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The scene opens in Cyprus. Montano and two gentlemen are looking out to sea. There is a massive storm brewing and the men speculate that the Turkish fleet could not have withheld these stormy waters. They either must have sought a safe cove for their ships or they must have lost ships to the waves.
A third gentleman enters the scene. He informs the men that Lieutenant Cassio has come to Cyprus aboard a ship that witnessed the suffering that the Turkish fleet experienced on the open-waters. The fleet has been damaged and they’ve halted their approach. According to the gentleman, Cassio also said that Othello is on his way. Othello ventured out on a different ship than Cassio’s. Originally, the ships were together but they lost sight of each other during the awful storm. Montano is familiar with Othello and he knows that if he arrives they will be in good hands.
After all the talk about what Cassio has said, Cassio finally enters the scene. Montano asks about the ship that Othello sails in. Cassio says it’s a great ship with an experienced pilot. He is hopeful that the ship will make it to Cyprus.
Before long, word of a ship approaching Cyprus reaches them. Cassio asks a gentleman to go see who it is that is arriving. Meanwhile, Cassio and Montano speak of Othello’s recent marriage. Cassio speaks fondly of the girl whom Othello has married. The gentleman is soon to return with news of the boat that arrived. It’s Iago’s ship.
Desdemona enters after coming off the ship. She asks Cassio about her husband, and Cassio informs her that he hasn’t arrived yet. They are interrupted by another ship arriving. Cassio has a gentleman go figure out whose ship it is.
While they wait for the gentleman to return, Cassio greets Emilia, Iago’s wife. She came to Cyprus with Iago aboard his ship. Cassio apologizes to Iago for being so friendly towards his wife (he gave her a courteous kiss in greeting); Cassio explains his courteous upbringing has taught him to do so. Iago quips that if Emilia gave Cassio as many kisses as she gives him words, then he would have more than enough of them. Desdemona and Iago then joke around. Iago comes up with sayings that describe women. Basically, he says that women of all types can easily catch a man by using their looks.
Othello then arrives. Desdemona is especially happy to greet him. Othello is just as happy. He says that he could now die a happy man.
Everybody leaves except for Iago and Roderigo. Iago tells Roderigo in secret that Desdemona is in love with Cassio. Roderigo finds it hard to believe at first. Iago goes onto say that a woman like Desdemona cannot satisfy her eyes by looking at Othello that long. After she grows tired of Othello and his horrible looks, she surely will go after the most handsome guy around. Cassio is her likely suitor. Earlier today, he even touched the palm of her hand when they first met up. Iago convinces Roderigo that “villainous thoughts,” immoral ideas, are raging between Desdemona and Cassio.
Iago has a plan. He asks that Roderigo anger Cassio. Cassio has a short fuse and he will easily become mad. Meanwhile, Iago will take the opportunity to get the people of Cyprus to rise up against Cassio. Cassio’s actions will not look to pleasing to the public. They will force him to step down from his position. Then, Roderigo will have one less suitor to compete with when it comes to flattering Desdemona.
Iago leaves Roderigo. By himself now, Iago reveals some more tidbits that explain why he so despises Othello. Iago also loves Desdemona. Furthermore, Iago believes that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. Iago is out to ruffle the feathers of both Cassio and Othello, two men that he hates.
OTHELLO -- ACT II, 1
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