Othello Act 1 Notes

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

Othello Act II Notes

II.i

Montano & 2 Gentlemen

They are discussing the storm that plagues the sea off the coast of Cyprus and the fate of the Turkish fleet due to it
A third gentleman arrive with news that the Turks are defeated by the storm and are safe (heard from Cassio), but Othello is still at sea, last seen in the storm
People head to the shore looking for friendly ships coming in (one man sent to see whose)
They learn that Iago’s ship has arrived (early) with Desdemona and again wish for Othello’s safe return

Iago, Emilia, Desdemona, Roderigo

Iago and company come on shore
Cassio’s courtesy to Iago’s wife sparks a rant about her faults which progresses to one regarding women as a whole (Iago is certainly biased)
Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand (Iago sees this as opportunity for his plan)

Othello’s Arrival

Desdemona and Othello reunite, happy as they have ever been to be together again
Iago keeps making comments under his breath at the sight
The couple leaves, heading for the castle and leaving Iago to collect their things

Iago & Roderigo

Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio
He doesn’t believe it
Iago explains that she will be looking for someone new, and Cassio is right for the position
Roderigo has faith in her morality (paradox?)
Iago (as usual) downplays Roderigo’s impulse
He asks that since Cassio doesn’t know him he pick a fight so that he’ll get in trouble and be fired
Roderigo agrees to do it given that Iago will still help him get her

Iago Alone

He clarifies his plan citing again that Othello may have slept with Emilia and that Cassio may have as well
He also roots for Roderigo doing his part to help him
If he can’t have Desdemona himself, then he can at least drive Othello crazy thinking someone has
He isn’t sure how far he wants to go with his plan yet

Day 2:

II.ii

Herald announces a party in honor of their win over the Turks and Othello’s Marriage

II.iii

Othello puts Cassio in charge of making sure things don’t get too wild and heads off to consummate his marriage

“On Duty”

Cassio gets Iago to help him guard
Iago convinces Cassio to drink a bit with him (after some protesting)
Once Cassio is drunk it will be that much easier to get him riled up and in trouble with Roderigo’s help
Cassio is obviously inebriated and stubles off to watch
Iago uses his state to inform Montano that he’s a drunk and untrustworthy
Iago plays that he’s on Cassio’s side when Montano wants to tell Othello
Cassio reenters chasing Roderigo for some insult
Montano parts them, trying to help, then fights Cassio
Roderigo heads off to inform people of a riot underway (Iago told him to)
Montano has been seriously injured fighting Cassio
Othello looks to Iago to explain – who claims people just went crazy
Montano claims he was defending himself and defers to Iago
Iago sticks with the “truth” as was seen
Cassio is fired

Iago & Cassio:

Iago walks with him and listens to him
Iago downplays his embarrassment and suggests that he speak with Desdemona to get back in Othello’s favor
Cassio goes to bed with hope
Iago clarifies that his advice is proper (were he not involved), but he will use his good advice to turn Othello against Desdemona and Cassio

Iago and Roderigo:

Again, Roderigo wants out, but Iago pulls him back in
Roderigo wants to stop since he’s poor and hurt now, but Iago convinces him that it will all work out given time, he just doesn’t know the plan and its aim
Iago will get his wife to help get Desdemona on Cassio’s side and he will lead Othello by them when they talk to made it look bad

Othello Act III Notes

Day 1:
III.i
Music

Cassio pays musicians to get Othello in a better mood
A clown is sent to tell them to stop by Othello
Cassio pays the clown to ask Emilia to come speak with him

Iago & Cassio

Cassio informs Iago that he will ask Emilia’s permission to speak with Desdemona
Iago goes to fetch her and to busy Othello to get him out of the way

Emilia & Cassio

Emilia informs Cassio that Othello had to fire Cassio because of who he hurt, but that he is looking for a way to reinstate him without causing issues
Cassio asks to speak with Desdemona anyway

III.ii

Othello and Company

Othello and others go to inspect the fortification walls of Cyprus

III.iii

Desdemona & Cassio

Desdemona promises to try to help Cassio win Othello’s favor (and his job back)
Desdemona confirms that Othello doesn’t hate him, but can’t speak to him due to politics
Cassio leaves when he sees Othello and Iago approach

Othello & Iago Enter

Othello sees him leave, but Iago spins it – saying he wouldn’t hide like a guilty man from Othello
Desdemona pleads his case, begging Othello to call him back and welcome him because it was just a mistake, not an evil action
Othello says he can’t yet, but will to make her happy, Desdemona wants a specific time when this will happen
Desdemona cites the way Cassio would help Othello win her by smoothing his faults in her eyes
Othello concedes, but seems frustrated
Desdemona persists – claiming it seems like a huge favor when it is actually for his own good
Othello ends the spat by saying he would deny her nothing, as long as she goes away for a bit

Iago & Othello

Iago prods Othello about Cassio’s role in his winning Desdemona
Claims he didn’t realize they knew each other
Othello notes that he would carry notes for them
Othello’s interest is piqued – he wonders whether Cassio is honest (irony?)
Othello takes the bait and directly asks Iago what he thinks is going on
Othello claims if Iago were a liar, he wouldn’t wonder, but since he’s honest he seems to be wrestling with some moral dilemma which he should speak of
Iago keeps playing – still saying Cassio’s honest while leading Othello on
Iago warns that his thoughts may be incorrect so he doesn’t want to share them, but Othello insists he does as a good friend
Iago speaks to tarnishing a reputation (opposite of what he told Cassio earlier)
Iago continues to warn him now against jealousy (starting to lead him there)
Othello claims he can’t fall into jealousy because Desdemona picked him and he would need actual proof, which, when attained would end both his love and his jealousy
Iago FINALLY warns Othello about Desdemona and Cassio – just to watch and be wary
Iago cites the great acting job Desdemona did against her father
Othello still says he wouldn’t believe her cheating on him, but seems troubled
Iago cites fears that she’ll want someone more like herself eventually
Othello’s aside shows the seed’s been planted – he thinks Iago knows more than he says
Iago advises Othello to not reinstate Cassio yet and see how he tries to win it back
Othello’s soliloquy shows he fully doubts Desdemona already – saying he’s been cheated on, he now hates marriage because of the pain in his heart at her unfaithfulness

Day 2:

Desdemona and Emilia join Othello

Othello ends trying not to believe she cheated
Othello tells Desdemona he had a head ache – she offers to wrap his head in her handkerchief to help him, but he says not to bother and it falls to the floor
Emilia takes the handkerchief because Iago asked her to get it for him, so she plans to copy it and give him the copy since it is the first token Othello gave Desdemona

Iago & Emilia

Iago bugs Emilia, until she says she got the handkerchief
He gets it, but she says she should give it back unless he really needs it
He won’t tell her why, just that she deny knowledge of where it is
Iago (alone) sees the usefulness of the handkerchief – he can plant it at Cassio’s and use it to make Othello nuts

Othello & Iago

Othello goes off on a tangent about knowing vs. not knowing someone is cheating
He is already plagued by Iago’s words
Othello tells Iago he’d better prove her infidelity or he’ll face his wrath for making him crazy
Iago whines about the problems of being too honest (such that he’d rather lie)
Othello comforts him, but wants him to find proof
Iago cites how unlikely it would be to actually catch them in bed, but offers circumstantial evidence
He claims Cassio was moaning about her in his sleep (the extra info. Othello thought he had)
Othello interprets the dream as a memory
Iago plants the idea of Cassio having the handkerchief as proof tied to the other evidence
Iago says he’ll be Othello’s hands for him in revenge
Othello tells Iago to kill Cassio within three days
Iago pleads for her life
Othello says he must plan to kill her

III.iv

Desdemona & Clown

Desdemona asks the clown where Cassio is
Clown messes with her for a bit
She finally gets him to bring a message that she spoke on his behalf and he’ll probably get his job back

Desdemona & Emilia

Desdemona is freaking out because she can’t find her handkerchief
Desdemona worries (even though Othello IS NOT a jealous person)

Othello Enters

He notes her palm is sweaty – indicating love
She claims it is for him
Othello is having trouble pretending he doesn’t doubt her
Desdemona says she sent for Cassio to come speak to him
Othello feigns a cold and asks for her handkerchief
Desdemona gives a different one
Othello claims the handkerchief is charmed – that as long as a woman carries it, their man will love and adore her, but if lost or given away, he’ll hate her and cheat
Othello sticks to seeing the handkerchief, while Desdemona claims it isn’t lost, but asks what would happen if it were
Desdemona makes the mistake of still harping on Cassio while he gets steadily more angry and leaves

Desdemona & Emilia

Emilia sarcastically asks about Othello being jealous
Iago and Cassio enter
Cassio prods Desdemona for a final answer regarding his job so he won’t go crazy
Desdemona says the time isn’t right – that Othello isn’t acting like himself – he’s mad about something
Desdemona rationalizes that he must be upset about something political and that’s making him upset about every little thing (transference)
Emilia hopes it’s politics and not her, but she won’t hear of it being her fault

Cassio & Bianca

Cassio asks that Bianca copy the handkerchief
Bianca thinks it’s from another woman – though Cassio swears he just found it and likes it
Bianca wants him to walk with her, but he won’t – they have a lover’s spat over it

Othello Act IV Notes

Day 1:
IV.i

Iago & Othello

The two are discussing Desdemona’s specific actions with Cassio (reminiscent of his chiding Brabantio?)
Iago seems to be defending Desdemona (claiming they may not have entirely acted)
Iago claims it’s her right to give a handkerchief to whomever she wants
Othello brings back the idea of a reputation and that being lost
Iago drives conversation on about what Cassio may have referred to (images of them in bed)
Othello goes into a trance
Cassio enters, but Iago sends him off for the moment
Othello thinks Iago’s making fun of him when he “awakes”
Iago challenges his behavior as unmanly
Iago tries to downplay – claiming knowing her is better than being made a fool
Iago sends Othello to hide and watch (he can’t hear) Iago speak with Cassio about Desdemona

Othello Watching

Iago brings up Bianca to Cassio
Cassio defends Iago’s accusation that he intends to marry Bianca
His gestures are interpreted by Othello as him making fun of Desdemona

Bianca Enters

She returns the handkerchief claiming that he’s a liar and it must be from another woman
She seems to be done with him, but invites him for dinner
Iago ensures Cassio will be eating dinner there, claiming he’ll want to talk later

Cassio Leaves

Othello now wants to kill him himself
Iago uses Cassio’s misuse of the handkerchief to make Othello even more enraged
Though Othello’s angry and wants her dead, he still speaks of Desdemona’s good qualities
Iago pushes him – asking if he would rather just let her cheat
Othello asks for poison so she won’t disarm him
Iago pushes for him to strangle her in the bed she contaminated
Othello finds this more suiting
Iago offers to still kill Cassio for him

Trumpet and Venetians Enter

Othello is given a letter from Venice
Desdemona catches up with Lodovico
She informs Lodovico of the “rift” between Cassio and Othello
The letter sends Othello home so Cassio can be governor there
Othello sees her happiness as being for Cassio’s success not for going home
Othello hits her
Lodovico is upset by their display and wants Othello to call her back
He does – claiming she’s too good an actor
Othello leaves
Iago plays up his actions as not being uncommon

Day 2:
IV.ii

Othello & Emilia

Othello is grilling Emilia about Desdemona’s behavior around Cassio
Emilia defends her claiming that some evil person is spreading lies about her
When Emilia leaves, Othello thinks she’s covering for Desdemona

Othello, Desdemona & Emilia

Othello sends Emilia out to watch the door, claiming it’s for love
Desdemona defends herself the best she can against Othello’s accusations
Desdemona thinks he’s angry her father messed with his appointment in Cyprus
Othello goes so far as to call her a whore

Emilia & Desdemona

Desdemona is freaking out and can’t even explain what Othello just did
Iago enters and plays the fool – asking where he could have gotten such a ridiculous idea
Desdemona defends Othello b/c she thinks he’s been played
Emilia hates him for his assumptions
Emilia calls attention to Iago’s false idea that she slept with Othello
Desdemona asks Iago for advice to win him back
Iago pushes that it’s the politics stressing him out

Iago & Roderigo

Roderigo has figured out that Iago’s playing him
Roderigo cites jewels he gave to Iago to pass to Desdemona, which he expected “thanks” for
Roderigo will speak to Desdemona to get the jewels back, if she doesn’t have them he’ll duel Iago
Iago spins this to his favor
Iago claims that Othello and Desdemona will be sent to Mauritania if Cassio remains
He wants Roderigo to kill Cassio so that they stay and he can get Desdemona within a night
Iago claims there are more reasons for him to kill Cassio that they will speak of

IV.iii

Dinner Breaks Up

Lodocivo thanks them for their hospitality
Othello sends Desdemona to bed to wait for him alone
Desdemona wants to make him happy again
Desdemona claims that no matter what he does she still loves him
Desdemona has a depression song about dying from unrequited love in her head
Desdemona questions Emilia for cheating
Emilia gives some comic relief in her answers – claiming many would for the whole world, that husbands can drive their wives to cheating
Desdemona hopes to learn from the bad women’s example by never being like that

Othello Act V Notes

V.i.

Roderigo & Iago

Iago instructs Roderigo on how to attack Cassio
Iago weighs the outcomes and realizes it’s best that both men die here
Roderigo tries to stab Cassio but he has armor on
Cassio retorts and stabs Roderigo
Iago stabs Cassio in the leg

Othello enters

Othello sees Iago’s work as inspiration
He leaves to commit his own murder

Venetians enter

Lodovico and Gratiano hear the men crying, but think it may be a trap
Iago enters pretending he was asleep
Lodovico and Gratiano realize Iago’s there and see it as safe (he’s a good man)
Cassio tells him of his plight
Iago finds and stabs Roderigo
Iago helps Cassio

Bianca Enters

She tries to help
Iago implies that because she’s a whore she has some connection to the crime
Roderigo is revealed as the dying one
A stretcher is brought for Cassio
Iago asks why Cassio fought him
Cassio doesn’t know him – and is carried off with Roderigo
Iago turns on Bianca pointing blame at her

Emilia Enters

Emilia is updated on what happened
Iago blames consorting with prostitutes
Iago tells Emilia to ask Cassio where he was for dinner – pointing at Bianca as nervous
Emilia blames her
Bianca defends herself
Iago sends Emilia to get Othello and Desdemona
Iago sees this night as the threat it may be for him

V.ii

Othello Soliloquy

He wants her dead, but loves her still
He realizes that once she’s gone there’s no turning back (like relighting a candle)
He feels like it is a moral imperative to kill her and save others
He still sees her beauty and will love her in death if she remains so
Desdemona awakes

Desdemona & Othello

Othello asks Desdemona to pray for her sins before he kills her
Desdemona is surprised at the mention of killing
Desdemona asks for heaven’s mercy – so does Othello
Desdemona rationalizes that he shouldn’t want her dead then
Desdemona says loving him was her only sin, Othello says that’s why she must die
Othello is shaking and overly emotional
Othello finally reveals his assumptions, bringing up the handkerchief
Desdemona denies it
Othello doesn’t care what she says, he’ll still kill her, so she may as well admit it
Desdemona’s denials only make him want to kill her more
Othello claims Cassio spoke of them in bed and reveals he’s dead (is he?)
Desdemona’s cries for him only make Othello worse
Desdemona begs for time
Othello smothers her

Emilia Coming

Othello keeps her out until Desdemona is dead
He immediately feels regret and the threat of being caught
He shuts the bed curtains
Emilia tells of Roderigo’s death and shows Cassio lives
Othello is upset that the revenge went awry
Desdemona moans from the bed about her guiltless death – and blames herself for it
Desdemona dies
Othello acts surprised – she said it wasn’t him
Emilia still needs to report it
Othello admits it and gives his reason regarding Cassio
Emilia insults him because he was wrong
Othello tells her to ask Iago – he wouldn’t have given her up without due cause
Emilia keeps repeating “my husband”
Emilia reveals Iago as a lying villian
Othello draws his sword
Emilia stands up to his threat w/o fear of death – she’ll still reveal the murder

Montano, Iago, Gatiano Enter

Emilia prods Iago about his role of mentioning what he saw, but tells her to keep quiet
Emilia reveals Desdemona’s murder and lays blame on Iago
Othello admits his part
Gatiano reveals that Brabantio died at home over Desdemona’s betrayal in marrying Othello
Othello mentions the handkerchief as part of his proof
Emilia realizes what happened
Iago draws his sword on her
Emilia admits her role in the plot
Emilia keeps calling attention to Othello not deserving such a good wife
Othello lunges at Iago, while Iago stabs Emilia
The men set guards and take Othello’s sword, while others go for Iago
Othello take out another sword and calls in Gratiano
Othello claims he is no threat and deserves burning in hell

Men Reenter

Othello stabs Iago, but he’s only hurt
Othello realizes he’d rather have him live
Othello asks for Cassio’s forgiveness
Othello wants to know why
Roderigo had letters in his pocket about Iago and his complaints regarding him/orders from him
Cassio explains finding the handkerchief
Cassio reveals (b/c of Roderigo) the plot to get him demoted
Othello will be tried while Cassio will govern Cyprus
Othello asks that they honestly relay his story, then talks about a man he stabbed to distract them as he stabs himself
Cassio is left in charge of Iago’s punishment