Act 2 Scene 1 Key areas for analysis: • Iago’s soliloquy • The Cyprus setting and the storm • Cassio • The role of women

Recapping events of Act 2 Scene 1

• The Turkish fleet is destroyed by the storm • Cassio arrives in Cyprus, followed shortly after by Iago, Desdemona, Emilia and Roderigo.

• Iago notices the little courtesy of Cassio taking Desdemona’s hand (enough of a web to “ensnare as great a fly as Cassio”.) • Othello arrives = speaks of his love for Desdemona.

• Iago convinces Roderigo to provoke Cassio into losing his temper later that evening, in an attempt to force Othello to remove Cassio from his position as lieutenant.

• Iago is left alone onstage at the end of the scene to offer further insight into his motives and his desire for revenge on Othello, Cassio and Desdemona.

Iago on the couch

Read Iago’s final soliloquy (267-exit).

Then: 1) colour code for comments about Othello, Cassio and Desdemona 1) Imagine Iago is being questioned by a psychiatrist about his obsession with Othello and Cassio. Work out what questions you would ask Iago and use lines from the soliloquy to provide Iago’s answers. Annotate the extract as your thoughts evolve. Improvise the scene.

Storms

See – Think – Question– Share

1. Watch the clip 2. Think about the symbolic nature of storms 3. Suggest possibilities of what this storm might symbolise with reference to the play 4. Ask questions of the nature of the storm presented 5. Feedback to class https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG 6FhK96dBg

Storms In Shakespeare

1. What is the significance of the storm in this scene?

2. Does the storm act as a metaphor? How?

Possible points: – the storm is a symbol of unrest, about to be seen in the play (the trouble brewing for Othello, Desdemona, etc.) – The storm marks the end of the peaceful part of the play, and is an act of fate, marking the end of the external threat (attack from the Turks) and the internal threat (Iago) – Might the storm represent Iago himself and be a metaphor for his violent desires?

– Iago, arrives to the Island first, signifying that he will be in charge in this Cyprus setting – The storm mirrors the chaos of Act 1 Scene 1 – Consider, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite

Cassio

How do other characters view him?

What is your impression of Cassio? Consider lines 60-100 particularly. What does Cassio say that creates this impression?

Key points: Cassio

• Cassio has a very polished, courtly way of speaking, especially of ladies. E.g he speaks of Desdemona...

– "excels the quirks of blazoning pens“ – "divine Desdemona" • As Iago finds out later, he has no love for her, though much respect; so it is with much irony that Cassio is charged as being Desdemona's lover • Othello sees Cassio as a model Florentine, all poise and polish, which is something Othello wants to be, but thinks he is not. • Othello's insecurities mean that Cassio is promoted over Iago, but also lead Othello to hold Cassio at a distance.

The Role of Women

• Contrast Iago’s and Cassio’s treatment of women. Lines 83-174.

Analysis: Women

• Though Iago is married, he does not have as favorable an impression of women as Cassio does. • Women are "wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended“ • He even declares that they "rise to play, and go to bed to work“ • Iago's perception of women as deceptive, dominating, and lusty influences the way he portrays both Emilia and Desdemona.

• Iago is able to convince other men that they are anything but what they are.

Reflection and Homework

Reflection

• In differentiated groups write a short poem, either focusing on the presentation of Cassio or of the presentation of women within this scene. There is no requirement for it to rhyme! Aim to draw on words from the play.

Homework

• Keeping Track questions Act 1 Scene 3 (p48) and Act 2 Scene 1 (p102)