Othello by William Shakespeare (Act 1 Scene 3, pg. 29-55)

Othello by William Shakespeare (Act 1 Scene 3, pg. 29-55)

Summary: In Act 1 Scene 3, the duke decides to send Othello to Cyprus on a military mission. At the same time, Brabantio is still fixed on the idea that Othello “bewitched” his daughter, but after calling in Desdemona, she professes she loves him. However, despite her testimony, Brabantio is still disapproving of Othello. After hearing of Othello’s assignment, Desdemona pleads to join him on his trip, and is finally awarded her wish. At this, Roderigo contemplates suicide, but is persuaded by Iago to instead sell his lands and follow Desdemona to Cyprus. The act ends with a monologue by Iago showing that he is up to no good.

Unfamiliar Vocabulary:
Courser: a swift horse
Jennet: a female donkey
Indign: disgraceful
Hyssop: a small bushy aromatic plant of the mint family, the bitter minty leaves of which are used in cooking and herbal medicine
Sequestration: the action of taking legal possession of assets until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met
Betwixt: between
Clogs: weights fastened to the legs of captives

Critical Analysis:
“Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (13).
“Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you, you’ll have coursers for cousins and jennets for germans” (15).
“Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon” (51).

In the first two quotes, Iago makes references to Othello in rather vulgar imagery as he speaks to Brabantio about Othello’s alleged offenses. In the third quote, he says this as he speaks to Roderigo in attempt to dissuade him from committing suicide; he uses this reference as an example to show the absurdity and foolishness of Roderigo’s thoughts. Throughout the play, Iago uses animal references to create more vivid imagery in the reader’s mind.

“My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education. My life and education both do learn me how to respect you. You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband. And so much duty as my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord” (41).

This monologue was spoken by Desdemona to her father when summoned to testify about her wedding to Othello. These few lines help the reader better understand and interpret the character of Desdemona, as they show that she is deeply in love with Othello, as well as portray her confidence and willingness to stand up for herself.

On page 43, after Desdemona makes her testimony, the Duke followed by Brabantio break out into rhyming couplets. Although Shakespeare’s intentions are unclear, it seems as though the Duke’s words represented a kind of blessing on their marriage, and Brabantio’s speech shows that although he still doesn’t approve of his daughter’s marriage, he accepts that it has happened and agrees to move on.

“I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets ‘has done my office… Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now: to get his place and to plume up my will in double knavery – how? How? – Let’s see. After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear that he is too familiar with his wife… the Moor is of a free and open nature… and will as tenderly be led by th’ nose as asses are. I have ‘it. It is engendered. Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light” (55).

Act 1 closes with this satanic monologue spoken by none other than Iago. At this point, it is clear that Iago is a cunning and manipulative man, and the villain of the novel. He seems to have adopted an obsession on spiting Othello for not promoting him, as well as for his own sadistic pleasure.