Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing

1. Foreshadowing appears early in Othello, helps reinforce doubt in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s loyalty. This sort of circumstantial evidence adds to Othello’s insecurities

   • In Act 1, scene iii Brabantio warns Othello, saying “She has deceived her father and may thee”: this is also seen as prophetic.

2. Othello’s insecurities get the better of him “... for I am black, and have not those soft parts of conversation...” we begin seeing jealousy emerge as Desdemona drops the handkerchief which will unravel the plot and contribute to the traffic end.

3. Emilia’s need to “Please his (Iago’s fantasy)” foreshadows the complexity of the “evidence“ that will become crucial to persuading Othello