How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in act 5 sc 1?

Act 5 scene 1 is the fight scene within Othello’s men where Cassio and Roderigo get wounded.

The scene is similar to the opening scene in that the setting is a ‘street’ in the night time. Language spoken by the pawns in Iago’s plan creates confusion within the characters as Cassio is unaware that Roderigo and Iago plan to kill him. Fear is built when Iago instructs Roderigo to ‘wear thy good rapier bare’ (2) and as the instruction implies striking Cassio, the audience fears for Cassio’s safety.

Cassio states ‘that thrust had been mine enemy indeed’ (24) which indicates that the attacker has no identity as far as Cassio is aware. After Othello’s entrance, Rodrigo admits to his crime ‘O, villain that I am’ (28) however Othello thinks that the person confessing to being villainous is Cassio which could spark a sense of confusion within the audience if the actors have similar sounding voices and/or are unfamiliar with the play.

Lodovico and Gratiano’s presence in the scene bring about fear because these men trust Iago ‘a very valiant fellow’ (52) and through dramatic irony, the audience know that Iago is not to be trusted. Also, as Iago has instructed to kill Cassio, he is a fearful character because he is putting his so called friend’s life on the line. Iago has gone from doing small and petty actions to get his way such as intentionally allowing Othello and Roderigo to misconstrued what he says, however now is willing to have someone die for what he wants; the audience should be fearful as to what other lengths he will go to for his plan to follow through.

Iago’s lines tend to be a centre of confusion in this scene especially when he strings Bianca into his plan. With Bianca being a woman, Iago’s word will be taken over hers due to her status being much lower than Iago’s and the 17^th century being a suppressive time for women. Iago states ‘I do suspect this trash to be a party in this injury’ (84) and ends up arresting her for ‘provoking’ the fight between Roderigo and Cassio ‘I charge you’ (119). Bianca, showing her confusion of being blamed and fear of her punishment, defends herself ‘I am no strumpet but of a life as honest as you’ (121) however even the truth coming from her doesn’t account for the power Iago has manipulated for himself.