in othello what function does the opening part of act three scene one with the clown have

Othello is unlike other Shakespearean dramas in that there is a scarcity of comic relief, which only appears briefly at the beginning of this short scene. Even Hamlet had Polonius and the gravedigger to lighten up certain scenes, but in Othello, there is no relief from the tragedy that unfolds. Also, there are no subplots running through Othello, as in most Shakespearean plays. Both of these differences make Othello one of Shakespeare's most focused, intense tragedies.

The minor comic relief that is present is reminiscent of Feste's wit in Twelfth Night. As in Twelfth Night, a man entreats a servant to fetch someone hither; but since the servant is a clown, there is a bit of frustration and word-play before anything is done. The fool-figure receives money, then goes to do his bidding; this is a common set-up for comic relief. However, the clown in Othello does not reappear; he has less personality than Feste, if only because he gets just a brief appearance.