Drama Blog- Othello 2

The suspense in this play is created through Iago. I think that suspense is created by the many asides by Iago about his plan. In Act II.iii.39-54, Iago has an aside about his plan concerning Cassio. He plans on having him drink, which will lead to the next 'phase'. The suspense is created by the audience knowing what the plan is while all the characters besides Iago do not. The audience is filled in, so they have suspense by wanting the character to not fall into the plan set out by Iago. Also, I think that the suspense is caused by the audience knowing that the play is a trajedy, yet they are not sure of how things will happen. Instead, they are told the plan right before it happens. This leaves them wondering what is next. In the scene shared above, Iago and Cassio talk about how Cassio will not drink, then Iago says he will get him to drink. After drinking, Cassio leaves before fighting with Montano(II.iii.135). The time between the aside of Iago until the point of the plan being fulfilled causes suspense.