Othello Detailed Summary Act 1 Secence 3: "Othello" by William Shakespeare
Scene III
There is the Duke of Venice sitting with several of his officers. They are discussing that Turks are advancing their troops towards Cyprus. Then a messenger arrives and confirms the already discussed news of Turk forces moving towards Cyprus.
The Duke, on seeing Othello, commands him to get ready for Cyprus but Brabantio intervenes and tells of his tale. He again accuses Othello of using magic on his daughter:
"She is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted
By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;".
Othello admits:
"That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
It is most true; true, I have married her"
It is ultimately agreed that Desdemona be sought and asked to reveal the truth in this regard. Hence, men are sent for bringing Desdemona to the council chamber of the Duke of Venice.
When the troops are gone to fetch Desdemona, Othello begins to relate the tale of his love. He tells that Brabantio used to invite Othello to his house. Othello used to relate his tales of bravery and suffering. Desdemona got interested in Othello gradually inspired by the awe of his life’s struggle and pains. Othello says:
"She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,
And I loved her that she did pity them.
This only is the witchcraft I have used"
Desdemona enters the scene. She defends her husband, Othello. The senator is very grieved at this and prays in thank that he had no other child. The Duke of Venice consoles him with some wise saws:
"The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief;
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief."
The Duke informs Othello of the Turk attack on Cyprus and asks him to move to Cyprus. Desdemona says that she wants to go with her husband to Cyprus. We find sheer love in her heart for the Moor:
"That I did love the Moor to live with him,
My downright violence and storm of fortunes
May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued
Even to the very quality of my lord"
But Othello thinks she needs to stay home. However, he agrees to take her along. Since, Othello is to go instantly, therefore, he entrusts his wife to the mischievous Iago and his wife Emilia. They sail in another ship on the next they to reach Cyprus and meet Othello.
When all are gone, Roderigo and Iago are seen conversing while the former is talking of suicide. But Iago takes him to task for such negative thinking. Iago retells him that he needs to use as much money as he can in pursuing his enemy, Othello. He also says that soon there will be distance between Desdemona and Othello. The fair lady may not adjust to the brute nature and physical appearance of Othello. Iago, once more, retells:
"I
hate the Moor: my cause is hearted; thine hath no
less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge
against him"
We also come to know that Iago is extracting money from Roderigo and using him “for sport and profit. However, Iago also shares his jealousy and doubts of sexual relations of Othello with his wife:
"I hate the Moor:
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if't be true;
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety."
Iago plans of ousting Cassio from the trustworthy position he holds for Othello.
