With reference to Act I, scene iii, explain how each characters choice of language illustrates his/her character and what you learn of the relationships developed in that scene.

In the previous two scenes, Shakespeare focused on domestic issues surrounding Othello and Desdemona. In this scene, there is a change of focus (from personal problems to the public problems of the state) and, therefore, mood. The principle subject at the opening of the scene is the increasing hostility of the Turks towards the Venetians. The scene is given a heightened dramatic tension by the constant interruption of messengers bringing contradicting pieces of information.

In the first few lines, the Senators show signs of panicking:
“First Senator ‘My letters say seven hundred.
Duke ‘And mine, a hundred and forty.’
Second Senator ‘And mine two hundred.’ ”
This indicates that some sources cannot be trusted and links to Iago’s lying later on in the play. Political discussions are soon halted, with the entrance of the enraged Brabantio and Othello. The Duke greets Othello first, hailing him as ‘valiant’. The Duke has sent people to search fo...