Day 1: I.i
Roderigo & Iago:
Roderigo is mad at Iago b/c he has paid for information and Iago has not passed some on
Roderigo questions Iago’s claim that he hates “him”
Iago does hate him (Othello) – because he wasn’t chosen as his lieutenant (Michael Cassio was who is good on paper but hasn’t seen actual conflict
Iago claims the only reason he still follows “the Moor” is to get him
Roderigo is jealous of Othello for what he “owns”
They decide to see “her” father to upset him
Brabantio’s House:
They awake Brabantio yelling that thieves have stolen from him
He realizes Roderigo is there and warns him about being there (he is not welcome as a man or suitor)
Roderigo & Iago continue warning him, going on to say his daughter’s been stolen in the night –using very graphic sexual and animal imagery to prod him into action
He has someone go check on his daughter
Iago leaves to join Othello and Desdemona – this is not the time to show himself against Othello because he is too needed by the military to get into too much trouble for his actions, so Iago wants to stay in his good graces
Before leaving, Iago tells Roderigo where to find them
Brabantio realizes Desdemona is gone and wants a group to “apprehend” her and her (assumed by now) husband
Day 2:
I.ii
Iago and Othello:
Iago meets Othello and warns him about Brabantio (claiming his side)
He is noble and may try to have the marriage annulled
He is angry
Othello is not upset b/c he feels that his services to Venice will outweigh the complaints of her father (Iago referred to this b4)
Othello also shows that he is of nobility where he comes from so is a suitable match for his wife
Cassio and Others Come:
Othello & Iago think it’s Brabantio
Othello stands his ground based on his rights to Desdemona
Cassio informs them that the Duke must see Othello regarding something involving Cyprus (and the war)
Iago informs Cassio that Othello is married (mounted a treasure ship)
Brabantio and Company Arrive:
There is nearly a fight between Othello’s men and Brabantio’s
Iago actually threatens Roderigo (tee hee hee)
Brabantio accuses Othello of charming his daughter with magic or drugs since she was always against marriage
Othello says he’s willing to face the charges and there is no reason to fight
Brabantio wants him to go to jail and be tried
Othello informs him that the Duke needs him, so he must go there (first) and so should Brabantio as a noble
Brabantio agrees to see the Duke who can also address his accusations
I.iii
Duke and Men:
Duke and his officers meet discussing the amount of ships headed to invade Cyprus
A messenger arrives to say they have shifted course for Rhodes (another of their islands)
They discuss this idea and assume the Turks are faking it because Cyprus is an easier target
Another messenger comes to tell them the ships have joined more and are set for Cyprus
Others Enter:
The Duke welcomes Othello then Brabantio
Brabantio says he isn’t there for or concerned with stately matters because his daughter’s been stolen
The Duke says he’ll punish the guilty even if it’s his own son
Brabantio accuses Othello of charming her with spells and drugs (again)
Othello says that though he isn’t a great speaker (except in war) he’ll defend himself and tell the story of how they got together – he claims his only crime is that they married
Brabantio sticks to his guns and claims she was afraid of him and wouldn’t willfully marry him
The Duke needs more proof than Brabantio’s claims
Othello is asked directly if he did as Brabantio claims
Othello says to get her and have her explain their actions to her father
Iago is sent with others to go get her
Day 3:
Othello explains his side of how they fell in love: he would come over to speak with Brabantio and tell tales of his adventures, she would listen too when she could, but wanted the full tale, having heard it she cried for him and told him his story would capture her heart and so he offered his own.
The Duke is impressed and can see how she may have fallen for him – he suggests that Brabantio try to make the best of it
Desdemona is brought in and is asked who her master is
Desdemona claims she is split since she did obey her father, but will now her husband
Brabantio is done with all of it – he certainly doesn’t like it, but must deal with it and gives her to Othello while praising the fact that she’s his only daughter since he would have turned into a tyrant had she sisters after this betrayal
The Duke attempts to sooth Brabantio with a proverb that basically means don’t cry over spilled milk – it won’t change anything
Brabantio quickly retorts that then if Cyprus is taken by the Turks they should keep smiling – it’s easy to say that when you aren’t the one at a loss and no words can make him feel any better
Back to Business:
The Duke tells Othello that he is the best to deal with the problem in Cyprus, but must leave immediately
Othello asks that Desdemona be provided for in the same luxury she is used to
The Duke questions why she can’t stay with her father
Desdemona doesn’t want to upset her father by being there after this (and he doesn’t want her there), and she’d rather be with Othello in Cyprus
Othello defends the idea claiming that it isn’t a carnal thing, and won’t interfere with his duties if she can come
The Duke leaves it to them
Othello has to leave almost immediately, he leaves Iago to get any other information from The Duke and to bring Desdemona
Brabantio warns Othello that she deceived him and may do the same again, then leaves
Othello asks that Desdemona be in the care of Iago’s wife and that they are brought forthwith
Iago and Roderigo:
Roderigo is suicidal since he has lost any chance with Desdemona
Iago poses an argument against such a ridiculous idea since love is glorified lust and is no reason to die, he goes on to say that if Roderigo gets more money together that he will help drive the couple apart (he cites the fact that it is likely to happen anyway) and her cheating will make Roderigo happy and Iago laugh
Roderigo is convinced and plans to meet Iago in the morning (he plans to sell his land for the cash)
Iago is alone (soliloquy???) he says that dealing with Roderigo would be a waste of time if he weren’t useful, he wants to take revenge on Othello for sleeping with his wife (at least so the rumors have said, but that’s enough for him), he also wants to displace Cassio in the army, so he can use him as a victim and set him up to look like Desdemona’s lover – he can’t wait for his plan to unfold
