Act 3, Scene 2 - Othello | Classic Literature
A room in the castle.
Enter Othello , Iago , and Gentlemen.
Othello
These letters give, Iago, to the pilot;
And by him do my duties to the senate:
That done, I will be walking on the worksmilitary defences or fortifications ;
Repairgo or come to a particular place there to me.
Iago
Well, my good lord, I’ll do’t.
Othello
This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see’t?
Gentlemen
We’ll wait upon your lordship. Exeunt.
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Previously Act 3, Scene 1: Cassio brings musicians to greet Othello, but the Clown pays them to stop playing and leave. Iago offers to arrange a private meeting with Desdemona, and Emilia reports that she is already pleading for Cassio and that Othello hopes to restore him. Emilia takes Cassio inside to speak freely to Desdemona.
Who's who so far Roderigo Beaten by Cassio and nearly out of money, he considers returning to Venice, but Iago urges him to stay patient. Iago Having engineered the disorder that costs Cassio his post, he advises him to seek Desdemona's help while privately planning to present her support as evidence of lust. 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 Roused by the fighting, he dismisses Cassio from his service and entrusts Iago with restoring quiet in the town. Michael Cassio He seeks a private conversation with Desdemona through Emilia, despite her report that Othello still loves him and intends to restore him when it is safe. 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 After hearing Iago describe Cassio as a habitual drunkard, he tries to restrain Cassio during a quarrel and is badly wounded in their fight. 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 She reports Desdemona's support for Cassio and Othello's wish to restore him, then brings Cassio inside for a private conversation with Desdemona. H The Herald He proclaims Othello's order for public celebrations of the Turkish fleet's destruction and the general's marriage. C The Clown He jokes with Cassio's musicians and pays them to stop playing, then accepts Cassio's request to summon Emilia. FM First Musician One of the musicians Cassio brings to greet the general, who answers the Clown's jokes before the group is sent away. Words to know
works military defences or fortifications
Repair go or come to a particular place
Act 3, Scene 2 in brief In a room in the castle, Othello gives Iago letters to deliver to the pilot, through whom he sends his respects to the senate. He tells Iago to join him at the defences once this is done, and Iago agrees to obey. Othello then invites the gentlemen to inspect the fortification with him, and they agree to attend him. The brief exchange shows Othello organising public business and treating Iago as a trusted subordinate.
Key quotes These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And by him do my duties to the senate: Why it matters Othello's orders maintain his connection with the government in Venice. Giving the errand to Iago shows the trust he places in him during routine public business.War and public duty Deception and trust
Themes in this chapter War and public duty Rank and reputation Deception and trust
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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