Othello - Shakespeare - Overall Comprehension

After reading the first three acts of Othello by Shakespeare, I have been surprised at how well I have been able to follow the plot. While some of the language is outdated, "Prithee keep up they quillets" (III.i.21), and some structures a little challenging to follow, overall I have been able to follow the plot and understand what is happening. With that being said, I don't know how I feel about the play. For some reason, I have been able to read the story without getting bored, but I don't know why. The plot, while interesting, is far from intruiging. I don't find myself asking what might happen next. I think that since the language requires me to focus, it helps me keep my attention on the reading. I was afraid of reading this play, but now I have decided that I almost enjoy it. I didn't think I'd every be typing this...

Othello - Shakespeare - Question 7, time

The amount of time passing from scenes is variant. Between some, a week passes; between others, little but a moment passes. To cover some of the background events, reports are made of them. For example, "News lads! Our wars are done. The desperate tempest hath so banged teh Turks That their designment halts. A noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance on most part of their fleet." (II.i.20-24) In this circumstance, the battle at see was simply covered in a report instead of being acted out. The reason behind this is that the event is insignificant to the true conflict in the story. It simply sets an appropriate background. The mini fight between Montano and Cassio is dramatized because it advances the plot. The play's construction feels fairly loose. The characters come and go, but the story continues on. It does have some tight structure to it, but there is no sense of cut and dry this is what must happen next. This adds to the laid-back nature of Iago and his patience in his plan. It is an appropriate feel for the play.

Othello - Shakespeare - Question 3, regarding Protagonist and Antagonist

The protagonist is in this story is Othello. Typically, the protagonist is considered the "good-guy." That would make Iago the antagonist. The minor characters such as Cassio and Roderigo simply are pawns in Iago's trek to take over Othello. "Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, Lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine, and there without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello." (II.iii.25-27) In this case, Iago is getting Cassio in bad favor with Othello so that he may get closer to his position and cause Othello grief. Such characters reveal the character of Iago. He acts like a game master and directs them - on both sides of every argument. He is a very soothing person and can cunningly get his way. The minor characters help move along his plot. These minor characters are usually honest, which juxtaposes the "honesty" that each believes that Iago has.