Othello Act 2 Scene 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Montano?

Montano is the governor of Cyprus.

What event are Montano and the gentleman discussing?

They are discussing the big storm.

What wonderful news do Montano and the gentleman receive?

The Turkish ships are destroyed by the storm.

What is Cassio's fear?

Cassio is afraid that Othello has been killed because he has not arrived. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassio's fear reveal about him?

It reveals that he is a good guy and cares about Othello. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassio think about Desdemona?

He thinks that Desdemona is a beautiful, pure woman. Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassio greet Desdemona?

Cassio holds her hand. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago view women?

Iago views women in a negative light. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago imply with the phrase 'Rise to play, Go to bed to work'?

He implies that all women are prostitutes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Othello happy when he reaches Cyprus?

He is happy because he sees Desdemona and because the Turkish fleet got destroyed in the storm. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago characterize the relationship of Desdemona and Cassio to Roderigo?

Iago wants Roderigo and Cassio to fight. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago reveal in his final soliloquy?

Iago reveals that he believes Othello has slept with his wife and now wants to sleep with Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Iago hate Othello?

He feels that if he can't get Desdemona in bed, he will make Othello think his wife is cheating on him with Cassio. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'For I fear Cassio with my night cap too' mean?

Iago fears that Cassio has been with his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What are Othello's orders to Cassio?

Othello orders Cassio to guard the door. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the line 'Iago is most honest' ironic?

Othello cannot trust Iago. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast Iago and Cassio's views of Desdemona.

Iago's views involve sex, while Cassio sees her as a goddess. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassio say about drinking?

He says that drinking is his weakness, so he does not want to drink. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Iago's plan involving Cassio's drinking.

Iago wants to get Cassio drunk and make a fool of himself. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the line about Cassio being drunk ironic?

Cassio can only have 1 drink and he'll already be drunk. Signup and view all the answers

What are Iago and Montano discussing?

They are discussing Cassio's drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in lines 132-150?

Montano grabs Cassio to keep him away from Roderigo, then Cassio stabs Montano. Signup and view all the answers

In lines 204-229, how does Iago lie about the events?

He claims Cassio was in a sword fight and that he would never hurt him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago tell Cassio to do?

He tells Cassio he can get his job back by pleasing Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the act, how does Iago counsel Roderigo?

Iago gives Roderigo false information to get more money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Othello's Act 2 Scene 1 with these flashcards. Learn about key characters such as Montano and understand the events unfolding in Cyprus, including Cassio's fears. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's work.