Othello Act Two

Scene One
There is a report that Turkish ships are on their way to Cyprus to take the island out from under Venetian power. Defences will need to be strengthened and more of the army sent. Othello and Brabantio go before the senators who are talking of this impending battle. Brabantio speaks of his grievance against Othello for marrying his daughter. Othello defends himself by saying, yes he did marry Desdemona, but he stole her heart with stories, not witchcraft. Desdemona has come and confirms the words of her husband. The senators decide that Desdemona should stay with Othello, and deny Brabantio his grievance. Othello is then called away to Cyprus and he asks if Desdemona could come with him. He is granted his wish and Desdemona will stay with Iago until she goes to join him in Cyprus. Roderigo is immensely jealous and upset that Desdemona and Othello are permitted to remain married. Iago assures him that the union will soon crumble and at any moment Desdemona could come running to Roderigo. Iago has a plan to destroy the newlyweds and is using Roderigo as a means of doing so. 

Scene Two
A herald to Othello enters, proclaiming that the Turks will not attack. Joy fills those around, Othello and Desdemona celebrate the happiness of being married.

Scene Three
Cassio and Iago stand on watch together and Iago gets Cassio drunk, for he knows Cassio is unable to hold his liquor. Iago tries to tempt Cassio into lusting after Desdemona; he uses friendly tactica and fails. Cassio leaves and Iago reveals that he hopes Cassio’s drunkenness will cause a fight between Cassio and Roderigo, who hates Cassio. Iago hopes to see Cassio discredited so he may take Cassio’s position as lieutenant.  Montano and others join Iago and he amuses them with light conversation and song. Cassio becomes even more drunk and Roderigo approaches. Offstage Roderigo fights Cassio who  chases him onstage. Montano attempts to stop Cassio, but he ends up injured. Othello is woken up by all the noise and he comes to find out what is going on. Montano informs Othello of what he knows and Iago fills in the gaps, making up his own part of the story.  Cassio is stripped of his rank and everyone else leaves, only Cassio and Iago remain. Cassio complains that his reputation is ruined, and his reputation meant everything to him. Iago tries to make him believe that reputation means next to nothing; also, is Cassio were to speak with Desdemona, she might be able to put in a good word for him with Othello. This is all part of Iago’s plan to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are together, this would enrage Othello. Iago then goes into great lengths to describe how Desdemona will back up Cassio and he will be able to turn against them both.