Act+2

** Scene i ** On the shores of Cyprus, Montano (the island’s governor) predicts that the Turkish fleet of ships could not have survived the storm. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether Othello’s ship has survived the storm. Hope lifts upon the sighting of a sail offshore, but the new ship turns out to be carrying Iago, Emilia, Desdemona, and Roderigo. After Desdemona arrives, another ship’s sail is spotted offshore. While waiting to find out if it is Othello or not, conversation turns to teasing and Iago quickly takes the opportunity to criticize women in general as deceptive and hypocritical, saying they are lazy in all matters except sex. Iago notices that Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand as he talks to her privately about Othello’s arrival and plots to use this hand-holding to frame Cassio. Othello arrives safely, greets Desdemona and thanks the Cypriots for their welcome and hospitality. Iago keeps using Roderigo’s love for Desdemona against him, claiming she will soon grow tired of being with Othello and will long for a more well-mannered and handsome man. However, to prevent Cassio from taking Othello’s place, Iago suggests Roderigo should wind him up during the celebrations later that evening, so he falls out of favour with Othello. ** Scene ii ** A herald announces that Othello plans revelry for the evening in celebration of Cyprus’s safety from the Turks, and also in celebration of his marriage to Desdemona. ** Scene iii ** Othello leaves Cassio on guard during the revels, reminding him to practice self-restraint. Othello and Desdemona intend to consummate their marriage. Iago joins Cassio on guard to persuade him to drink and be merry – preparing him (getting him drunk) for Roderigo’s taunts. Iago tells the audience his plan: amidst all the drunkards, Iago will lead Cassio into committing an action that will disgrace him. It is not long before Cassio becomes intoxicated and wanders offstage, assuring his friends that he isn’t drunk. Roderigo enters, and Iago points him in Cassio’s direction. As Montano suggests something should be said to Othello about Cassio’s drinking problem, Cassio chases Roderigo across the stage, threatening to beat him. Montano steps in to prevent the fight and is stabbed by Cassio. An alarm bell is rung, and Othello arrives with armed attendants. Othello demands to know what happened, but both Iago and Cassio claim to have forgotten how the struggle began. At first Iago feigns reluctance to incriminate Cassio, suggesting that the unknown man (Roderigo) must have done something to upset him. Othello falls into Iago’s trap, stating that he can tell that Iago softened the story out of honest affection for Cassio. Othello dismisses Cassio from his service. Cassio laments the permanent damage done to his reputation by a quarrel he cannot even remember. Iago argues that Desdemona’s kindheartedness will prompt her to help persuade Othello to give Cassio his lieutenantship back. Iago jokes about the irony that his so-called villainy involves counseling – with Cassio spending time with Desdemona, he’ll find it all the easier to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Roderigo enters, upset that he has been beaten and angry because Iago has taken all his money and left him with nothing to show for it. Iago counsels him to be patient and assures Roderigo that everything is going according to plan. To the audience, Iago points out he will convince Emilia to speak to Desdemona on Cassio’s behalf, and then arrange for Othello to witness Cassio’s suit to Desdemona – BINGO! Instant incrimination. q How do the people of Cyprus view Othello? Is it consistent with the Venetian’s perspective of him? q Do you think Iago and Emilia are happily married? You may want to reread page 55 for some ideas. q How do think Desdemona feels about being referred to as Othello’s treasure (“the riches of the ship” line 83) and ultimately possession? q Reread the banter between Iago and Desdemona (page 55 – 57). Do you see this dialogue as playful and good natured or serious and argumentative? Some things to consider: Is Desdemona really offended? Does Iago really mean the things he says? q Do you think there is anything sexual going on between Cassio and Desdemona? q Iago plans to use Roderigo’s desperate love for Desdemona to wreak havoc on Cassio; but why does Iago want Cassio to fall out of favour with Othello? q Is Shakespeare’s Iago a master manipulator, or are the other characters just gullible? q There is little evidence in the text to support Iago’s adulterous suspicions of both Othello and Cassio. What does this tell us of his mental state? Assume the role of a doctor referring Iago to a psychologist – what will your referral say? Write at least three sentences. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements by writing A or D next to each statement.
 * Othello **
 * Summary of Act II **
 * Othello: Act 2 **
 * Stopping Point 1: page 59, line 173 **
 * Stopping Point 2: page 65, line 293 **
 * Stopping Point 3: page 73, line 102 **
 * 1. Othello sets the celebrations “from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven” so he can finally have some privacy with his new wife, Desdemona.
 * 2. Cassio is an alcoholic.
 * 3. Iago plays on Cassio’s insecurities by insinuating he can’t handle the drink as well as the average Englishman.

5. Iago hates Cyprus and wishes to be back
 * 4. Cassio has had lustful fantasies about the “most exquisite lady,” (line 17) the “most fresh and delicate creature,” (line 19) Desdemona.