Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

The Governor of Cyprus, Montano, gathers other gentlemen to discuss the prospects of the Turkish fleet’s survival, which is presently approaching a dangerous storm on its seaward path to the island. Just then, news arrives that the Turkish ship has drowned. The wreckage has been witnessed by Cassio’s Venetian ship, the first ship to arrive at Cyprus from Venice. It is reported that Othello’s ship has swayed in the storm. Soon another ship is seen arriving at Cyprus, but it is the ship of Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, and Roderigo; it’s not Othello’s ship.

Cassio welcomes Desdemona, and she pays him a compliment. In particular, she calls him valiant. Just then, an announcement is made about the arrival of a third ship, that of Othello’s. While awaiting the arrival of this ship, Cassio and Desdemona indulge in friendly banter with Emilia. They tease her about being a chatterbox. Iago, being a bitter man, takes this as an opportunity to criticize women; he calls women deceptive and hypocritical, and makes other lewd, sexual comments. Desdemona plays along, laughing as Iago demeans women, and calls him a “vile slanderer.”

Cassio takes Desdemona aside to talk to her in private. Iago notices that Cassio is holding Desdemona’s hands and immediately plots to make a mountain out of this in order to secure Cassio’s demotion. Othello finally arrives, and everyone except Iago and Roderigo exits to celebrate the drowning of the Turkish fleet. Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona will soon grow tired of Othello and adds that Cassio might be her first choice after Othello. Iago manages to convince Roderigo of Cassio’s malice and even manipulates him into attacking Cassio that night. After Roderigo leaves the stage, Iago, through a soliloquy, expresses his desire for Desdemona. The audience learns that Iago has long suspected Othello of having had sexual relations with his wife, Emilia.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis

In most of Shakespeare’s plays, storms serve as a significant symbol. The storm in this scene symbolizes the upheaval about to strike the lives of Othello and Desdemona. It defines the end of peace and the beginning of Iago’s lethal conspiracy. The scene also sheds light on the contrasts between Cassio and Iago. Through his speeches, we find Cassio to be a polished, respectable, and humble person. He is respectable and courteous toward women; we realize this from the way he talks to Desdemona.

On the other hand, we can glean from Iago’s speeches that he is a shrewd manipulator and a misogynist. He talks lewdly to Desdemona and suspects that his wife may have had sexual relations with Othello. He believes that women are generally lazy, except in bed.

Act 2, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis

This is a short scene is meant for advancing the plot.

Othello’s herald announces that the Turks have retreated and will not attack Cyprus. He further announces the news of an evening of celebration to mark the Turks’ withdrawal and Othello’s marriage to Desdemona.

Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Othello assigns Cassio in charge of the festivity and retires for the night. He and Desdemona are to consummate their marriage. Meanwhile, Iago urges Cassio in vain to confess his love for Desdemona. Cassio rebukes him by saying that his feelings toward Desdemona are merely friendly. Iago then gets Cassio drunk and asks Roderigo to provoke Cassio. Montano tries to prevent Cassio from striking Roderigo, but this only results in a squabble between Cassio and Montano. Cassio ends up injuring Montano.

Iago then asks Roderigo to run through the town crying, “Mutiny!” After a night of festivity, the island of Cyprus falls into disorder. Othello is awoken by this chaos. Montano relates the night’s incidents to Othello, but this is, expectedly, not the full account; it is, as Iago had intended, an account twisted enough to convince Othello to strip Cassio of his rank. All characters exit, except Cassio and Iago. Having lost his reputation, Cassio is deeply ashamed. Iago tries to convince Cassio to talk to Desdemona, to ask her to plead with Othello on Cassio’s behalf.

When Cassio leaves, Iago launches into a soliloquy, in which he says he is sure that Desdemona will speak for Cassio. He also reveals that this would in turn enable Othello to take note of Cassio and Desdemona’s friendship.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

The scuffle depicted in this scene is a foretelling of Cassio and Roderigo’s eventual fate in the play—Cassio will be stabbed, and Roderigo will be killed. Iago’s actions throughout the scene exemplify the idea of dramatic irony. In fact, this is a constant feature in the play: the audience is aware of Iago’s intentions and evil plans, whereas the characters are blissfully unaware of his misdoings; they trust him and let him manipulate them.

We also see that Cassio might be an excessive drinker. Even he seems to admit as much, and Othello is also seen urging Cassio to drink responsibly. Iago uses Cassio’s proclivity for drinking to his own advantage.