Othello - Venice to Cyprus
...Othello’s clear mind and faultless name reveal psychological order. Reason is exemplified by the calm logic of the Duke of Venice as he decides the fate of Othello. The only hint of what is to come is the malovent plotting of Iago, which at the time seems foolish. Who could bring down the noble Othello. More serious is the warning form Barbantio that Desdemona has betrayed him and could just as easily betray Othello. As the characters head to Cyprus, the storm that destroys their enemies is only the calm before the true tempest. The borderland of Cyprus parallels the border of order and chaos. In Cyprus, there is no strong structured government. Drunken brawls are rampant throughout the city. These physical disturbances set the stage for the psychological upheaval to come. The cunning Iago prays on Rodrigo, who has weakened even further in the chaos. Rodrigo tries to fight Cassio twice under the influence of Iago. Iago further strengthens the chaos by planting seeds of dissent in the mind of our hero. Volatile Cyprus witnesses the breakdown of order in Othello’s mind as Iago convinces him of Desdemona’s false faithlessness. Desdemona’s mind also fades to chaos as she is publicly humiliated by her husband for no apparent reason. Emilia resists the downfall by vouching for Desdemona’s loyalty, but unknowingly aids chaos by delivering Iago the handkerchief. Disarray escalates as carnal urges consume Othello and he plots with I...