Act 2 Flashcards
Where is Act 2 set?
Cyprus. The scene opens as the Venetian ships arrive.
What order do the ships arrive in?
Cassio’s ship is first to arrive in Cyprus, then Iago and Desdemona join him. They wait for Othello.
Othello’s ship finally arrives and Desdemona is very relieved. They prepare a celebration.
Quote: A description of Cyprus.
The main characters trail from their homes in peaceful, civilised Venice, to an unfamiliar “warlike isle.” Cyprus is a place of conflict and disorder.
What is significant about the setting of Cyprus?
The characters are isolated in Cyprus, meaning Iago can prey on their weaknesses more easily. The island gives the rest of “Othello” a claustrophobic feeling - the characters are trapped.
Why is the storm significant?
The storm is significant because it quickly gets rid of the threat of war by destroying the Turkish fleet.
What is the convenience of the storm known as?
“deus ex machina” - the threat of war conveniently moves the main characters to Cyprus, and the destruction of the fleet allows the play to focus solely on the destruction of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage - “deus ex machina” is used to describe an unrealistic plot device that solves problems in the plot.
Quote: How does the storm foreshadow future events?
Shakespeare tells the audience twice that the ships carrying Othello and Desdemona were “parted” by the storm. This anticipates that they will soon become permanently divided by Iago’s scheming.
Quote: How does Cassio describe Desdemona?
“divine.”
Quote: Desdemona’s lack of innocent when she flirts with Iago.
She understands Iago’s sexual innuendo and shows that she can be flirtatious, asking Iago “how wouldst thou praise me?”
Quote: Desdemona’s innocence.
“maid, so tender” who’s “never bold.”
Quote: Iago as a misogynist.
“you rise to play and go to bed to work.”
Quote: Iago exploits Roderigo’s weakness and uses it against him.
He commands Roderigo by using his love for Desdemona, “sir, be you ruled by me” and he plans to manipulate Cassio by using. His courtesy against him: “with as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.”
Quote: Othello’s excess of emotion.
He says he is “most happy.” These strong feelings hint that his negative emotions will be equally as intensive and so destructive.
Quote: Iago’s promise in his soliloquy.
Iago vows to “put the moor // At least into a jealousy so strong // That judgement cannot cure.”
Quote: How do Desdemona and Othello refer to each other?
Othello’s reunion with Desdemona highlights their mutual love and affection. Desdemona calls him “My dear Othello” and he calls her his “soul’s joy” which elevates their love to having spiritual significance.
Quote: How does Iago describe Othello and Desdemona’s love?
Iago observes that the lovers are “well tuned now”
Quote: What does Iago vow to do to the harmony of their relationship?
“set down the pegs that make this music.” As pegs are used to loosen the strings on instruments so they’re out of tune, Iago plans to manipulate events in order to upset their happiness.
Quote: Iago’s description of his own jealousy.
He declares that “nothing can, or shall, content my soul” until he has had his revenge.
Quote: Iago declaring he loves Desdemona and his reasoning for it.
He declares that “nothing can, or shall, content my soul” until he has had his revenge.
Quote: Iago fearing that Emilia is unfaithful to him.
“I fear Cassio with my night-cap too.”
Quote: Iago comparing his plan to poison.
He claims that his plan “Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards” which presents it as destructive and unnatural.
Quote: Iago describing his own plan and what this suggests.
The way he doesn’t have a single reason for his plotting, and his admission that his plans are “confused”, could suggest that he’s simply creating disorder because he’s evil.
In Act 2, Scene 2, what is to be celebrated according to the Herald’s proclamation?
Military victory and Othello’s marriage.
What interrupts the marriage celebrations in Act 2, Scene 3?
Iago tries to make Cassio admit that he has feelings for Desdemona. When he fails, he gets him drunk instead.
Acting on Iago’s instructions, Rodrigo provokes Cassio who chases him. Montano stops Cassio and they fight.
Cassio wounds Montano, just as Othello enters. Iago gives his version of events so that Othello fires Cassio.
Iago advises Cassio to try to convince Desdemona to help him regain his position as Othello’s lieutenant.
