Hamlet post 1

In act 1 scene two when Claudius is holding court, the scene seems almost absurdist. We soon see the situation through Hamlet's eyes, and identify with him as he appears to be the only character genuinely mourning for his father. Already we can understand why Hamlet will later suspect that his father's death was not an accident. After a conversation between Claudius, Hamlet and the Queen in which Hamlet is chided for sulking day after day, Claudius states that Hamlet is being a child, and that every man loses a father at some point, but to "persevere in obstinate condolement is a course of imperious stubbornness"(I. ii. 96). This characterizes Claudius as a cold and unsympathetic man, especially since the late king was his brother. The fact that the Hamlet's mother is also following Claudius' example in not mourning her husband's death contributes to the eerie absurdist feel of the scene.

Othello post 6

In Othello, we've viewed the character of Roderigo as Iago's idiotic underling. We also have learned that Iago's words and circular logic allow him to control those around him. At the very end of the second scene in the act, Roderigo threatens Iago's control, only for Iago to miraculously come up with a harebrained scheme that involves killing Cassio.

Roderigo enters in a rage, screaming that Iago's "words and performances are no kin together" (IV ii 213). Roderigo is angry because he has given up all his money on Iago's instructions, and he has yet to gain any affection from Desdemona. Iago craftily turns the conversation around, telling Roderigo that the situation is difficult, and that he's right to be doubtful of his plan. Iago then "reveals" the next part of the secret plan to Roderigo, telling him that Othello and Desdemona will leave the city unless Roderigo kills Cassio, thereby forcing  Othello to take his place as governor. Roderigo complies, and gleefully goes off to murder Cassio.

In actuality, none of Iago's story is true. The question then becomes, why does Iago want Cassio dead? Perhaps he next intends to "out" Roderigo, using genuine evidence of his love for Desdemona, and using Roderigo's jealousy of Cassio's "successful" affair with Desdemona as a motive for his murder?