Othello: Act 1 Scene 1 Summary

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Act 1 Scene 1-Summary

A night time in a dimly lit street in Venice, Iago and Roderigo are talking. Roderigo is angry that Iago, whom he bribed to help him court Desdemona, has not succeeded in winning Desdemona's hand in marriage for him. Desdemona has just eloped with Othello, the moor. Iago tries to maintain Roderigo's confidence in him, in order to keep access to his money. He explains the he hates Othello for picking the inexperienced Cassio as his lieutenant over himself. He succeeds in regaining Roderigo's sympathy. He explains that he follows Othello only to revenge against him. Roderigo envies Desdemona's love for Othello. Iago encourages Roderigo to wake Brabantio and tell him of his daughters elopement. They head to Brabantios house to awaken him with their shouts.

Brabantio appears at the window and accuses Roderigo of being drunk and disorderly. Wehn Brabantio hears about the elopement he fears for her. He takes Roderigo's help in organising a search party. Iago has succeeded in setting up both Roderigo and Brabantio against Othello. Meanwhile, he slinks away into the night to maintain favour with Othello, who is important in Venice.

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