Summary And Critical Commentary

Abstract

The play opens at night in a Venetian street outside the house of the senator, Brabantio. Roderigo, a young gentleman, complains that Iago, to whom he has apparently paid money for assistance in arranging a marriage with Brabantio’s daughter, Desdemona, has not told him that she has secretly married Othello, the Moorish general. Iago tries to pacify Roderigo by expressing his own hatred for Othello, explaining that he has been passed over for the post of Othello’s lieutenant in favour of the inexperienced Cassio. He tells Roderigo that the only reason he continues in Othello’s service in the more lowly rank of ensign is that it may provide him with the opportunity to take revenge. Iago encourages Roderigo to rouse Brabantio and tell him about his daughter’s elopement and marriage. Brabantio goes to summon help to search for Othello and Desdemona. Iago has meanwhile slipped away to rejoin his master in order to maintain an appearance of loyalty and faithfulness.