Othello #3: Intoxication of Reason

     The setting of the play has shifted from Venice, the city of logic and reason, and migrated to Cyprus, home of emotional decisions and manipulative relationships. When Brabantio and Othello come close to blows in Venice, the dispute is settled in court. Hatred and violent remarks are uttered in words and clever comebacks, but there is no physical clash. However, after the victory and wedding celebration in Cyprus, alcohol is able to corrupt the logical thinking and reasoning of Cassio. After Iago encourages Cassio to drink, Iago sends Roderigo after Cassio to start an altercation. The intention is to depict Cassio as an incompetent and untrustworthy lieutenant. Iago's plan succeeds, and Othello relieves Cassio of his position. Afterwards, Iago is consoling Cassio when Cassio admits that he cannot remember how their skirmish began: "I know not/ I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly" (2.3.267-9). This conflict highly contrasts with the conflict we saw earlier in Venice. Brabantio was furious that his daughter eloped without his knowledge or permission into a marriage he did not approve, an understandable cause of anger and frustration. Furthermore, this disagreement was settled through discussions and the due process of law. On the contrary, Cassio became involved in a violent fist fight for no significant reason. When Cassio is able to calmly reflect upon his actions, he says, "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" (2.3.247-8). Here the reader can witness the disparity between the two locations. Venice is portrayed as the city of morals, restraint, and logic; whereas Cyprus conjures emotional and instinctual responses over intellect and reason. With unconstrained emotions and rash actions, I predict that Cyprus will be a location dense with conflict and secrecy.