Act 2, Scene 2 - Othello | Classic Literature
A street.
Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People following.
Herald
It is Othello’s pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perditioncomplete destruction of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him: for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptialmarriage or wedding celebration . So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open, and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello! Exeunt.
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Previously Act 2, Scene 1: A storm wrecks the Turkish fleet, while Cassio and then Desdemona's party reach Cyprus before Othello arrives safely and rejoices with his wife. Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona loves Cassio and persuades him to provoke the lieutenant that night. Alone, Iago explains his desire for revenge and his plan to make Othello jealous.
Who's who so far Roderigo Now in Cyprus, he initially doubts Iago's claim that Desdemona loves Cassio but agrees to try to provoke the lieutenant. Iago He persuades Roderigo to provoke Cassio and privately plans to make Othello jealous, saying he suspects both Othello and Cassio of sleeping with Emilia. Brabantio After Desdemona declares her duty to her husband, he reluctantly accepts the marriage and warns Othello that she may deceive him as she has her father. Othello He reaches Cyprus safely, rejoices at his reunion with Desdemona and announces that the Turkish fleet has been drowned. Michael Cassio Safely arrived in Cyprus, he worries for Othello at sea and greets Desdemona and Emilia with elaborate courtesy that Iago seeks to exploit. FO First Officer An officer who confirms that the duke is in council and that Brabantio has also been summoned. The Duke He leads the council, hears the dispute over Desdemona's marriage and sends Othello to defend Cyprus. FS First Senator A member of the council who reasons that the Turkish move towards Rhodes is a distraction and asks Othello how he won Desdemona's love. SS Second Senator A member of the council who observes that differing reports agree on a Turkish fleet heading towards Cyprus. S The Sailor He brings Signior Angelo's report that the Turkish force is making for Rhodes. M The Messenger He brings Montano's report that the Turkish fleet has joined with more ships and turned back towards Cyprus. Desdemona She reaches Cyprus before Othello, conceals her anxiety with conversation and greets her husband joyfully when he arrives. Montano A man in Cyprus who has served Othello and praises his command while awaiting news of his ship after the storm. FG First Gentleman One of the men watching the sea with Montano, who reports that the storm prevents him from seeing a sail. SG Second Gentleman He describes the violent sea, then brings news that Iago has arrived and recognises the ships' gunfire as a friendly greeting. TG Third Gentleman He reports the wreck of much of the Turkish fleet and Cassio's safe arrival, but says Othello is still at sea. FG Fourth Gentleman He reports that the townspeople have gathered by the sea and are calling out at the sight of a sail. Emilia Iago's wife, who arrives with Desdemona in Cyprus and objects to his mockery of her. H The Herald new He proclaims Othello's order for public celebrations of the Turkish fleet's destruction and the general's marriage. Words to know
perdition complete destruction
nuptial marriage or wedding celebration
Act 2, Scene 2 in brief A herald enters a street with a proclamation, followed by the people. He announces confirmed news of the Turkish fleet's destruction and invites everyone to celebrate in the way they prefer. The same festivities also mark Othello's marriage, bringing his private happiness into a public celebration. The proclamation sets a time limit on feasting, permitting it from five until eleven. The herald ends by blessing both Cyprus and its general, presenting the island's safety and Othello's authority together.
Key quotes for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial. Why it matters The herald joins the military news to Othello's marriage as reasons for public rejoicing. The general's personal happiness becomes part of the island's official celebrations.Love and marriage War and public duty
Themes in this chapter Love and marriage War and public duty Rank and reputation
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Contents ×
Dramatis Personae 1 min Act 1
Act 1, Scene 1 6 min Act 1, Scene 2 4 min Act 1, Scene 3 14 min Act 2
Act 2, Scene 1 11 min Act 2, Scene 2 1 min Act 2, Scene 3 13 min Act 3
Act 3, Scene 1 2 min Act 3, Scene 2 1 min Act 3, Scene 3 17 min Act 3, Scene 4 7 min Act 4
Act 4, Scene 1 10 min Act 4, Scene 2 9 min Act 4, Scene 3 4 min Act 5
Act 5, Scene 1 5 min Act 5, Scene 2 14 min Text settings ×
Picked up where you left off Start of chapter