Othello

How were the Turks defeated? The Turks were not defeated by people,but rather nature. Their ship was wrecked by a storm they went through.
Why didn’t Othello return at the same time Cassio did? Because they were traveling to Cyprus in different ships
What gestures of respect does Cassio show Desdemona that Iago says he can later use against Cassio? What others are there even as the scene continues? Cassio kisses Desdemona’s hand and Iago give his comments aside. Desdemona and Cassio are still in the scene.
In this scene, Iago makes a comment that is actually insulting towards Emilia’s personality. What does he say about her? He says that women are pretty much useless to society, he talks about how women are lazy and only useful for sex.
Why does Desdemona continue to continue the banter with Iago despite his harsh words? Desdemona continues the banter because she’s the type of girl to speak her mind when a man speaks lowly of women.
What is ironic about the things Iago says to Desdemona? The ironic thing is that Iago is talking about catching a girl being foolish or doing a foolish prank, yet he is the one who is actually pursuing a foolish act.
Until this point, Iago has not actually told a direct lie. What blatant lie does he finally tell? Desdemona is over Othello.
Iago begrudgingly compliments Othello. Cite the line and explain the significance of this admittance. “Is of a constant, loving, noble nature.” Pg 64 Iago is saying good things about Othello being a good husband.
Why does Iago say that he loves Desdemona? He says it to get back at Othello because he believes Othello’s been with his wife so he says it out of anger.
What do we know about Iago’s plan thus far? Iago’s plan thus far is to convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair so Iago can gain the position as Lieutenant
What two reasons are given for celebration? They’re celebrating the marriage between Othello and Desdemona, and they’re celebrating the defeat of the Turkish army.
What do you think is the significance of including this scene? What bigger picture is it adding to? How does it contribute to the play? Despite its brevity, Shakespeare put it in for a reason; what might that reason be? Othello is still unaware at this point of what is happening. It’s adding to the bigger picture of the fact that they’re even having this nice little party and all the while Iago’s planning to ruin him. It contributes to the irony of the play. It’s like the last bit of peace before the happiness is shattered by Iago’s plan.
How is the fight scene between Cassio and Roderigo similar to the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet? The fight between Cassio and Roderigo is started because Iago provokes the fight. As where Tybalt provokes Romeo trying to fight and then Mercutio steps in and fights him. One at least dies, the other injured.
Why do you think Cassio is running after Roderigo with a sword? How do you think the brawl began? Cassio is running after Roderigo with a sword because Montano told Cassio that he had drinking problems so he went after the first person he saw.
Othello seems to believe that Cassio began the fight due to the fact that he cannot hold his liquor. Do you agree with this assessment? Explain your answer. Cite your evidence. Yes, since Cassio even admits he can’t hold his liquor. ” I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking”, said Cassio. This shows Cassio couldn’t handle drinking that time.
Explain how Iago uses the truth for his own purposes throughout this scene. Cassio mourns his lost reputation, which means a lot to him. Iago tries to convince him that a reputation means little; and, if he talks to Desdemona, maybe he can get her to vouch for him with Othello. This will help Iago hint that Desdemona and Cassio are together, which will make Othello super angry. Iago then gives a soliloquy about knowing that Desdemona will speak for Cassio, and that he will be able to turn that against them.
Why is Roderigo ready to return home? Roderigo is ready to return home because he is fed up with Cassio and has gained experience and intelligence.
In Act II, Shakespeare seems to go in and out of iambic pentameter more than in any other act. Why do you think he keeps reverting to prose in this act? In the play Shakespeare gives the main characters, who are noble, lines written in iambic pentameter to give the character a more artistic feel to them. It is when they are acting foolish or acting like a commoner when their lines are no longer written in iambic pentameter. In act two Iago gets drunk, taking away his nobility in the play so his lines are then written in nprose.
Iago seems to be able to prey on a person’s weaknesses. The reader has witnessed the weak traits in others he’s preyed upon, but is there evidence that Othello is susceptible to jealousy? Why do you think Iago selected jealousy? Othello seems susceptible to jealousy due to his race, as he is black, which others look down on him for. Additionally, his old age is also evidence to him being susceptible to jealousy. He may also feel jealous because he is not able to consummate their marriage. Iago chose jealousy because he knows that Othello feels insecure about himself due to his race, age, and inability to consummate his marriage with Desdemona.
From what you know of Iago’s scheme thus far, do you think it will work? Do you think Othello will be as susceptible to jealousy as Iago thinks he will? What complications do you foresee? Explain your answers. I believe Iagos scheme will work because of the fact that his manipulation of getting Rodrigo drunk was already achieved. I think Othello will trust Desdemona enough as he doesn’t seem to be phased by anything. The only complication would be if Iagos plan actually was comprised and Desdemona found out the plan nor fell for it.