(This too is ironically ominous; within an hour, Othello's notion of his marriage bed will be filled with false visions of Cassio.) He pushes it from him and it falls unnoticed to the floor. Iago enters, and Cassio tells him that he means to speak to Desdemona, so that she may clear things up with Othello. He knows that man, being human, is flawed and subject to fears and irrational suspicions. Perdition catch my soul, / But I do love thee! Othello begins on a street in Venice, in the midst of an argument between Roderigo and Iago. Convulsed with introspection, he curses his black skin and his lack of social graces and also the fact that he is "into the vale of years" (266) (he is much older than Desdemona) — all these things, he fears, could turn a woman from her husband's bed. Iago, who's been taking money from Roderigo in some sort of "arrangement," is upset at "the Moor," a.k.a. Othello is no longer as sure as he was of Desdemona's fidelity, for he ponders on the possibility of " . leet and law days (140) meetings of the court. 21). Summary The herald reads a proclamation declaring a night of general festivities to celebrate both the destruction of the Turkish fleet and Othello's recent marriage. And yet, as Desdemona and Emilia enter, he is able to move from this state of abject hopelessness to a momentary appeal to heaven (278) when he declares that he will not believe that his wife is false to him. The implication is clear; Iago does not have to state it: If Desdemona deceived her own flesh and blood, she might just as naturally deceive her husband. Othello will then conclude that Desdemona either gave the handkerchief to Cassio as a token of their love or left it at Cassio's lodgings after a rendezvous. Scene i: After crossing the sea, Desdemona, Emelia, Cassio, and Iago arrive at Cyprus. When Othello enters, Iago sees that Othello cannot regain his peace of mind. Chief among Iagos reasons for this hatred is Othellos recent promotion of Michael Cassio to the post of lieutenant. But when Emilia adds that her husband, Iago, grieves "as if the cause [for Cassio's demotion] were his" (4) and that his friendship with the Moor has been severed, even the most casual listener in the audience would probably gasp in disbelief. Once he felt he was one of the "great ones" (273); now his pride in himself and in Desdemona's love for him is destroyed. Iago represents himself as an honest, but reluctant, witness. (35) is a blatant lie; this fraudulent tsk-tsking hides Iago's true delight; nothing could satisfy his perversity more. The "inclining Desdemona" refers to her credulousness: she's inclined to believe what she hears, as she did with Othello's tales of adventure. In it, Iago speaks carefully and at length with Othello and plants the seeds of suspicion and jealousy which eventually bring about the tragic events of the play. 25 Dec. 2020. Othello interrogates Emilia about Desdemona’s behavior, but Emilia insists that Desdemona has done nothing suspicious. As another example of dramatic irony, note how clearly the audience can see the contrast between Cassio and Iago, a man who certainly errs — at least morally — in his own "cunning." . In addition, she innocently refers to Cassio as a "suitor." Course Hero. Othello leaves Cassio on guard during the revels, reminding him to practice self-restraint during the celebration. His "Ha! The rich Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him in his suit to Desdemona, but he has seen no progress, and he has just learned that Desdemona has married Othello, a general whom Iago serves as ensign. Next. Othello is a master of games on the battlefield, but he is innocent of social games. They spot a ship coming forth; but Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia are on it, not Othello. Thus begins Iago's larger strategy to make it appear that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Desdemona is unstoppable in her pleas to Othello to restore Cassio to his position. . Othello and Desdemona leave to consummate their marriage. Othello hears, and his "O misery!" She knows how deeply Desdemona treasures it, but she recalls that Iago has asked her many times to "steal" it. Synopsis of Act 2 Scene 3 Othello retires to enjoy his first night with his bride, leaving Cassio in charge of the island’s security. Desdemona speaks of Cassio, and Othello, to please her, agrees to see him, but he is distracted by his private thoughts. Desdemona greets her husband and, without guilt, introduces Cassio's name into their conversation. Desdemona, the well-meaning bride, has been talking with Cassio and tells him that she is sure that she can influence her husband in Cassio's behalf. Momentarily, Othello seems to revive his senses, snarling at Iago's villainy and sending him away, then he slumps into despair. And, furthermore, Cassio is so desperate to return to Othello's good graces that he'll do anything, believe easily a man of Iago's skill. Get the eBook on Amazon to study offline. He is easily convinced and terribly jealous. Emilia decides to have a copy made to give to Iago, but he enters, sees the handkerchief, and snatches it from her. Course Hero. In a very self-conscious … (95). . Late in the scene, Iago's offers a soliloquy. Even now Othello's blood "burn[s] like the mines of sulphur" (329). He is within reach of his original objective of driving Othello to despair, but his victory is not secure, as Othello may yet think to blame Iago again for his suffering and turn against him. Perhaps she is merely young and eager to have her requests granted, or perhaps she is too eager to prove to herself that her new husband is obedient; whatever the reason, she harries Othello about when he will reinstate Cassio as his lieutenant: " . nature erring from itself — " (227). The scene ends with Roderigo, disappointed again, beaten, almost out of money, and determined to return to Venice. Othello Summary. She tells Emilia so, and that she … Iago's words here are filled with forceful innuendo, and as he pretends to be a man who cannot believe what he sees, he reintroduces jealousy into Othello's subconscious. On the shores of Cyprus, Montano, the island’s governor, watches a storm with two gentlemen. In this short scene, Othello sends a herald to announce that there will be a celebration to mark the destruction of the Turkish fleet as well as Othello's recent marriage. Othello seems to be concerned with other matters. . . But because Othello sees nothing amiss, Iago must make a show of not wanting to speak of it, or of Cassio, while all the time insinuating that Cassio was not just leaving, but that he was "steal[ing] away so guilty-like" (39). CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. When Othello and Iago enter, Cassio, who is embarrassed because of his antics the previous night, embraces Desdemona and departs. . Course Hero, Inc. As a reminder, you may only use Course Hero content for your own personal use and may not copy, distribute, or otherwise exploit it for any other purpose. Next. Iago often talks of webs and ensnaring Cassio and Othello. Cassio speaks to Desdemona, asking her to intercede with Othello on his behalf. After Cassio exits, Iago offers a soliloquy in which he suggests that he's only giving advice and that it's Cassio's responsibility to see what kind of trouble it might bring him. happily (238) [Archaic] haply, by chance. Read our modern English translation of this scene. Find a summary of this and each chapter of Othello! / I prithee, name the time, but let it not / Exceed three days . This important metaphor foreshadows the way the setting reflects a net, or trap, slowly closing on its victims. As Cassio shows what a ladies man he is, Iago plots ways to use that against him. Previous Next Act 3, Scene 3 Cassio has explained the whole situation to Desdemona, and she promises to not rest until she's convinced Othello to reinstate Cassio as his lieutenant and renew their friendship. After Othello says he trusts Iago (bad move), he tells Desdemona he's paid for her by marrying her, and now it's about time that he gets to collect. Course Hero. / Tell me, Othello" (57-68). Iago tricks Cassio into drinking against his wish and Roderigo incites his anger and drive him into a fight. Later, this handkerchief in Cassio's possession will be sufficient "proof" for Othello to abandon all faith in Desdemona. Summary and Analysis. Othello dismisses love and calls for vengeance. (427) he cries. . . Iago tells Othello that he has seen Cassio wipe his brow with a handkerchief embroidered with strawberries; Othello recognizes this handkerchief as the one he gave to Desdemona. Iago urges Othello to be patient, arguing that he may change his mind, and there follows the well-known Pontic Sea (i.e., the Black Sea) simile, in which Othello compares his "bloody thoughts" (447) to the sea's compulsive current, one which never ebbs but keeps on its course until it reaches its destination, the junction of the Propontic and the Hellespont (453-460). In his denial, he shows himself most vulnerable. Once Othello is gone, Iago enters and joins Cassio on guard. 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