Act 1 Scene 2 Flashcards
Scene 2 Summary
- Othello is summoned to be sent to fight the Turks at Cyprus
- Brabantio confronts him and they all agree to sort it out in front of the senate
‘I lack iniquity sometimes to do me service’
Iago - Plays up the stereotype that he is too kind and caring for his own good to manipulate Othello to his side
‘Spoke such scurvy and provoking terms against your honour’
Iago - Irony as Iago was the one speaking about him the worst
‘Hath in his effect a voice potential as double as the duke’s’
Iago - Serves to inform the audience how influential Brabantio is and provide a sense of danger to emphasise Othello’s command (Authorial Method; Iago dominates the scene)
‘Let him do his spite, my services which I have done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints’
Othello - Self assured and believes his experience will save him; knows in his heart he hasn’t done anything truly wrong
‘I love the gentle Desdemona’
Othello - Speaks of her very eloquently which would shock the audience considering he was described as barbaric previously
‘By Janus!’
Iago - References a two faced Roman god to subtly re-emphasise his double scheme the entire time
‘You have been hotly called for’
Cassio - Referencing the amount of people who have been sent to fetch Othello for the war meeting showing how important he is to the cause
‘Ancient, what makes he here’
Cassio - Uses Iago’s inferior title in a respectful way but Iago’s bitten out reaction suggests that he is offended
‘He’s made forever’/’I do not understand’/’He’s married’/’To who’
Iago/Cassio - Authorial Method; use of interruption having them bicker like petulant children, adds some comedy to the situation
‘Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them’
Othello - Calm in the face of conflict; proven good leader
‘Thou hast enchanted her’
Brabantio - Reference to magic is racially motivated; fear of the unknown/unnatural
‘Thou has practiced on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals that weakens motions’
Brabantio - Unfathomable to him that the relationship could be inherently pure and loving
‘How may the duke be therewith satisfied whose messengers are here about my side’
Othello - Uses his summons for the war as a defence against Brabantio
‘Mines not an idle cause’
Brabantio - To a modern audience the idea of him believing an interracial marriage holds the same importance as an imminent war is ridiculous
