| What is Iago’s Perception of women? What textual evidence supports your answer? | Iago is misogynistic towards women, and treats them as though they are property. Iago also believes women do not talk, they just listen. “Marry, before your Ladyship, I grant, / She puts her tongue a little in her heart / And chides with thinking” (2.1.117-120). |
| What are Iago’s stated reasons for wishing to destroy Othello and Cassio? | He has been passed over for his promotion, and Othello and Cassio have slept with Emilia. |
| Are Iago’s motives justifiable? | No, his motives are out of pure evil and revenge. |
| How does Iago convince Rodrigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio? | Iago points out how Cassio kisses Desdemona’s hand, and exaggerates the meaning of it; it is really a common curtesy |
| What does Iago mean when he says of Desdemona, “Now, do I lover her too?” | Iago means that though he loves Desdemona’s character, she is good and virtuous, which her virtues play in to his plot. |
| How does Act II begin? What is the significance of this beginning? | Act II begins with Montano and his first gentleman discussing the agitated sea. This rocky sea foreshadows the Venetian’s experience in the uncivilized land, Cyprus. |
| What methods does Iago use to tempt Cassio into drinking? | Iago uses peer pressure to tempt Cassio into drinking, and by reassuring that his drinking is to celebrate and honor Othello. |
| How does Cassio behave when he is drunk? | Cassio acts arrogantly, like a dog, rash, and “Turk.” |
| What sides of Othello’s personality do we see when he comes in to stop the brawl? | Anger, disciplinarian, and an outsider to Venetians because he is already seen as uncivilized to them before Cyprus. |
| What is Iago’s perception of man? | Recognizes men as higher status, flawed and vulnerable. He also believes that man is a dichotomic beast. |
| What is Cassio’s thought about reputation? How does Iago respond to him? | Cassio is deeply concerned with reputation, his appearance comes first over everything. Iago responds to him very unconcerned, because he does not view reputation nearly as much as Cassio. |
| Scene Translations: (II.III.49-56)If I can fasten but one cup upon him,With that which he hath drunk tonight already,He’ll be as full of quarrel and offenseAs my young mistress’ dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo,Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out,To Desdemona hath tonight carousedPotations pottle-deep, and he’s to watch. | Modern Version:If I can just get him to drink one more glass after what he’s drunk already, he’ll be as argumentative and eager to fight as a little dog. That fool Roderigo, all twisted up inside with love, has been drinking toasts to Desdemona by the gallon, and he’s on guard duty. |
OTHELLO: ACT 2
September 7, 2019