Read Act I, scenes ii-iii

Summaries for Act I, scenes ii-iii


Scene ii: Iago, in his duplicity, warns Othello that Barbantio is coming and then tries to get Othello upset at his new father-in-law. Cassio and some of Othello's men come to summon Othello to the Senate. The Duke needs his help in dealing with the Turkish threat in Cyprus. Brabantio and his men arrive. Brabantio tries to take Othello into custody. Everyone heads to the Senate.

Scene iii: The Duke and the senators get news of threats against Cyprus. The Duke is glad to see Othello. Brabantio complains to the Duke about Othello. Othello suggests that they ask Desdemona if she loves Othello. Othello tells the story of how he and Desdemona fell in love. Desdemona receives permission to go with Othello to Cyprus. Iago convinces the love sick Roderigo that he can still have Desdemona. Roderigo disguises himself and goes to Cyprus. Iago, in an important soliloquy, details his plan to make Othello jealous.



As you listen and read, look for:

  • examples of verbal, situational, and specifically, dramatic irony
  • examples of Iago being deceptive
  • examples of Othello and his ability to only recognize appearance, rather than reality

You have several options to read/listen.

1. Link HERE to read scenes ii-iii. This is Shakespeare's Othello set next to modern day English.

2. Listen to Act I, scene ii-iii.


3. Read the Google Book below.



Last modified: Friday, April 29, 2011, 3:11 PM