There are potential political consequences: if the people of Cyprus think there is a rebellion, they may rise also, so Othello orders, "Silence that dreadful bell: it frights the isle / From her propriety" (135-136). He accuses them of uncivilized behavior, doing the enemy's work by destroying the army: "For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl" (153), and he threatens the next person to move with execution. He sees the matter immediately as one of incompetence in his subordinates. Othello has been roused from his marriage bed, and his anger is intense. However, it is a serious plot development scene and cannot be played for comedy. Any number of actors could join in, and the more chaotic it appears, the better. This scene is often played with much noise and running about the stage, through patches of light and dark. When Cassio appears, Montano upbraids him for being drunk, and Cassio turns on him, wounding Montano with his sword. Iago tells Montano that Cassio is a habitual drunkard and that Othello has misjudged in promoting such an unreliable person. His every word calls attention to his drunken state and his loss of good judgment. I am not drunk now, I can stand well enough, and I speak well enough" (97-99). When Cassio protests with elaborate carefulness that he is not drunk, he is simultaneously a figure of comedy and dreadful anticipation: "Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk this is my ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left hand. Relying on Cassio's good manners to override his determination, Iago continues to press, and Cassio eventually gives in. I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment" (30-32). Iago then tries to ply Cassio with drink, but Cassio refuses politely and with reason: "I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking. In his conversation with Cassio, Iago begins by speaking of Desdemona in a sexually suggestive manner, "she is sport for Jove" (16) and "I'll warrant her full of game" (18), which Cassio deflects. Iago is habitually praised by Othello: "Iago is most honest" (6), and Cassio: "Not tonight, good Iago." (28). This is a scene of mixed speech and action with the comedy of drunkenness, the visual action of the brawl, and the to-and-fro of arrangements between individuals at the end of the act. Cassio agrees, and Iago uses his wife, Emilia, to arrange a private meeting between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago advises Cassio to ask Desdemona to speak on his behalf with her husband. Othello relieves Cassio of his post on the spot. Othello demands to know who started the fight, and feigning reluctance, Iago names Cassio. Iago spurs Roderigo into a fight with Cassio others join in and Iago sends Roderigo to ring the alarm bell, waking Othello and bringing him and his armed men to the spot. Cassio declines, but Iago wheedles and urges him, until Cassio finally relents. Then Othello and Desdemona retire to bed, the first night they will spend together since their marriage.Īlone, Iago makes suggestive remarks about Desdemona to Cassio, which Cassio turns aside then Iago invites him to drink. Cassio and Iago, his second in command, will see to this. Cassio, commanding the night watch during the time of feasting and drinking, takes his orders from Othello, who directs the soldiers to drink with moderation and keep the peace.
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