Othello Act II starts off with an abrupt end to the war with the Turks. The scene shifts from the beach and slowly closes in to Othello’s home and ends up in his bedroom. What we assumed to be a political tragedy hints into becoming a domestic tragedy. We witness a scene with Iago and Desdemona playfully arguing and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. This is odd because Othello is still missing. With the combination of Iago’s condescending remarks about women and Desdemona seemingly urging on this behavior, it leaves the audience a little puzzled. Desdemona once again seems to state her independence and does not depend on Othello. Does this whole scene seem to foreshadow a romantic betrayal of Desdemona towards Othello?
Concluding the first scene of Act II, a soliloquy by Iago is given stating all his plans clearly. His motives on the other hand are very muddled. There are numerous possibilities including his lust for Desdemona or his jealousy of Cassio’s position. He even throws in the rumors of Othello and Cassio sleeping with his wife. During the soliloquy he speaks to the audience directly and even seems to mock us for trying to determine his motives, it seems that Iago creates a new justification for every action he has.