ACT+2

Act 2 the "act"ion starts picking up

Scene 1- Montano, the governor of Cyprus, is overlooking the waters surrounding Cyprus and talking to two gentlemen about the position of the Turkish fleet. A third gentleman enters to relay the news that the Turks have been fully destroyed by the harsh storm. This third gentleman also conveys word that Cassio has arrived into the harbor of Cyprus and the Moor (Othello) is on his way. After Cassio joins the group of men, another man enters announcing another ship is coming. The second ship brings Iago and Desdemona. The party arrives and asks of the status of Othello. Just as they are inquiring another cheer tells of an approaching ship. While they are waiting for the ship Desdemona, Iago, and Emilia chat. Iago relays his unflattering views of women, while Desdemona and Emilia are outraged. Desdemona turns to Cassio to ask him of his opinion on Iago's thoughts. Cassio takes her hand, which prompts an ugly seed to grow in Iago's head. Iago knows he will be able to use Cassio's charm around women to trick him during the play. The boat finally arrives bringing, to everyone's relief, Othello. Desdemona and Othello share a tender moment, and then depart for the castle. The scene switches to Roderigo and Iago again sharing a private conversation. Iago convinces Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are secretly in love. Roderigo, blinded by jealousy and lust, agrees to make Cassio mad and provoke him to attack. Iago ends the scene alone on the stage telling of his suspicions. He believes that the Moor and Cassio have both slept with his wife and that his evil plan will take care of them both.

Scene 2- A herald announces that Othello is inviting everyone in Cyprus to celebrate the defeat of the Turks. There is a feast being held and Othello would like everyone to dance, make bonfires, and celebrate heartily.

Scene 3- Othello and Cassio begin the scene by talking about keeping order tonight during the rowdy celebrations. Both speak highly of Iago ,and then, Othello tells Cassio that tonight he will be consummating his marriage. (Othello will be having sex with Desdemona in order to make their marriage legitimate.) Othello and Desdemona leave in order to sleep together, which leaves Iago and Cassio on guard duty together. Before their watch begins both talk about how beautiful Desdemona is and how they would conclude her to also be good in bed. Iago proposes that they go toast the victory with two Cyprus gentlemen and drink some wine. Cassio, not normally a drinker, tries to tell Iago that he wishes to stay sober. However, Iago's constant pressure and pestering lead to Cassio to agree to just one glass. To himself, Iago talks about how he is tricking Cassio into becoming drunk and tricking Roderigo into acting foolishly for love. Then Casio and Montano re-enter and Iago shares some songs that he learned from England. Cassio, ready to start the watch, assures everyone that he is not drunk. As the crowd agrees to this statement, Cassio exits for his guard duty. In Cassio's absence, Iago convinces Montano that Cassio is always drunk. This statement sends alarm to Montano, who believes that they should inform Othello of Cassio's disposition. At this same time, Roderigo has exited to follow Cassio to his post. Then a commotion is heard and Cassio and Roderigo enter in a skirmish. Montano works to restrain Cassio, who is full of rage. As Montano tries to tell Cassio to calm down, Cassio's anger takes hold and he strikes Montano. Roderigo then exits to tell everyone of the riot and a city-wide alarm is sounded. This alarm pulls Othello out of his bed and he listens to everyone tell of what has just occurred. Since Montano is too hurt to tell the story, Iago tells of what has occurred inserting many compliments to Cassio. Othello strips Cassio of his title for what has happened and shortly after Desdemona arrives. Everyone exits to return to bed or to duties except Cassio and Iago. Cassio is depressed, he feels that he has lost his reputation and never again will he redeem himself. Iago urges him that this is not true and tells him to plead to both Othello and Desdemona for his job back. Cassio exits with his mind set on seeing Desdemona in the morning. As Cassio leaves, Iago speaks of his morality, telling the audience that he is only giving advice that any man would. Deep in his thoughts, Iago is interrupted by the entrance of Roderigo. Roderigo is upset and discouraged and relates that he is going to return to Venice. Iago, sly as ever, convinces him to stay. The scene again ends with Iago by himself talking of his plans to fool everyone. 