interrupted with the arrival of Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo and the other officers. Brabantio then demands that all state matters be put aside so that he can address his own issues regarding his daughter been misguided by ‘charms’. Othello is the one being accused; the Duke gives him room to speak. Othello owns up to marrying Desdemona but denies putting any spell on her. Desdemona arrives defending her husband and notes she must resign all duties from her father to her now husband, Othello. The meeting returns to state matters, Othello is told to prepare for voyage and asks for arrangements to be made for his wife to accompany him. Everyone leaves but Roderigo and Iago, Roderigo pretty much says that his chances with Desdemona are done but Iago knowingly disagrees, convincing Roderigo to strive on. Roderigo leaves and Iago delivers his first soliloquy declaring his hatred for Othello. Here, tragedy is set and he speaks of his plan to dupe Roderigo out of his money and convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair, using Othello’s good nature to bring him to his own very demise.