1. Scene 2 gives a dramatic theatrical effect, to show the audience that Othello has come
back from a victorious battle, and the carnival is about to start, to celebrate for Othello’s
defeat of the Turks, therefore it sets the audience in a good and jovial mood. The
narrative purpose of this is to have it said in another person’s perspective which in this
case is the Herald, who is the messenger that delivers the messages, hence it shows the
importance of this bulletin.
2. This reveals that there is a private negotiation between Othello and Cassio, and Iago is
not involved. Cassio says that “But notwithstanding, with my person eye; Will I look to it”
in line 2; from this Cassio unfolds that he does not trust Iago completely and he is
insinuating that he will keep a close eye on Iago, to make sure he doesn’t ruin Othello’s
“private business.” Though Othello says that “Iago is most honest” in line 5, he trusts
him the most but he leaves the instruction to Cassio which shows dramatic irony.
3. Iago describes Desdemona as a “sport for Jove” in line 17, which shows that he thinks of
Desdemona nothing but a woman who pleasures her man, and he points out that all
Othello is interested in her mostly in the corporal way, “Our general cast us thus early
for the love of his Desdemona” in line 14. Then he continues with “He hath not yet
made wanton the night with her” in line 15, which shows how little Iago sees of the love
between Othello and Desdemona. On the other hand, Cassio describes Desdemona in
an elegant way, he calls Desdemona “a most exquisite lady” in line 18, which shows
how much he respects her. While Iago calls Desdemona “full of game” in line 19 which
hints that Desdemona is keen for sex, and she is nothing but a tool for Othello. Cassio
defends Desdemona by saying “Indeed she’s a most fresh and delicate creature” which
refuses to accept Iago’s opinion of Desdemona. Iago continues with “what an eye she
has! Methinks it sounds parley to provocation” to show that she arouses men for sexual
interests, and it hints that this is one of the sole reasons why Othello has married her.
Although Cassio replies with “And An inviting eye, and yet methinks right modest?” in
line 23, this reveals that clearly Cassio does not understand Iago’s intentions. Iago
proceeds with “And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love?”, to show that all
Desdemona does is sex, and he thinks of her as a prostitute, though Cassio does not
understand it and replies with “She is indeed perfection” which just shows how highly
he thinks of her.
4. Iago uses the excuse of Othello’s victorious night to persuade Cassio to drink, which
Cassio refuses immediately. Cassio reveals that he has poor brains for drinking, which
Iago is definitely going to exploit; Iago then uses another excuse, which Cassio
eventually accepted. Iago tells Cassio that he has summoned the other soldiers whom
would gather around and drink together, and it would be disrespectful if Cassio were to
leave without drinking, this is shown in line 40, “What, man! ‘Tis a night of revels; the
gallants desire it.” Cassio although reluctant, accepted this offer from Iago.
5. Iago after seeing that Cassio has gotten drunk, starts off by singing heroic songs, which
Cassio would later joins him for a duet, and then Cassio would speak honestly of how he
feels of his position and this would unfold his true deep personality. Iago calls Cassio
“lieutenant” many times, which would be please Cassio to speak more as from the
position of a lieutenant, Cassio says in line 101 to 102, “For mine own part – no offence
to the general, nor any man of quality – I hope to be saved”, this is very ironic and
dramatic coming out of Cassio, since he is not in the position to speak in such an
arrogant way. He continues after Iago calls him lieutenant again in line 103, “the
lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let’s … Gentlemen, let’s look to our
business. Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk: this is my ancient, this is my right hand,
and this is my left” this shows that he thinks that the higher officials will be saved before
the lower ranked officials, i.e. ancient; the position which Iago has, this definitely
provokes Iago’s hatred against Cassio even more, as Cassio speaks honestly about his
subordinates. All of these emotions are pouring out of Cassio like an endless stream, his
words has offended not only Iago but other gentlemen who are present as his
subordinates, this is exactly what Iago wants. Furthermore, he uses flattering words
which makes Cassio talk without thinking about the consequences, and he did a good
job in executing it.
6. Iago tells Montano about Cassio right after Cassio left the scene. He speaks to Montano
in a very calm yet rhetorical way, which sounds like he is looking at Cassio from an
objective angle but actually he is creating an illusion of Cassio to Montano. He mentions
that Cassio has left the trust Othello has put on him, which gives some insights of
Othello. He says in line 116, “He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar”, which could be an
analogy for Othello, as he compares Caesar to Othello, and in line 120, he mentions of
Othello which connects the two. Iago first points out that Cassio is an excellent soldier,
who could even be a subordinate of Caesar, then he reveals that Cassio’s good virtue is
counterbalanced with his vice, i.e. his drinking habit. Then he gives an Othello insight
which provokes Montano’s attention to make him inquire on how Othello could trust
Cassio, and this is what Iago wants, he wants Montano to ask questions so he could
poison Montano’s visions of Cassio, and make Montano thinks that Othello was blind
enough to choose such a fellow like Cassio as his subordinate, in which promotes Iago
himself.