The highest praise that can
be given to it is to say, which is the literal truth, that it falls in
no way beneath the poetical and dramatic standard of its context.
Othello now enters, and Iago contrives to sow the first seeds of
jealousy in his breast by calling his attention to Cassio's interview
with Desdemona. Then follows a charming episode, another of Boito's
interpolations, in which a band of Cypriotes bring flowers to Desdemona.
Othello is won for the moment by the guileless charm of her manner, but
his jealousy is revived by her assiduous pleading for Cassio. He thrusts
her from him, and the handkerchief with which she offers to bind his
brow is secured by Iago. Left with his chief, Iago fans the rising flame
of jealousy, and the act ends with Othello's terrific appeal to Heaven
for vengeance upon his wife. In the third act, after an interview of
terrible irony and passion between Othello and Desdemona, in which he
accuses her to her face of unchastity, and laughs at her indignant
denial. Cassio appears with the handkerchief which he has found in his
chamber. Iago ingeniously contrives that Othello shall recognise it, and
at the same time arranges that he shall only hear as much of the
conversation as shall confirm him in his infatuation. Envoys from Venice
arrive, bearing the order for Othello's recall and the appointment of
Cassio in his place.
Pages:
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303