Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

Iago has reaped Othello's anger and has been consigned to slop out the privy. He staggers onto the stage with buckets full of excrement and then stops to eavesdrop on Desdemona's private conversation with Constance. Constance contemplates her life at Queen's University in language the Desdemona often misunderstands. Constance bemoans being made a fool by Professor Night and Desdemona urges Constance to avenge herself with violence. Constance interjects the profane 'bullshit' into the conversation and Desdemona takes up the word. Then a soldier enters and summons Constance to a meeting with Othello regarding the security of the realm.

As Constance exits, Iago emerges from the shadows and engages Desdemona in conversation. Using nearly identical language as with Othello in Act 2, Scene 1, Iago incites Desdemona to jealousy and convinces her that Constance is a spy and Othello's lover. Desdemona recalls many of...