Othello Act 2 si

• Engels
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Lesson objectives 

What is a civilised society? 

Are we clear on what this is?

What are the characteristics of a civilised society?

Is there such a thing as a barbaric or savage society?

What behaviours and practices would not be tolerated in a civilised society?

The action now moves to Cyprus 

What is a civilised society? 

• In contrast to sophisticated Venice, Renaissance Cyprus was the “Wild West” of Europe.
  
• Situated perilously close to the Muslim Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey), it was a constant war zone and extremely dangerous.
  
• It was an overseas possession of the Republic of Venice from 1489 until the Ottomans conquered it in 1570. The action is set before the Ottoman Empire took Cyprus between 1570 - 1573. 
  
• The island is still divided to this day, one part Turkish, one part Greek.
  

The rest of the play is set in Cyprus 

In the play, Cyprus has a military encampment and Othello (mistakenly) believes that he and his wife will be safe there. It is a militaristic place, with a masculine atmosphere, and a thousand miles from the culture and sophistication of Venice.

Such an isolated and violent setting on the edge of the ‘civilised’ world is the perfect setting for a marriage to unravel. It is tragically ironic that a great soldier should die for love in a war zone.

Connections with Venus the goddess of love 

Cyprus was the birthplace of Venus or Aphrodite, the goddess of love and desire, who reputedly was born in ocean foam and washed ashore near Nicosia. ​

​

Cyprus provides the perfect location for Iago to convince Othello of his wife's sexual infidelity.​

What are the connotations of each of these quotes? 

“the riches of the ship” 2.1.83

https://www.rsc.org.uk/othello/past-productions/iqbal-khan-2015-production/production-and-rehearsal-photos#&gid=1&pid=11

“Our great captain’s captain” 2.1.74

“a maid that paragons description”​ 2.1.61-62

“one that excels the quirks of blazoning pens” 1.2.63

“divine Desdemona” 1.2.73

Cassio

• Young, sophisticated Venetian​
  
• Educated but inexperienced in battle, “never set a squadron in the field”​
  
• Cares deeply about his reputation​
  
• Charming and well mannered​
  
• Handsome​
  
• Loyal and devoted to Othello
  

Cassio vs Iago - foil characters 

Cassio:

chivalrous 

loyalty 

honourable 

Gallant towards women 

Honest devotion to Othello  charming 

Iago:

misogyny ​

pretended devotion

Dishonest 

Rude and offensive language 

Read from Desdemona’s entrance to Othello’s exit ​

In pairs you will be given one of the following characters to explore:​

​Desdemona​

Othello​

Iago​

​Using the prompt questions analyse the presentation of those characters, and their relationships in this part of the scene. Be ready to teach each other.​

Read from Desdemona’s entrance to Othello’s exit ​

In pairs you will be given one of the following characters to explore:​

​Desdemona​

Othello​

Iago​

​Using the prompt questions analyse the presentation of those characters, and their relationships in this part of the scene. Be ready to teach each other.​

Read from Desdemona’s entrance to Othello’s exit ​

Read from Desdemona’s entrance to Othello’s exit ​

1. Make groups of three 
   
2. In each group there is at least one person presenting your group's findings on Desdemona, Iago and Othello. 
   
3. Share with the mixed group the questions and your answers. 
   
4. Write down, in your exercise book, the information you gained. 
   

Iago a misogynist? 

2.1.102

1. List the complaints that Iago has about women. 

2. Why do you think Emilia does not protest? 

3. Look at the conversation with Desdemona that ensues (to line 160). What does that tell us about Iago and Desdemona?