Othello Act 2 Scene 1 Flashcards

Montano and the Storm

• Montano is the governor of Cyprus discussing a destructive storm.
• The storm has destroyed Turkish ships, preventing their invasion, ensuring Cyprus's safety.

Cassio's Concerns and Desdemona

• Cassio fears for Othello's safety due to his delayed arrival.
• This concern shows Cassio's genuine care for Othello's well-being.
• He perceives Desdemona as an exceptionally beautiful and virtuous woman.

Cassio's Interaction with Desdemona

• Cassio greets Desdemona by holding her hand, inadvertently fueling Iago's scheme.
• Iago plans to manipulate Othello into believing there is an affair between Cassio and Desdemona.

Iago's Disdain for Women

• Iago holds a misogynistic view, expressing contempt for women throughout his actions and words.

Women's Alleged Roles

• Iago suggests that all women are akin to prostitutes, revealing his derogatory perception of femininity.

Othello's Happiness

• Othello is joyful upon reaching Cyprus for two reasons: reuniting with Desdemona after their separate voyages and the destruction of the Turkish navy.

Iago's Manipulation of Roderigo

• Iago intends to instigate a fight between Roderigo and Cassio, hoping it leads to Roderigo's demise.
• Roderigo desires Cassio's disgrace in Othello's eyes.

Iago's Soliloquy

• In his soliloquy, Iago emerges as a symbol of pure malevolence in literature.
• He believes Othello has dishonored him by being with his wife and seeks revenge by targeting Desdemona.

Iago's Hatred for Othello

• Iago aims to sow seeds of jealousy in Othello, making him believe Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio.

Iago's Insecurity

• Iago expresses fear concerning Cassio's potential relationship with his wife.

Othello's Orders

• Othello instructs Cassio to keep watch at the door, indicating his trust in Cassio's responsibility.

Irony in Iago's Honesty

• The phrase "Iago is most honest" is ironic since Othello is unaware of Iago's deceitful nature.

Perspectives on Desdemona

• Iago's discussions about Desdemona are laced with sexual innuendos, contrasting with Cassio's reverent and respectful admiration.

Cassio's Views on Alcohol

• Cassio openly acknowledges his weakness for alcohol, stating he would prefer not to drink.

Iago's Underhanded Plan

• Iago schemes to get Cassio drunk and compromise his position, resulting in Cassio's dismissal.

Irony of Cassio's Drunkenness

• Cassio's claim of only needing one drink to avoid drunkenness becomes ironic as he is already intoxicated.

Iago's False Accusations

• Iago lies to Montano about Cassio's supposed excessive drinking, painting a negative picture of him.

Key Confrontation Scene

• In a critical moment, Cassio stabs Montano while trying to keep the peace, escalating Iago's plot.
• Cassio's actions lead to legal consequences, which Iago manipulates to his advantage.

Iago's Deception to Othello

• Iago misrepresents the confrontation to Othello, reinforcing falsehoods while ensuring Cassio's dismissal.

Iago's Manipulation of Cassio

• Iago feigns sympathy towards Cassio, encouraging him to ask Desdemona to plead for his reinstatement with Othello.
• This advice aligns with Iago's overarching manipulation for his schemes.

Iago's Counsel to Roderigo

• At the end of the act, Iago misleads Roderigo for financial gain, highlighting his deceitful character.