Name _____________________________________________ Date _________ Class ________
Othello Act II Scene 1 and 2
Directions: Answer the following questions after reading Othello, and make sure to answer in
complete sentences or 10-points will be deducted from your overall grade.
Othello Act II Scene 1
1. What news do we get of the Turkish fleet?
2. At this point what is Cassio’s hope?
3. Although they all seem to be enjoying themselves on the dock with Iago’s cynical comments
on women, we see that Iago’s fierce mood has not abated. What does he observe, and what does
he conclude?
4. It is clear that Iago views Othello as “different” and thinks that eventually Desdemona will
too. Why does he think Desdemona will lose her love for Othello?
5. Some critics make the point that Othello is an outsider; and certainly, Brabantio, Iago, and
others see him as that. To be an outsider, though, one must feel apart from society. In your
opinion, does Othello feel like an outsider?
6. Iago tells Roderigo that because of Cassio’s youth and good looks, Desdemona will look to
Cassio when she gets tired of Othello. Is Iago saying all this just to ensnare Roderigo, or do you
think he believes that Desdemona will be unfaithful to Othello?
7. Iago accuses Cassio of putting on a false appearance to gain his own ends. Why is this
accusation an example of irony?
8. In Iago’s soliloquy at the end of this scene we again see into his mind and, unlike the times he
speaks with others, he has no reason to lie. In this soliloquy what does he believe about a) Cassio
and Desdemona b) Othello and Desdemona c) his own feelings for Desdemona d) his suspicions
of the Moor? How does he plan to discredit Cassio?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Othello Act II Scene 2
1. What announcement is made by the Herald?