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Why does Cassio attack Montano in Act I of Verdi’s Otello?
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Otello
Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was known for operas such as Rigoletto (1851).
In Act I of Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello, Cassio attacks Montano because he is intoxicated and provoked. Iago orchestrates this situation by plying Cassio with excessive drink and then secretly encouraging Roderigo to antagonize him. When Roderigo laughs at the drunken Cassio, Cassio becomes enraged and draws his sword. Although Montano, the former governor, attempts to intervene and calm the situation, Cassio attacks him, resulting in Montano being wounded.1