Although Othello appears at the beginning of the second scene, we do not hear his name until well into Act I, scene iii (I.iii.48). ... For example, in spite of his obvious eloquence in Act I, scene iii, he protests, "Rude am I in my speech,/ And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace" (I.iii.81–82). ... At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: "It is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office" (I.iii.369–370). ...

• Word Count: 2512
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

SCENE SUMMARIES AND NOTES Act I, Scene 1 The play opens late at night on a street in Venice. Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian gentleman, is discussing the marriage of Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio. Earlier in the evening, she had eloped with Othello, a Moor who is a respected General in the Venetian army. Roderigo is angry with Iago, for he has paid him a handsome sum to win the love of Desdemona for himself and to keep him informed of her love life. Iago, like Roderigo, is a frustrated man. ...

• Word Count: 6585
• Approx Pages: 26
• Grade Level: High School