Othello - Act 1 scene 1

Thoughts on othello after act 1, scene 1 
In act 1, scene 1 the audience are presented with the characters Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio. Iago is unhappy that Michael Cassio has been chosen to be the lieutenant over him. I think this scene exposes Iago's cunning characteristics as he tries to seek revenge for being over looked for the lieutenant position. Iago proclaims that 'I am worth no worse a place' which suggests that he think he is as good as, if not better than Michael Cassio. He then continues to talk to Roderigo about his wishes to upset Desdemona's father with rumours or her and the 'moor'. He says 'rouse him, make after him, poison his delight' which highlights Iagos plan to get revenge through lying. In this scene Rodregio is presented as less powerful than Iago. His sentences get shorter and shorter as his convocation with Iago continues

Why do we believe Iago? 
We believe Iago because he makes a convincing case. He tells Brabantio that 'an old black ram is tupping your white ewe' and that he should check that the daughter is in her room. Rodergio helps Iago by telling Brabantio that Desdemona left the house in the middle of the night.

Why does Brabantio react the way that he does? 
Brabantio is shocked an unhappy with his daughter. He says 'fathers, from hence trust not your daughter's minds'. It is possible he has reacted like this due to the racist and sexist society of the time. Women were expected to belong to their fathers until they were married so Brabantio should have known where she was. Also the society was racist which would make the fact she was with a man somewhere without permission even more shocking and rebellious.

What is wrong with Michael Cassio?
Michael Cassio is 'a great arithmetician' which suggests he is not a soldier and has no knowledge of commanding men in battle. He also has a pretty wife but he cannot control her.

Why/how is Iago the perfect Venetian man? 
Iago is the perfect Venetian man because he had been a solider 'at Rhodes' and 'at cyprus'.

How does Brabantio think Othello has won Desdemona? 
Brabantio thinks that Othello won Desdemona through magic. He says 'Is there not charms' this shows how he thinks Othello has used charms to make her love him.

Is there anything in his words and actions that make us doubt his honesty? 
Iago makes the audience doubt his honesty when he says that he is following the 'moor' in order to get what he wants. This makes us think that he's a dishonest and deceitful character. He also talks about 'poisoning' Brabantios delight which suggests that he's spreading lies.

Othello Act 1, Scene 2 

Our thoughts on Othello Act 1 Scene 2
In scene 2 we are presented with the characters Iago, Othello, Cassio, Brabantio and a officer.
Again, the audience is made aware of Iago's cruel nature and that he is not afraid to commit murder he says 'to do not contrived murder'. Othello shoes his honorable nature when he says 'tis better as it is' which shows he wants peace. We also learn about Othellos importance in fighting.

How does Othello respond to Iago's baiting? 
Iago is racist to Othello and by calling him a 'moor' and using other racial slurs. Othello does not let this bother him and doesn't react. This may be due to the social circumstances at the time meaning that Othello accepted that he would be racially abused. Othello also takes a more peaceful route instead of wanting to fight. He says 'were it my cue to fight i would have known it'.

How does Brabantio react upon meeting othello? 
At the beginning Brabantio is angry and accuses Othello of enchanting his daughter with magic. He wants Othello to go to prison. - 'to prison till fit time'

How does Othello react to Brabantios charges?
Othello says 'whither will you that i go to answer to your charge' which suggests that he is happy to be tried for what he's being accused of which shows that he's honorable to honest.