Tempest

In the beginning of Act 2 of William Shakespeare's Othello, a strong tempest has struck Venice. Montano, Cassio, and othe gentlemen are aboard the ship discussing the severity of the storm and the ultimate destruction it caused the Turkish fleet. Montano says, "Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land, A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements" (II.i.5-60). Both the tempest as well as Montano and Cassio's presence at the time of its discussion heavily forshadow what is to unfold later that evening. The tempest fortells the argument between Montano and Cassio that ultimately results in Cassio being stripped of his position. Cassio's loss of office coincides with Montano's statement that "a fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements." Undoubtedly, Cassio's punishment was one of the worst outcomes he could have imagined. Shakespeare's use of foreshadowing is an extremely helpful tool in understand his works. The attentive reader can look for clues as to what is to unfold in the coming scenes. If so, one sees the understands the deeper meaning behind the interactions and dialogue of the characters. Many of the happenings are connected in one way or another.