Othello - Act 1 Scene 2

Visual Component:

A struggle between Brabantio's and Othello's followers.

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Summary
Iago goes back to Othello's lodgings and tells Othello that he wants to kill Roderigo, but due to his conscience, he does not kill him. Iago then warns Othello about Brabantio's anger saying that Brabantio is coming with his men to divorce them. However, Othello feels confident and believes the strength in his love for Desdemona. Then, Cassio arrives with a party of men and brings a message that the duke of Venice wants to see Othello about a Turkish invasion of the Venetian colony of Cyprus. When Cassio and his men are ready to leave, Iago reminds that Othello is married. Before Iago speaks more, Roderigo, Brabantio and Brabantio's men arrive and want to subdue Othello. The fight between two parties seems to happen but is stopped by Othello's calmness reaction. Othello persuades Brabantio to accompany him to the duke, where Othello is summoned. Brabantio agrees to bring his issue before the duke.

Character Development
In the beginning of the scene, Iago claims that he wants to kill Rederigo because Roderigo loves Desdemona, who is Othello's wife, but he doesn't kill him because of his own conscious. By doing these, Iago wants to show his "loyalty" to Othello. Iago is a double dealer which means he is two-faced in character. When behind Othello, Iago is treacherous and tells Roderigo he hates Othello but pretends to be loyal when in front of Othello, "He will divorce you Or put upon you what restraint or grievance The Law (with all his might to enforce it on) Will give him a cable." (1.2.16-19) He warns Othello Brabantio's anger which is created by Iago. Iago is driving his force behind which develops the plot of the story. Iago's jealousy in Desdemona's love and ambitions in the position of lieutenant create a dangerous motive of revenge that would gradually destroy Othello. With Othello's absolute trust, Iago uses deception as his weapon to attack Othello but Othello does not know he is attacked by Iago. This is why Iago is dangerous. Iago will become more and more deceitful with Othello's trust.

Interesting Question

Q: Would the duke of Venice be on Brabantio's side in terms of Othello's marriage with Desdemona?

Ans: I don't think the duke of Venice would be on Brabantio's side. On one hand, everything Brabantio knows about his daughter's marriage is based on Iago's assertion which involves Iago's personal prejudice. Brabantio's accusation of Othello would convince the duke. On the other hand, Othello is confident in his love for Desdemona and he believes his honorable military services would outweigh Brabantio's grievance, therefore his explanation would be more convincible due to Othello's calmness and his sense of his own authority.


Class Activity:
Critique Othello’s personality. What do his strengths seem to be?  Are there indications of any weaknesses?
Othello is very confident and does not seem worried or stressed, "Let him do his spite. My services which I have done the Signiory. Shall out-tongue his complaints" (20-22). He believes his honorable military services would protect him from Brabantio's accusation. Othello is extremely calm and confident and shows a sense of his authority when he speaks in front of the struggle between Brabantio's and Othello's followers. Othello's strengths are strong military skills, his authority, calmness and intelligence. When he speaks, everyone stops naturally to listen to him. He knows clearly what situation he is in and knows how to handle Brabantio's accusation. Othello is smart because he asks Brabantio to complain before the duke, since he knows that duke would consider his importance in military so he would not be blamed. One of Othello's possible weaknesses is his overconfidence. He believes deeply in his own strength and trust Iago's loyalty.  He is heavily exposed to Iago who will bring him destruction someday.