Back to: Othello by William Shakespeare
Table of Contents
Scene 1
In a street of Venice at night, Roderigo complains Iago for not letting him know about Desdemona’s elopement with Othello. Iago justifies his hatred for Othello who didn’t choose him for the position of his lieutenant.
He reveals his true intention which is to seek revenge for this denial under the guise of faithful service. Both of them go to Brabantio, the father of Desdemona and inform him of his daughter’s elopement.
Scene 2
Brabantio starts searching for both Desdemona and Othello. Othello respectfully confronts him on the street. Cassio takes them to the Duke’s council chamber where he has been waiting for Othello for an emergency situation.
Scene 3
The Duke and senators are talking about the situation of war where large numbers of Turkish ships are on their way to attack. The Duke asks for brave Othello’s help who is a moor but Brabantio wants the issue of his daughter’s elopement with him.
Othello describes his true love for Desdemona and how it began. Desdemona also expresses her true love for Othello. The Duke positively expresses his view on this union and asks Brabantio to accept it.
Othello leaves for the state affairs regarding the attack and Iago is committed to bringing Desdemona to him later on.
Roderigo is shattered at the sight of these acceptances and Iago convinces him against their newly launched love affair which he believes is a mismatch due to the extremely different origin of Desdemona and Othello.
He tells about Othello to Roderigo with extreme racial prejudices. Iago assures him that this marriage will end once Desdemona is corrupted. Iago falsely assures him so and asks for money.
Once Roderigo leaves, Iago talks to himself about his further plan which is to corrupt Othello’s mind with the idea that handsome Cassio is seducing Desdemona. Once Cassio is thrown out of the court then he can take his place and this plan will accomplish two things at a time.
