He believes that she has so gone against nature that witchcraft must be to blame. They think his daughter must have died, and, for Brabantio, it is as if she had died. By the time he arrives at the emergency meeting, Brabantio's rage has turned to grief, and the Senators treat Brabantio's grief as a personal loss, rather than a public matter.
#Gentle reader i married him how to
Othello rightly feels confident whatever his marriage arrangements, he knows that the Senators will back him because they need him.Īfter they deal with the military crisis, the Senators consider how to avenge an injustice done to one of their members: Brabantio. Therefore, when command is conferred on Othello, the Duke is making a public statement that Venice relies on him completely. Also Iago will aim to get Cassio's position of lieutenant, which he thinks should have come to him.ĭuring the military discussion, the audience discovers that Cyprus is of supreme value to the Venetians, and it is vital that it remain under Venetian control for protection of sea trade. Although he does not believe the rumor, he will act as though he does to feed his hatred. Iago, alone on stage, considers the situation: He has consolidated his source of money, and he has heard a rumor that Othello has had sex with his wife, Emilia. Iago, because he hates Othello, says he will help Roderigo have Desdemona and reminds Roderigo to bring plenty of money. Iago replies with scorn that such misery is silliness and convinces Roderigo to go to Cyprus and wait for Desdemona to come to him, as she will surely soon become bored with Othello. Roderigo is downcast and talks of drowning himself. Brabantio warns Othello, "She has deceived her father, and may thee" (289), but Othello is certain of Desdemona's faithfulness. Iago's wife, Emilia, will look after Desdemona as her maid. The Duke grants her wish, and Othello, who must leave that night, delegates Iago to follow later in another ship, bringing Desdemona and whatever else is needed. Othello must go immediately to Cyprus to command its defense, and Desdemona requests to go as well. Desdemona then speaks, gently outlining an argument so strong that it finishes the whole debate: She owes obedience and thanks to her father for her upbringing, but now that she is married, her loyalty is to her husband, just as her mother's loyalty was to Brabantio. When Othello finishes speaking, the Duke declares in favor of Othello: "I think this tale would win my daughter too" (170). Iago leads the group that goes to fetch her. Othello describes his courtship of Desdemona in a dignified and persuasive speech (76-93 and 127-169) and asks the Duke to send for Desdemona so that she may speak. Initially, the Duke promises him support in a prosecution for witchcraft, a capital crime, against the man who has seduced his daughter, but when the Duke realizes the seducer is Othello, he calls on the general to defend himself. Othello enters the meeting with Cassio, Brabantio, Iago, and others, and the Duke immediately appoints Othello to lead the forces to defend Cyprus.Īt this point, the Duke notices Brabantio, who believes that his daughter has been corrupted with magic potions because, according to him, she wound never willingly marry such a man as she did.
The reports differ in the size of the fleet, but all speak of the danger as the combined force has turned back toward Cyprus. Several reports have come in from Cyprus, all calling attention to a Turkish fleet that is expected to attack.