Development of the Plot:
Boats carrying Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia (Iago’s wife) arrive at Cyprus prior to Othello’s arrival. A storm has wreaked havoc on the Turkish fleet, letting the Venetians win by default. Upon waiting for the General, there is an interaction between the four characters in which Iago conspires to eventually set Cassio up with Desdemona in order to tear Othello down. When Othello arrives safely, he calls for a party that celebrates both Italy’s victory and the wedding of the two lovers. Othello places his trust in his Lieutenant to keep things in check whilst he has private time with his wife, however Iago manages to exploit this trust, persuading Cassio to become drunk which stirs up drama. Iago also continues to puppeteer Roderigo, using him to provoke Cassio to fighting with Montano, ultimately injuring him. Othello is immediately called onto the scene and is told of Cassio’s misbehaviour, subsequently firing him as his lieutenant. Cassio is thoroughly distraught, therefore turns to Iago for consolation and help. Iago advises him to approach Desdemona which paves the way for a potentially scandalous representation of their relationship.
Development of Iago’s character:
Iago continues to show his manipulative nature through intervening in characters’ business and using both logos and pathos. For instance, he manipulates Cassio into getting drunk at the party with his powers of persuasion, but then plays on emotion when explaining to Othello what Cassio did at the party by feigning sympathy and sorrow. This further plays into Iago’s deceptive character, in spite of being labelled as “honest Iago” numerous times throughout the play by multiple characters. Shakespeare continues to employ this ironic adjective to reinforce how everyone surrounding Iago is blind to his true nature, and blind to the “net that shall enmesh them all”. Additionally, Iago reveals a more vindictive side. He reveals that he will strive to take Othello down, “till I am evened with him, wife for wife”. This may indicate that he is motivated by jealousy of Othello, and perhaps possessiveness over his wife. This being said, towards the end of the act, there is a hint that Iago may in fact have a conscience as he reassures himself that what he is doing isn’t evil, and is not the “villain”.
Development of the themes established in Act 1:
Chaos: Immediately at the beginning of the act, there is mention of a violent storm that not only kills off the Ottoman Empire but jeopardises the Venetians’ safety and security. As Desdemona and Othello are temporarily separated, the hectic symbol of the storm may serve as foreshadowing for the turbulence that their relationship will face.
Danger of the single story: Iago continues to project a skewed, single story, further threatening each characters’ perception of reality. Iago skillfully twists narratives (eg. how Cassio’s drunk action came about) whilst remaining out of suspicion. This idea of misrepresentation contributes to the gradual decay of the relationships between the main characters.
Women, sexuality, and fidelity: As Desdemona, Iago, Cassio, and Emilia converse, they talk about women and their desires. Iago suggests that women are unfaithful by nature, contributing to his suspicion of any affair Emilia may be having. This contrasts with the loyal relationship between Desdemona and Othello which Iago plans to sabotage. Similarly, Iago and Cassio discuss sexual innuendos regarding Desdemona at the party, attempting to push Iago’s plan into fruition and simultaneously furthering ideas about controlling one’s sexual desires in the play.