Matters between Brabantio and Othello have come to a head in this scene. The conflict between the two regarding the marriage of Desdemona is being settled with what one could call a sort of informal trial, with Desdemona called to speak before the Duke, whom Brabantio has consulted. This conflict takes place parallel to a wider one: between the Venetian State and the Ottomans over the much spoken about Cyprus. It could be said that …showed first 75 words of 979 total…

…showed last 75 words of 979 total…heat – the young affects In me defunct.” Here, Othello is in denial of his lust. He is not self-aware. We will find, later in the play that Iago is more aware of Othello’s nature than Othello himself. Iago knows of Man’s brutal nature. Othello does not. Iago mentions changing his “humanity with a baboon”. Iago’s knowledge of such things will lead to his success in tainting the relationship between Othello and Desdemona.