English 9 - Othello
- Study Questions - Act 2
Scene 1
1. Why does Desdemona encourage Iago to share with her his “praise” for women?
And what do you make of Iago’s comments in this scene about Emilia, Desdemona,
and women in general? See lines 109-192 (pp 67-73).
2. At the end of this scene, Iago presents Roderigo with the argument that Cassio and
Desdemona are in love, that what appears to be “courtesy” (2.1.278) is, in fact,
”lechery” (2.1.279). What do you think of Iago’s argument? Is he just making it up?
Is there a grain of truth in it? What actions of Cassio’s, earlier in the scene, lead Iago
to suggest that there is something go on between him and Desdemona?
3. Why does Iago present this argument to Roderigo? Why has he “brought [Roderigo]
from Venice” (2.1.286)? See also Iago’s earlier soliloquy at 1.3.426: “Thus do I ever
make my fool my purse.”
4. In his second soliloquy (2.1.308-334), Iago is “thinking out loud”-- planning his
course of action and giving reasons for it. What is he planning to do? What reasons
does he give? We already know he is angry at not being made lieutenant, but what
other reasons does he give now for getting back at Othello?
Scene 3
1. There is a lot of action in this scene, a lot of coming and going. After reading the
scene, jot down in outline form the key actions of the scene. Key actions are those
that advance the plot and heighten the rising tension or conflict.
2. How would you describe Iago’s role in the action of this scene? Be imaginative in
your description of him: “Iago is like a. . . .”
3. See Iago’s soliloquy # 3 (2.3.49ff): “If I can fasten but one cup upon him. . . .” Here
is Iago “thinking out loud” again. What does this speech add to your understanding
of his character and of his scheme? What mood or tone do you hear in his voice?
4. Why is the exchange between Iago and Montano (2.3.125ff) important? What is
Iago doing in these speeches?
5. When Othello enters (2.3172ff), how does the atmosphere of the scene change?
What do his speeches here reveal about his character?
6. Why is Cassio upset after the quarrel? And how does Iago “comfort” him? What
does “reputation” mean to Cassio and what does it mean to Iago, and what does
their discussion of reputation (2.3.278ff) reveal about their characters?
7. Iago’s soliloquy #4 (2.3.356ff): “And what’s he, then, that says I play the villain….”
What does this speech add to your understanding of Iago’s character, his way of
thinking, and his plan? What mood or tone do you hear in his voice as this speech
begins, and how does his mood or tone change?