Othello 2.1-2.3
“Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used.”
1. Daily Paraphrase
Using the in-class worksheet, have students paraphrase and discuss Iago’s soliloquy
at the end of 2.1. You may have students work independently, in pairs, or in a small
group. During discussion, address how many statements in Iago’s two big soliloquies
thus far (at the end of 1.3 and 2.1) have been lies or half-truths.
2. Othello’s Shortest Scene
Ask a student to read 2.2, the Herald’s speech. Discuss the announcement made here
(that there will be a party to celebrate the defeat of the Turks and the wedding of
Othello and Desdemona). Tell students that most directors actually choose to omit
this scene in staged performances of Othello, and ask what they would do if they were
directing the production.
3. Blocking and Stage Direction
Define blocking on the board as follows:
Blocking: what a director does when he or she decides on each character’s
physical movement during a scene. The way a director decides to block a scene
conveys meaning that can either reinforce or contradict the spoken word.
Explain to students that Shakespeare did not generally write a lot of stage direction,
as he was (a) so good at writing dialogue that this was sufficient to convey what
actors were required to do and (b) he was often the director of his plays, so he would
have been available to tell actors what to do anyways.
4. Blocking and Stage Direction for 2.3.1-39
Ask four to ten volunteers (Cassio, Othello, Desdemona, Iago, and attendants) to
come forward to the acting space and prepare to move as silent actors. Ask four more
students to read the lines aloud, staying seated. Have students act as directors to
block out the scene. If we get stuck, here are some questions we can use:
Does Cassio bow to Othello, or salute, after he is told to look to the watch? How
do Othello and Desdemona indicate their feelings about each other as they enter
and as they exit? Do they stand next to each other as Othello gives Cassio his
orders? Does Iago bow or salute as he enters? How does Iago physicalize the
lewd hints he makes about Desdemona? How do Cassio’s body language and
facial expression reinforce his spoken reaction to these hints? If some attendants
are still onstage, do they react facially? Where is the wine? How does Iago get
his cup of wine? Does he pour one for Cassio?
5. Performing the Remainder of the Scene
Have students split into three acting companies, each representing a portion of 2.3.
Each group should assign roles, discuss character’s objectives, and write stage
direction (including a blocking diagram) for the scene. These scenes will be
performed in class tomorrow.
Homework: Finish writing your stage direction and practice your lines. Also, read 3.1.
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