ACT 2 Scene 3 – Key Scene Extended Commentary
Key Scene Extended Commentary A clear warning (lines 1–13)
Othello leaves Cassio on guard duty during the celebrations, reminding him not to allow the soldiers to drink to excess. He particularly emphasises the importance of responsible self-control, ‘that honourable stop’. As the new governor of Cyprus, he is concerned that if a public disturbance broke out, it would alarm the island’s citizens. Othello then retires with his new bride to enjoy their delayed honeymoon.
Time to celebrate (lines 14–45)
Iago attempts to establish a soldierly friendship with his intended victim, Cassio. He engages in coarse conversation about Othello’s wedding night, making comments about Desdemona as a temptress who is ‘full of game’. Cassio remains chivalrous, however, insisting that the governor’s wife is an ‘exquisite lady’ and a ‘delicate creature’. Iago then makes a bold move to put his vengeful plot into play. He proposes that he and Cassio share a drink to Othello’s health with ‘a brace of Cyprus gallants’. At first Cassio declines, confessing that he does not have a good head for alcohol, ‘I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking’. But Iago persists, exploiting Cassio’s interest in socialising. The ensign tells him that it is, ‘a night of revels: the gallants desire it’. Cassio enjoys being popular and is very easily persuaded, ‘I’ll do it; but it dislikes me’. Will such half-hearted agreement prove to be his ruination?
The drinking scene (lines 46–113)
Clearly aware of other people’s weaknesses, Iago uses every opportunity presented to advance his warped schemes. He knows Cassio becomes easily angered when drunk, so he resolves to ‘fasten but one cup upon him’ in addition to what the lieutenant has already had. His ‘sick fool Roderigo’ is already intoxicated, as are ‘Three lads of Cyprus’. The riotous scene is set and Iago is about to unleash mayhem, ‘here they come’. He calls for more wine and performs two rousing drinking songs during which Cassio becomes progressively incoherent while insisting, ‘I am not drunk now’.
Street fight (lines 114–161)
Montano, the previous governor of Cyprus, is a sober contrast to Cassio, who is reckless and immature. Iago slyly ‘confides’ in Montano about the lieutenant’s ‘infirmity’ for alcohol, yet continues to praise Cassio – ‘a soldier fit to stand by Caesar’. Concerned by what he hears about the lieutenant, Montano immediately declares that Othello should be informed,
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’Tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it.
Iago Act 2 Scene 3, l.41–2
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