Othello’s Arrival on Cyprus and His Greeting to the People and His Newly Wedded Wife

By: Leonardo D’Alessandro

Othello is a renowned Moorish general of the Venetian fleet who has recently been married to Desdemona. A meeting during the night in the Venice senate talks about the Turks' upcoming invasion of Cyprus. Because of this, the Duke decided to send Othello to defeat the Turks.

Michael Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant is told to accompany Othello to Cyprus along with Iago the ensign. Because of Othello’s recent marriage, Desdemona makes the request to the Duke to join Othello. To which he agrees, Emilia then joins DesdemonaassheisbothhercaretakerandIago’s wife. Before Othello’s arrival, the Turkish fleet was destroyed before it could arrive in Cyprus. Apparently, this was the result of rough seas and an extreme storm that separated the fleet and causedthedestructionofamajorityoftheships.

Apparently, this was the result of rough seas and an extremestormthatseparatedthefleetandcausedthe destruction of a majority of the ships. A man announced that ships of Venice have witnessed the destruction of the Turkish fleet, “The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks that their designationhalts.AnobleshipofVeniceHathsawa grievous wrack and suffering on most parts of their fleet.”MichaelCassiolearnedofthisfirstashisship was the first to arrive in Cyprus. At this time it is uncertain that Othello’s ship has survived the storm, butinthedistance,ashipisseen.However,thisnew ship is carrying Iago, Emilia, Desdemona, and Rodrigo. Desdemona is the first off the ship as Cassio tells her that Othello has not yet arrived. Desdemona waits anxiously for the arrival of Othello as she says, “O, but I fear—How lost your company?” Until a messenger announces the arrival of the last ship containing Othello. Once his ship docked he greeted Desdemona saying, “O, my fair warrior!”HethenturnedtothepeopleofCyprusand thanked them for their hospitality. Othello, overjoyed by the defeat of the Turks states, “Come. Let us to the castle.—News, friends! Our wars are done. The Turks are drowned.” After the fact, they headtowardsthecastletocelebratethedefeat.

Fights break out at night in Cyprus while celebrating the victory that the Venetians secured over the Turks. A celebration in the night that turns sour the night of Othello’s arrival and victory over the Turks.Asafightbrokeoutresultingintwo injuries.Oneinhealth,andoneinspirits.

Witnesses saw the night unfold, as a celebration in the courtyard including both Iago, Montano, and Michael Cassio before going on their watch. Drinks were shared and songs were played and sung throughouttheircelebration.

The group of soldiers made their toasts to the health of their General Othello, before going off to their duties. While leaving for the watch, Michael Cassio makes a point saying, ‘Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk. This is my ancient, this is my right hand, and this is my left. I am not drunk now. I can stand well enough, and I speak wellenough’.