Act One Summary

Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona, is angry because he believes Iago knew of Othello and Desdemona’s plans to marry

Iago assures him that he had no reason to lie to him, but tells him to wake Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, and tell him of the wedding. “Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight” (I.i.68)

Roderigo tries to explain to Brabantio that he has come to see him, “in simple and pure soul” (I.i.108)

Roderigo goes on to say, “That, from the sense of all civility,/Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,/I say again, hath made a gross revolt” (I.i.131-133)

Roderigo is hoping that Brabantio will be angry when he hears that his daughter ran off and married Othello, the Moor.

In fact, Brabantio states, “O treason of the blood!” (I.i.168)

Brabantio wants to bring Othello and his daughter to justice.

Ironically, Roderigo was hoping to ellicit this reaction from Brabantio, and Brabantio states, “I’ll deserve your plans” (I.i.182).

In this act we see a different side of Iago. He explains that, “Through in the trade of

war I have slain men,/ Yet do I hold it very stuff o’the conscience/ To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity” (I.ii.1-3)

Iago inquires if Othello’s marriage is secure because Brabantio is a very powerful man and he may be able to undo the marriage.

Othello assures Iago that he loves Desdemona.

Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant, tells him that the Duke wants to see him immediately. He explains that all the senators are with the Duke.

When Othello leaves, Iago tries to quickly tell Cassio that Othello has married Desdemona.

Brabantio then comes to take Othello into custody: “O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow’d my daughter?/ Damn’d as thou art, thou has enchanted her!” (I.ii.62-63)

He plans to take Othello to prison until the Duke is able to see him.

The officer informs Brabantio that the Duke is already in council and is awaiting Othello – Brabantio sees this as an opportunity to immediately bring Othello before the Duke.

The Duke is discussing the conflicting reports regarding the Turkish fleet that is approaching Cyprus

Although the reports are not consistent he states, “I do not so secure me in the error/ But the main article I do approve/ In fearful sense.” (I.iii.10-12)

It is then agreed that the final destination, “Tis certain then for Cyprus” (I.iii.43-44).

Brabanito and Othello enter, the Duke exclaims, “Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you” (I.iii.48). Notice the word used to describe Othello…

Brabantio explains what is wrong with his daughter: “She is abused, stol’n form me, and corrupted/ By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;/ For nature so preposterously to err,/ Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense,/ Sans witchcraft could not.” (I.iii.60-64).

Othello explains that he did not “charm” her but rather, “I won his daughter” (I.iii. 93).

Othello asks that Desdemona be brought in front of the senate to be questioned. If the senate finds that she was coerced into marrying him, then Othello feels that, “Not only take away, but let your sentence/ Even fall upon my life.” (I.iii. 18-19)

Othello uses the time to explain how the marriage came to be… Brabantio “oft invited me” (I.iii.128) to talk

about Othello’s life story… while these conversations took place, “This to hear/ Would Desdemona seriously incline;” (I.iii.145-146)

She only heard bits and pieces of his stories until one day when Othello “did consent,/ And often did beguile her of her tears/ When I did speak of some distressful stoke… [and] if I had a friend that loved her,/ I should teach him how to tell my story,/ And that would woo her.” (I.iii.155-166)

It was then that Othello realized that, “she loved me for the dangers I had pass’d,/ And I loved her that she did pity them” (I.iii.168-170).

Desdemona explains, “I am hither to your daughter. But here’s my husband,/ And so much duty as my mother show’d/ To you, preferring you before her father,/ So much I challenge that I may profess/ Due to the Moor my lord” (I.iii.185-189).

The Duke reminds the assembly of the Turkish invasion and requests that Othello be in charge of the emergency expedition.

Desdemona expresses her desire to go with her husband.

Othello asks Iago and his wife to travel with her to Cyprus: “Honest Iago,/ My Desdemona must I leave to thee./ I prithee, let thy wife attend on her.” (I.iii.294-296)

Roderigo asks Iago for help: “What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond,/ but it is not in my virtue to amend it.” (I.iii.316-317)

Iago tells Roderigo to, “Put money in thy purse” (I.iii.335-336), so that he can raise money to follow them to Cyprus.

Iago wants Cassio to be apart of his plan, “to abuse Othello’s ear/ That he is too familiar with his wife.” (I.iii.384-385)