Act II Study Guide

Othello

Act II Study Guide

Scene I

1.  What news do we get of the Turkish fleet?

2.  At this point, what is Cassio’s hope?

3.  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?

4.  It is clear that Iago views Othello as “different” and thinks that eventually Desdemona will too. Why does he think Desdemona will lose her love for Othello?

5.  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 that Othello feels like an outsider?

6.  Iago tells Roderigo that because of Cassio’s youth and good looks, Desdemona will look to Cassio when she gets tired of Othello. Is Iago saying all this just to ensnare Roderigo, or do you think he believes that Desdemona will be unfaithful to Othello?

7.  Iago accuses Cassio of putting on a false appearance to gain his own ends. Why is this accusation an example of irony?

8.  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 he believe about

a.  Cassio and Desdemona:

b.  Othello and Desdemona:

c.  his own feelings for Desdemona:

d.  his suspicions of the Moor? How does he plan to discredit Cassio?

Scene II

9.  What announcement is made by the Herald?

Scene III

10. What is Othello’s opinion of Iago?

11. Why is Cassio reluctant to have a drink? Why does he finally agree?

12. How does the clever iago, in one breath, praise and condemn Cassio to Montano?

13. Iago tells Roderigo to provoke Cassio, and he does. Then, as Montano and Cassio fight, Roderigo rings the alarm bell. How does Othello react to this and what does he say to Iago?

14. After not getting a straight answer from anyone, what does Othello say? What does he threaten?

15. How is this a departure from his earlier temperament, and what makes it ominous?

16. After Iago tells Othello what happened, how is Othello’s reaction all that Iago had hoped for?

17. What advice does Iago give Cassio?

18. Read Iago’s soliloquy again. He concludes, “So will I turn her virtue into a pitch; /And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all.” What is he saying, and how does he plan to accomplish this?

19. In Roderigo’s speech, do you find him to be pitiable, comical, or something else? Explain.

20. What are the next two moves Iago plans?