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[Response to #7 on pg 1119] Only a couple days have passed by Act 3. Although this may have been a very popular play at the time, I have a hunch that in modern times it would not be as well received. I say this because people nowadays are more interesting in action; they like drama, suspense, explosions. Really, the most intense moment that has happened thus far is the storm- and there is no way Shakespeare could have dramatized a storm on stage. Simply put, this play is one that you have to pay attention to. To really understand what is occurring in each scene you have to really pay attention to the dialogue. I think this is especially important because of the "double sided" personality of Iago. Iago comes across as Othello's noble ensign and servant. However, he even addresses himself as being a traitor, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him." (I.i.42) Iago is very deceiving. He uses Roderigo to get back at Othello by giving Roderigo the impression that he can somehow help Roderigo win over Desdemona. These things, among others, are only revealed in the dialogue and therefore it is important that the audience pay close attention. I think this makes the play feel somewhat tight because the audience is constantly listening for the plot. Unlike other Shakespearean plays, it is difficult to simply watch what is occurring because there is no goodnight kiss on the balcony or anyone being stabbed to death by a mob of angry conspirators. However, I believe that as the plot unfolds there may be more action. As we discussed in class, Jealousy is a destructive force- and so far Iago and Roderigo have identified themselves as very jealous people.