In scene 1, Roderigo plans to ambush Cassio but it ends up backfiring because he ends up getting hurt. Worse, Roderigo is betrayed by Iago and ends up dead. Cassio is then attacked by Iago but is not aware it was him. Then Othello guesses that it was Iago who hurt him. The scene ends with Othello leaving to see Desdemona and Cassio being taken care of.
In scene 2 , Desdemona is first awaken by Othello, thinking that he will come join her in bed but realizes his sour mood. Othello then tells Desdemona that he is going to kill her after accusing her of infidelity. Then Emilia begins knocking on their bedroom door to bring news of of Roderigo’s death and Cassio’s injury. After she’s let in, she discovers that Desdemona is dead. A couple of moments later, Emilia is informed by Desdemona that she is dying because of her own fault and Othello is the last one on her mind. Othello then tells Emilia that Desdemona’s words lack credibility to which Emilia doesn’t believe. Eventually, Othello tells Emilia that it was he who killed Desdemona because of Cassio’s word. Emilia screams murder and attracts Gratiano and Iago to the scene.Emilia then basically pleads Iago to tell Othello it was not him who was questioning Desdemona’s faithfulness. Iago confirms what Othello is saying and Othello mentions Desdemona’s handkerchief being in Cassio’s possession. Emilia explains to Othello how that handkerchief got into Cassio’s possession and it angers Othello. Othello attacks Iago but no avail as he is stopped and his weapons taken away. Iago flees among all the commotion after wounding his wife and Othello begins to weep for Desdemona.
Iago is then caught and brought before Othello. Othello attempts to wound Iago when he actually does and is disarmed again. Othello eventually asks Iago why he has done the acts he has done but Iago claims that he will no longer speak another word. Iago is found guilty and will be punished as necessary. As for Othello, he is removed from his position and will be reviewed by the state. Othello’s last speech is explains how foolish it is to lose something so valuable. Othello stabs himself and dies after one last kiss to Desdemona.
Overall, I found a theme of hastiness wrecking havoc and also having too much emphasis on emotion instead of reason. Othello and every character could have avoided so much if they had all taken into consideration all the factors of the situations they were in and level-headedly reached a course of action.
I agree that the entire play focuses too much on emotion rather than reason. It appears to be strange to me when Othello believes in the one-sided manipulative words of Iago in accusing the infidelity of his wife without any actual evidence, but he will not believe the words of Desdemona when she denies it. He can trust Iago because he has the title of “honesty” but he would not believe in Emilia when she pleads for Desdemona as the “sweetest innocent” (Act V, Line 237). It’s basically words against words. What gives Iago’s words more weight than both Desdemona and Emilia?
I agree with you that each character focuses on their emotions far more compared to the facts about the situation. I also believe that Othello was very naiive when he was manipulated by Iago because he trusted Iago’s word without any proof of adultery. Iago’s motive for causing chaos within the society was based off his emotions toward Othello not choosing him to be the lieutenant which reflects back to the idea of basing his actions solely on his emotions.