Question 25
NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2024
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
In Act III of Shakespeare's *Othello*, the following stage directions are given:
"[Enter IAGO, whispering to RODERIGO. Lights dim. A single spotlight falls on OTHELLO, who stands alone, his hand on his sword.]
IAGO (aside): ‘The Moor's jealousy shall be his undoing.'"
Analyse how Shakespeare uses dramatic irony together with these stage directions to build tension in the scene.
Answer Options
A.
Shakespeare builds tension by having Othello overhear Iago's plot, so the audience shares his fear as he realizes the betrayal.
B.
Dramatic irony is absent; instead, the tension comes solely from Othello's soliloquy about his sword, and the spotlight serves only to highlight his bravery.
Correct Answer
C.
Shakespeare creates tension by letting the audience know Iago's malicious plan (dramatic irony) while Othello remains unaware. The dimming lights and single spotlight isolate Othello, highlighting his vulnerability, and Iago's aside confirms his intent to the audience. This combination of audience‑only knowledge and visual focus on a solitary, tense Othello builds suspense, as viewers anticipate his reaction to the unseen trap.
D.
The tension arises from the bright lighting that reveals all characters, emphasizing Othello's confidence, while Iago's aside misleads the audience about his true intentions.
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
Shakespeare creates tension by letting the audience know Iago's malicious plan (dramatic irony) while Othello remains unaware. The dimming lights and single spotlight isolate Othello, highlighting his vulnerability, and Iago's aside confirms his intent to the audience. This combination of audience‑only knowledge and visual focus on a solitary, tense Othello builds suspense, as viewers anticipate his reaction to the unseen trap.
About This Question
This is
Neco Model Questions Vol1
2024
Literature In English
Question 25.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2024
Neco Model Questions Vol1
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.