Putting their plan into action, Iago gets Cassio drunk, and Roderigo provokes him into a fight with Montano. Act 2, Scene 3 FLUSTER’D WITH FLOWING CUPS Act 2, Scene 2 A PROCLOMATIONĪ Herald announces to the people of Cyprus a celebration of Othello’s triumph over the Turkish fleet, and of his marriage to Desdemona. Alone, Iago reveals that he believes Othello has had an affair with his wife, Emilia. Iago tricks Roderigo into believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, and the pair plot to get Cassio fired. Othello arrives and announces the destruction of the Turkish fleet. Iago watches closely as Cassio greets Desdemona and plots to use their friendship against them. Act 2, Scene 1 WELL MET AT CYPRUSĬassio, Desdemona, Iago, Emilia and Roderigo arrive in Cyprus after battling a stormy sea. Left alone, Iago declares his hatred of Othello and swears to break up the marriage, using Roderigo as his pawn. Desdemona is allowed to go too, but she sails separately. The Duke decides that Othello must sail to Cyprus to lead the fight against the Turks. Desdemona confirms this, and the couple’s marriage is approved by the senate. Othello defends himself by claiming that he ‘charmed’ Desdemona with his stories, not with magic. Brabantio raises his grievances with Othello in front of the senate. Having received news of a serious threat against Cyprus, the Duke of Venice decides that defensive action is needed. Othello responds that he must hear his side of the story before passing judgment. Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter into falling in love with him.

In another staged display of loyalty, Iago threatens Roderigo for telling Brabantio of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage. Cassio informs Othello that he has been summoned to the senate just as Brabantio arrives. In a false display of loyalty to Othello, Iago warns him that Brabantio has been told of his daughter’s marriage. Together (though Iago at first remains hidden from sight) they tell Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, of her marriage, who is outraged at the news. Iago is jealous that Othello has picked Cassio as his lieutenant over him, and Roderigo – who is in love with Desdemona – is angry at news that she and Othello have eloped together. On the streets of Venice, Iago and Roderigo discuss their hatred of Othello.

Othello summary