1. Othello
Act 2 Questions

2. Bellwork – Dec. 7th
Write a summary of each of the 3 scenes in Act 2 of Othello.
Why do you think Iago has so many different reasons for wanting revenge on Othello? Do you think all of his reasons are legitimate? Why or why not?

3. Othello – Act 2
Question 1
What happened to the Turkish army’s fleet? Why do you think Shakespeare decided to end this side plot of a war with the Ottomites so quickly?

4. Othello – Act 2
Question 2
Although they all seem to be enjoying themselves on the dock with Iago’s cynical comments on women, we see that Iago’s fierce mood has not abated. What does he observe, and what does he conclude?

5. Othello – Act 2
Question 3
Some critics make the point that Othello is an outsider; and certainly, Brabantio, Iago, and others see him as that. To be an outsider, though, one must feel apart from society. Is there any indication, so far, that Othello feels like an outsider?

6. Othello – Act 2
Question 4
Iago accuses Cassio of putting on a false appearance to gain his own ends. Why is this accusation an example of irony?

7. Othello – Act 2
Question 5
In Iago’s soliloquy at the end of this scene we again see into his mind and, unlike the times he speaks with others, he has no reason to lie.
In this soliloquy, what does Iago believe about:
Cassio and Desdemona
B. Othello and Desdemona
C. his own feelings for Desdemona
His suspicions of the Moor?
How does he plan to discredit Cassio?

8. Othello – Act 2
Question 5 - Answers
He believes Cassio loves Desdemona and it is possible that she either does or at least could love Cassio.
Othello will prove to be “a most dear husband”.
He himself (Iago) love Desdemona, partly out of lust and partly out of a desire for revenge.
His suspects the Moor (Othello) has slept with his wife, Emilia.
He plans to have Roderigo provoke a fight with Cassio and thereby discredit Cassio.

9. Othello – Act 2
Question 6
In scene 3 at the celebration, Cassio has too much to drink, and Iago tells Roderigo to provoke Cassio into fighting with Montano. Othello responds to all this by saying, “My blood begins my safer guides to rule, / And passion, having my best judgment collied, / Assays to lead the way.” What is Othello’s point and what is he threatening? How could this be foreshadowing?

10. Othello – Act 2
Question 7
What advice does Iago give Cassio? What does Iago hope to accomplish by setting up Cassio this way?

11. Othello – Act 2 Scene 3 – Performance at The Globe Theatre