Othello Act One Scene Three

1. Othello and Desdemona's love

1.1. There is no question of their deep sincerity, but an audience might wonder whether Othello and Desdemona fell in love with an image of the other. Is their love too idealistic?

2. Iago's revenge

2.1. Iago speaks in a fast-moving prose when outwitting Roderigo, suggesting he is thinking on his feet.

2.2. Alone on stage, Iago returns to blank verse, demonstrating his ability to manipulate his style to suit his audience and purposes.

2.3. For 'mere suspicion' he will destroy Othello's marriage and disgrace Cassio.

3. 'If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.' Iago

4. Summary

4.1. Othello is told to prepare for war against the Turks after their invasion of Cyprus.

4.2. Brabantio repeats his accusations of witchcraft against Othello.

4.3. Othello recounts the history of their relationship with Desdemona and she is brought to the council chamber to confirm Othello's words.

4.3.1. Iago says he will help Roderigo seduce Desdemona and cuckold Othello.

4.4. Desdemona asks to be allowed to accompany her husband on his military campaign

5. Opposition and Othello

5.1. Othello faces a lot of opposition. He is basically put on trial when he is forced to defend his character and his actions.

5.2. Shakespeare has structured this scene so that discussions move back and forward between love and war, showing that Othello will be constantly pulled in different directions.

5.3. Othello's military skill is established by repeated references to him as 'valiant' early in the scene, whilst Desdemona's refinement and femininity are emphasised.

6. Desdemona

6.1. She claims she is a submissive wife but demands the right to accompany Othello to Cyprus.

7. 'If you do find me foul in report...but let your sentences, Even fall upon my life.' Othello