Act 1(AO1)
Explanation:
OTHELLO: THE HERO DRIVEN BY LOVE:
The Moor Othello, a respected general, has secretly married a wealthy Venetian aristocrat, Desdemona. Her father, Barbantio, is informed of this (on the night of the marriage) by Roderigo, who had hoped to marry Desdemona himself. Barbantio goes in search of Othello and then makes his way to the Senate where he accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter;
"That thou hast practised on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals."
(Act I, Scene 2)
"She is abused, stolen from me, corrupted by spells and medicines."
(ACT I, Scene 3)
(possible context of black people and witches)
Barbantio's accusations are proved false when Othello and Desdemona explain how they fell in love. The Duke of Venice tries to reconcile Barbantio to his daughter's marriage but the angry father disowns Desdemona.
"That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter,
it is most true. True, I have married her.
The very head and front of my offending
Hath this extent, no more."
(Act I, Scene 3)
(It's true that I've taken this man's daughter from him and married her. But that's my only offence. There's nothing more.)
"Her father loved me, oft invited me,
Still questioned me the story of my life
From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes,
That I have passed...She'd come again and with a greedy ear"
(Act I, Scene 3)
(Desdemona used to listen attentively. If she had to go do some household chore, I noticed that she'd always come back quickly to hear more of my stories. Desdemona fell in love with Othello and his past. Compelling stories that captured Desdemona's heart.)
The Senate sends Othello to defend Cyprus from a Turkish invasion. Desdemona asks to be allowed to accompany her husband, She is put in the care of Othello's ensign, Iago. Iago's wife, Emilia, is to be Desdemona's lady-in-waiting.
"The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you."
(Act I, Scene 3)
(The Turks are heading for Cyprus with a powerful fleet. Othello, you understand better than anyone how the defences for Cyprus work. Even though we have a very good officer in charge there already, everyone says you're the better man for the job. Emphasises the political respect they have for Othello.)
"And I a heavy interim shall support
By his dear absence. Let me go with him."
(Act I, Scene 3)
(When I fell in love with Othello I made up my mind that I wanted to live with him. You can see how much I wanted to be with him by how violently I threw away my old life. I feel like I'm a part of him now, and that means I'm part of a soldier. I saw Othello's true face when I saw his mind. I gave my whole life to him because of his honour and bravery. If I were left at home uselessly while he went off to war, then I'm separated from my husband in his natural element. I'd be miserable without him. Let me go with him
IAGO: THE VILLAIN DRIVEN BY REVENGE:
Iago is an embittered man, who is angry because Othello has not given him the promotion that he believes is due to him. A young Florentine soldier, Cassio has been made lieutenant over him.
"I know my price, I am worth no worse a place."
(Act I, Scene 1)
And I know my own worth well enough to know I deserve that position [to be made Othello's lieutenant
"says he, "I have already chose my officer."
And what was he?... One Michael Cassio, a Florentine."
"But he, sir, had th' election"
(Act I, Scene 1)
(I've already chosen my lieutenant," he says. And who does he choose? A guy who knows more about numbers than fighting! This guy from Florence named Michael Cassio. Iago's jealousy illustrated/introduced by Shakespeare.)
(But Cassio's been chosen over me.)
Iago seeks to revenge himself on both Cassio and Othello, and has already made trouble for Othello; it was he who persuaded Roderigo to inform Brabantio of Desdemona's elopement in the first scene.
"I follow him to serve my turn upon him."
Act I, Scene 1)
(I'm serving under him to take advantage of him. Manipulation and deception. His Machiavellian character introduced.)
"Call up her father. Rouse him. Make after him, Poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets."
(Act I, Scene 1)
(Let's shout up to Desdemona's father, wake him, pester him, spoil his happiness, spread rumours about him in the streets. Iago encouraged Roderigo.)
"I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets. He's done my office. I know not if 't be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well.
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now, To get his place and to plume up my will
In double knavery. How?"
