Othello #3 Analysis

            Shakespeare’s play Othello is structured through two distinct environments. The two settings that this play takes place in are Venice and Cyprus: Venice is represented in an orderly fashion whereas Cyprus is prone to misconduct and chaos. As the play progresses to Cyprus, the storyline takes a turn from happiness and order to chaos and trickery. Iago convinces Montano and Cassio to celebrate the defeat of the Turks by offering “But one cup! I’ll drink for you” (II, iii, 33-34) and by doing so, Cassio’s eventual intoxication forces him to act irrationally towards Montano and Roderigo. The nonsensical brawl that occurs in this scene is a representation of how Cyprus is deemed as a non-orderly, chaotic society. Othello embellishes upon a representation of order by taking control of the situation when he states “Hold for your lives” (II, iii, 154). Othello’s interaction within this chaotic environment demonstrates the assertiveness he takes on dealing with the drunken brawl. He then relates the chaotic scene to the barbaric Turks by mentioning that “Are we turned Turks, and to ourselves do that / Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites” (II, iii, 159-160). Since Othello holds a leadership quality within Shakespeare’s Othello, the representation of an orderly Venice is symbolic and represented through Othello’s assertiveness and intervention within this scene.