Even though both of these scenes are short, it is important to the story because it is the start of the downfall of Othello. It starts with Cassio playing a band as a celebration for Othello and Desdemona but is stopped when a clown insults the band's playing. Iago enters and exits after saying he will send his wife and make his conversation with Othello easier. Emilia also enters and reassures Cassio that Othello isn't mad at him and will reinstate his position when he can politically. Scene 2 is Othello leaving to check the fortification of Cyprus.
The clown has some importance in scene 1. The clown made many obscene jokes which are a form of comedic relief for the audience. With how serious and dramatic the previous scenes were, Shakespeare used the clown as a way to lighten up the mood. It also prepares the way for a lot of drama and action in later scenes.
How is Iago going to use Emilia for his plans?
Emilia being a close servant to Othello has information about the couple. Iago could use Emilia to find out how suspicious Othello is of Cassio or to plant information to the couple directly.
http://shaksper.net/current-postings/31345-identity-of-the-clown-in-othello
This article is interesting in the fact that it looks at a deeper meaning behind the clown. It relates the clown to Iago in how he is causing chaos and disorder and how it also has a similar vulgar manner of speech.
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