WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Othello

Act One Scene I: Key Points Iago has told Roderigo, who hoped to marry Desdemona, of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona. Iago describes how he hates Othello because he gave Cassio a promotion instead of Iago. He plans to use his close connection to Othello to have his revenge. Iago encourages Roderigo to wake up Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, with the news of his daughter’s marriage. Brabantio is shocked and angered, he gathers his people to go find Othello.

Roderigo Gullible: He is easily manipulated and deceived. Though Iago tells him openly that he is dishonest and uses people, Roderigo never suspects that Iago is deceiving or using him. Hopeless Romantic: He is hopelessly in love with Desdemona and is devastated when he learns of her marriage to Othello.

Iago A junior officer in the army – takes no pride in his position. A member of the lower classes – feels his social status prevented his promotion. Is happy to use all those around him to achieve his own ends.

EXPERT SCHEMER: Convinced a wealthy nobleman to allow him unlimited access to his money. Clearly able to manipulate. Exceptionally persuasive – convinces Roderigo that he hates Othello. All of Roderigo’s anger becomes focused on Othello instead of Iago. MALICIOUS AND DESCTRUCTIVE: Hates Othello and wishes to destroy him. Maliciously encourages Roderigo to wake Brabantio up, knowing he will be enraged. He knows Brabantio is powerful and can make life difficult for Othello. SELF-BELIEF: Belives he deserves to be more than he is. Rather than just feel hard done by, he believes he will find a way to rise above his current position. He is not a humble and meek servant who will accept his lot in life. He will serve Othello only as long as it suits his own interests. Iago NO RESPECT FOR MORALS: No respect for the values that govern most people’s behaviour. He despises servants who remain loyal to their masters. He does not hold the duties of love and virtue in any regard but will pretend to be loving and dutiful it if helps achieve his goals.

Act One Scene II: Key Points Iago tells Othello that Roderigo has been saying nasty things about him and that Brabantio knows of his marriage. Othello says he has nothing to be ashamed of and his good name will ensure no harm will come to him. Cassio explains that Othello is urgently needed at the Duke’s as a military situation is brewing in Cyprus. Brabantio finds Othello, wants to arrest him and accuses him of witchcraft to lure Desdemonda. Othello tells him he is going to the Duke’s and their grievance will be best dealt with there.

Othello: Calm and Confident Despite being provoked, insulted and threatened Othello remains calm and self-possessed at all times. Othello refuses to get wound up about Roderigo and says Brabantio should do what he wishes if he plans to make him suffer. When Brabantio approaches Othello refuses to hide. He tells him and his men to lower their weapons, Brabantio’s age will get more respect than his weapons. Though Brabantio insults him and accuses him of witchcraft Othello never loses his temper, calmly asking where he can defend himself of the charges.

Othello: Dignified and Proud  He tells Iago that he descended from royalty, however, it is not something he wishes to boast about.  He is proud of what he has achieved and is sure his actions will speak against any accusations.  He is not the sort of person to run or hide when things get difficult. Iago tells him to hide from Brabantio but he refuses.  He feels that his merits make him more than worthy of marriage to Desdemona.

Iago An Excellent Actor In this scene we get to see Iago acting out his part as loyal and dutiful servant: He tells Othello Roderigo has been insulting him and Iago was so maddened he nearly killed him. He acts as if he has Othello’s best interests at heart when he tells him that Brabantio is looking for him. Othello is convinced Iago is a loyal servant. No Morals He presents himself as a moral person: He claims to be outraged at Roderigo for insulting Othello. He says he could never commit premeditated murder. He says he is not wicked by nature: ‘I lack iniquity’ But this is all just an act

What Do You Think? Do you think the anger Brabantio feels and the speech that he gives is justified given the way his daughter has behaved?

Act One Scene III: Key Points The Duke and his senators discuss the crisis in Cyprus. Brabantio claims Othello has seduced his daughter with witchcraft and demands justice. Othello describes how Desdemona fell in love with him listening to the story of his life. Desdemona confirms this version of events. The Duke declares Othello will leave for Cyprus that night. Desdemona will accompany Othello there. Othello entrusts her to Iago’s care. Roderigo threatens to kill himself now that he has lost Desdemona. However, Iago is determined to use him as a pawn and convinces him to sell all his land and accompany him to Cyprus. In a soliloquy Iago lays out a scheme to destroy Othello and Cassio. He will convince Othello that Cassio is having an affair with his wife.

Othello in this scene  Highlights his exotic origins. Desdemona is blown away by his tales.  Establishes his military genius. He is a man of great bravery and genius.  Displays calmness and dignity. He is falsely accused but calmly tells his side of the story.  Reveals Othello’s trusting nature. Iago describes that Othello assumes people are honest. This naivety will be used against him as the play progresses.  Shows Othello’s decent nature. Desdemona and the Duke both praise his virtuous nature.

Consider.... Brabantio warns Othello that Desdemona has betrayed her father and may deceive her husband as well. Do we see here the seeds of Othello’s future jealousy being sown?

Iago in this scene  Malicious and destructive: he uses Roderigo for profit and plans to destroy both Cassio and Othello.  Expert schemer: Iago’s plotting begins to take more shape. Keeps Roderigo onside to fund his schemes and plans to take out both his enemies with the one plan.  Incredibly persuasive: It is obvious Roderigo has no hope with Desdemona but Iago convinces him he does.

Desdemona and Roderigo Brabantio describes his daughter as a quiet, gentle and timid girl. However, in this scene she comes across as strong-willed and assertive. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind to her father, the Duke and assembled senators. Roderigo again highlights his own gullibility in this scene. Even though Iago has made clear that he is a malicious user, Roderigo still trusts him and agrees to sell all his land. He is a hopeless romantic who is so filled with despair at Desdemona’s marriage he threatens suicide.

Consider... Othello promises the assembled senators that he doesn’t want Desdemona to accompany him because of sexual desire. Rather he desires her companionship. He also swears Desdemona’s presence will not distract him from his duties. We will see as the play progresses just how difficult Othello will find it to keep his passions and emotions in check and his mind on military matters.