Othello - Act 2

Othello - Act 2

1. Scene 1

   • Set in Cyprus
   • Montato and Gentlemen discussing the Turkish fleet
     • Cassio joins soon after
   • Iago and Roderigo arrive with Desdemona and Emilia
   • Othello joins, announcing the Turks were drowned in the tempest
   • Iago comforts Roderigo, saying that Desdemona will eventually become tired of Othello
   • Iago soliloquy further stating his plan
     • I put the Moor // At least into a jealousy so strong (2.1.298)

2. Scene 2

   • Reading by Othello's Herald
     • Othello has arrived, Turkish fleet has been destroyed, lets celebrate

3. Scene 3

   • Othello and Cassio discussing 'honest' Iago
   • Othello leaves, Iago enters. Iago and Cassio discuss Desdemona
     • Iago uses provocative, sexual language. Cassio is much more formal
   • Iago tells audience about plans to get Cassio drunk in order to start a fight
   • Iago's plan succeeds, Cassio becomes drunk and starts a fight, hurting Montano
   • Othello arrives and takes authority. Demotes Cassio
     • But never more an officer of mine (2.3.245)
   • Cassio upset he has lost his reputation
   • Iago suggests that Cassio should go to Desdemona to get her on his side
     • Set up for Iago's revenge
   • Roderigo comes in saying he should give up and go back to Venice
     • Iago tells him he has to be patient
   • Iago tells audience that he plans to get his wife to plead with Cassio's case to Desdemona. He then plans to lead Othello to when Cassio is with Desdemona to make it look like an affair