p. 1119 #6

The various theatrical components of Othello reinforce the meanings and contribute to the emotional effects of the play. In some scenes, characters may be speaking, but they are not speaking to the other characters on stage. Iago speaks directly to the audience many times throughout the play and informs them of his evil plan. During one scene of the play, Othello is speaking and watching a conversation between Iago, Cassio, and Bianca. However, Othello is unable to hear them and vice versa. The stage directions in this scene are important in order to understand the situation and what is going on. While watching them and misinterpreting their conversation, Othello says, "Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. Oh, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw it to" (IV.i.135-136). After seeing Cassio talk about Bianca, but believing it was about Desdemona, Othello becomes extremely angry and wishes to kill Cassio and Desdemona. The stage directions in this scene create a very emotional and dramatic situation that would not be understood without them.