Act 2 Flashcards
1
Q
explain act 2 scene 1
A
- the setting moves from venice to cyprus
- Cassio has arrived first. The storm caused delay and there was big concern for the safety of Othello and others
- The next to land is Desdemona who sailed with Iago and his wife Emilia
- While waiting for Othello they banter about women and their desires which shows us Iago’s underlying hostility towards women who’s nature he believes to be fundamentally deceptive.
- Iago notices that Cassio and Desdemona are being friendly and builds his plan to use jealousy to get his revenge
- Othello arrives, greets Desdemona and announces the Turkish fleet has been destroyed by the storm
2
Q
explain the importance of act 2 scene 1
A
- it sets the stage for Iago’s plan of vengance against Othello- it shows his overt mysogyny and contempt for women-saying they are dishonest and promiscuous he insists speaking playfully but revealing what we’ve already observed in his asides and behaviour.
- Iago’s resentment of Othello is coupled with his negative attitude towards women
- During the conversation Emilia is present. She shows no indication that she will stand up against her husband and defend her gender.
- it sets the tone for sexual inuendo that follows- hand placement of Cassio and using it to plan against Othello
- enables Iago to get his revenge on Cassio also.
