Act 2 Scene 1 Flashcards
Summarise what happens in this scene. (A2.1)
Storm destroys the Turkish fleet. Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, and Cassio arrive at Cyprus and they jest bawdily while waiting for Othello. Emilia is teased and berated by her husband, Iago. Iago hints that Desdemona loves Cassio.
What does the sea symbolise?
Symbolises the vastness of Othello’s love, and suggests that the marriage is natural (in contrast to racist beliefs). Yet mankind is at the mercy of the sea’s currents.
What does the storm symbolise?
Increasing chaos; magnitude of natural forces that dominate mankind; foreshadows the murder of Desdemona.
What does Cyprus symbolise?
This “warlike isle” on the edge of civilisation symbolises chaos and society’s precarious balance. It was also Aphrodite’s birthplace (she was accused in infidelity).
Complete the quotation: “Our great Captain’s…”
“captain.”
“Complete the quotation: “My soul’s…”
“joy”. “My fair warrior.”
Complete the quotation: “You are well tuned…”
“now: but I’ll set down/ The pegs.”
Complete the quotation: “I do suspect…”
“the lusty Moor / Hath leaped into my seat, the thought whereof / Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards.”
Define laudatory.
Celebratory
Define courteous.
Polite
Define infatuated.
Overwhelmed by passion
Define amorous.
Loving
Define marginalised.
Silenced, ignored, subservient.
