|
READ THIS
The scene opens with messages that Cyprus is about to be attacked by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire.
Into the midst of this excitement comes Brabantio to appeal to the Duke for justice at Othello's elopement
with Desdemona. He accuses the Moor of seducing his daughter through magical spells and drugs.
COMMENT ON THE SCENE
Othello, in his defence against Brabantio's accusations, denies any use of magic but explains to the
assembled dignitaries that Brabantio had often invited him to his house where he questioned him in great
eagerness for the stories of his life.
These stories encompassed all the vivid imaginings of the Elizabethan era. There were tales of slavery
and cannibalism, descriptions of men whose heads were below their shoulders.
Desdemona had listened to these weird and wonderful stories, and imagined herself involved in them.
She had even hinted to Othello that she would like to marry such a man as he, a hint that Othello acted
upon.
When Desdemona is brought to testify, she professes her loyalty to her father but also her undying love
for Othello, whom she refers to as her husband. Brabantio accepts this evidence but his attitude remains
niggardly and bitter.
Indeed, when it is soon learned that Othello must immediately depart for Cyprus to command the defence
of the island, Brabantio refuses to allow his daughter to return to his house. Instead, Desdemona is
granted permission to accompany her husband to the defence of Cyprus.
Othello is to leave for Cyprus that very night but he leaves Desdemona in the care of Iago, who will follow
the next day. In the meantime, Roderigo becomes suicidal at the realisation that he has lost Desdemona
forever.
He is thereupon persuaded to follow Othello to Cyprus where Iago promises to hatch a plan to get
Desdemona back -- for which he will expect handsome payment in return ("put money in your
purse").
We eventually learn that Iago plans to persuade Othello that his wife is being unfaithful to him by sleeping
with Michael Cassio, the Moor's faithful lieutenant. In this way, Iago believes he will get even with both
Othello and Michael Cassio, using Desdemona as the innocent pawn in his evil game.
Have you looked at the questions
in the right column?
|
TEST YOURSELF!
Read the left column and then answer
the following questions:
"The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes,
Have there injointed them with an after fleet."
- Who are the "Ottomites"? (2)
[Need help?]
The "Ottomites" refers to the Turkish Empire which was for centuries commonly known as the
Ottoman Empire.
In fact, the Ottoman Empire only ceased to exist in 1919, after the victorious powers carved up Europe
and the Middle East at the conclusion of the 1st World War. Today it is known simply as Turkey.
|
- Why should the Ottomites be "reverend and gracious"? (2)
[Need help?]
This, of course, has nothing to do with the Ottomites themselves but is a reference to their sailing vessels
which were most stately, with sails erect and billowing in the wind. The old sailing vessels were indeed
very gracious in appearance.
|
- What is meant by "The Ottomites . . . have there injointed them with an after
fleet"? (2)
[Need help?]
There were two Turkish fleets, the second following after the first so as to reinforce the main body. It is
as if they were joined together -- "injointed"
|
"And now they do re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus."
- Explain exactly what the intentions of the Ottomites were. (4)
[Need help?]
The Turkish fleet was attempting a ruse or decoy, to make it look as if they were about to attack the
heavily fortified Rhodes but, at the last moment, to turn on the island of Cyprus.
If they could fool the Venetians into sending their warships towards Rhodes, this would leave Cyprus
relatively unprotected and therefore an easy prey.
|
" 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus.
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town?"
- Why does the Duke want to send for Marcus Luccicos and not for Othello? (2)
[Need help?]
It does appear that Othello was not the Duke's first choice for commander but rather Marcus Luccicos.
It is only when the latter was not available that the Duke was forced to turn to Othello. This would possibly
further explain Othello's insecurity -- he was not the Duke's right-hand man but only his second choice.
|
|
