Othello 2.1 L.1-233

As a way to begin the new scene, Shakespeare also introduces the characters into a new setting. The crew of Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, Emilia (Iago's wife), and Cassio arrive at Cyprus only to find that the Turkish fleet had been drowned and destroyed in the storm. The scene begins with some imagery used to describe how the Turkish were sunk such as "What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them," (8). Cassio then enters the scene and he shows some concern for Othello's group as they are also sailing through the storm. He is somewhat reassured because he knows the quality of the boat and pilot. The first ones to arrive in Cyprus is Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo, and Emilia. The people of Cyprus are praising Desdemona for her beauty and as a gesture of courtesy, Cassio kisses the hand of Desdemona. Iago doesn't let this chance slip away as he keeps it in mind for when he manipulates Roderigo. Othello finally arrives and the couple embraces in happiness and joy. Othello and Desdemona leave for some errands and he tells Iago to get his luggage.

The setting of this scene is extremely important. Firstly, the newly-wed couple is spending their honeymoon on a battlefield. Shakespeare chose this setting because it foreshadows the chaotic events that will be happening later on in the play to the couple. The setting is also significant because there ended up not being a war to even fight because the Turkish fleet was destroyed in the storm. The Turkish fall represents how unexpected things could happen and that is also reflected in the play.

The role of the storm in this scene represents ensuing chaos. First, the storm destroys the Turkish fleet which symbolizes how things will not go as planned since the Senators had sent Othello to defend Cyprus. The storm's chaos also foreshadows the disaster that will happen later on in the play. The storm had almost sunk Othello's ship and it foreshadows how future events will also eventually ruin him.

http://www.britaininprint.net/shakespeare/othello/images/web_ready_images/othello_waterfront_small.jpg
This image shows how celebrated Othello is. In contrary to the discrimination that he faces in Venice, he is on the frontlines where everyone has heard of his achievements and bravery.