Brabantio Accuses Othello in the Street

Scene summary

Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is powerful and can undo the marriage. Othello, confident in his services to the Signoria, refuses to hide. Cassio arrives with the Duke's urgent summons and, soon after, Brabantio with Roderigo and armed men, who try to arrest Othello for witchcraft. Othello disarms the confrontation by reminding them that the Duke awaits him, and everyone heads for the Senate.

Othello refuses to hide from Brabantio and is at once summoned to the Duke's presence, who needs him against the Turkish fleet bound for Cyprus. Private accusation and state war are resolved together in the Senate.