Act 2 Scene 2 Othello’s Herald enters to read a proclamation; he invites the victorious soldiers to come and celebrate his nuptials with him. He encourages them to dance and feast and enjoy themselves. He blesses the isle of Cyprus and Othello. Continue reading by visiting our contents page of scene guides to Shakespeare’s Othello.
What happens in Act 2 Scene 1 of Othello?
Act II, scene i: A Sea-port in Cyprus. An open place near the quay. A terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach. The Turkish attack may have been quelled, but it also bodes badly for Othello 's ship.
How does Iago close Act 2 of Othello?
Once again, Iago closes the act with a speech addressed to the audience; although Othello is the title character, and his dilemma is central to the play, Iago is even more central to the events of the play, and to the audience. J. N. Smith. Joseph Ward May 31, 2014; Christine McKeever ed. "Othello Act II Summary and Analysis".
What happens in Act 2 Scene 3 of Iago and Cassio?
Act II, scene iii: A hall in the castle. Summary. Iago and Cassio are on the watch together; Iago gets Cassio to drink, knowing that he cannot hold his liquor. Iago also tries to coax Cassio's feelings about Desdemona, and make her seem tempting to him; but his intentions are innocent and friendly, so this approach fails.
Does the play end at the end of Act 2?
It is as though one kind of play ends at the end of Act II, scene ii, and another begins: what seemed to be a political tragedy becomes a domestic tragedy.
What was the purpose of Iago's plan in Act 2?
Iago stays behind to tell Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio and convince him to pick a fight with Cassio to cause mutiny and have him removed.
What does the proclamation say in Act 2 Scene 2?
Enter a Herald with a proclamation; People following: The herald proclaims, "It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put himself into triumph" (2.2. 1-4).
What is the main purpose of Othello?
Lesson Summary Shakespeare's classic play Othello is about a man who falsely accuses his wife of cheating on him, and believes this lie so strongly that he eventually takes her life. Some of the major themes in this play include racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy.
What does Othello's Herald proclaim Act 2 Scene 2?
The herald reads a proclamation declaring a night of general festivities to celebrate both the destruction of the Turkish fleet and Othello's recent marriage.
What's in a name Act 2 Scene 2?
O, be some other name! What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other word would smell as sweet.
Is Iago in love with Othello?
Sexual: Iago is in love with Othello and wants the Moor to not only discard Desdemona, but eliminate her. Discussed above. Artistic: Iago is a warped artist who gets a kick out of making the other characters behave according to his invented story.
What is the main conflict in Othello?
Major conflictOthello and Desdemona marry and attempt to build a life together, despite their differences in age, race, and experience. Their marriage is sabotaged by the envious Iago, who convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.
What does Othello teach us about love?
In Othello, love is a force that overcomes large obstacles and is tripped up by small ones. It is eternal, yet derail-able. It provides Othello with intensity but not direction and gives Desdemona access to his heart but not his mind. Types of love and what that means are different between different characters.
What is the summary of Act 2 Scene 2?
Summary: Romeo stands below Juliet's balcony, marveling at her beauty. Not knowing he's there, Juliet speaks, wondering why Romeo must be a Montague, and she a Capulet. She thinks a name is simply a word, and it would be easy for Romeo to take a new name, and therefore not be forbidden to her.
What happened in Scene 2 Act 2 of Julius Caesar?
In this scene, Caesar's wife, Calphurnia, has woken the house three times with nightmares about Caesar's death. Frightened by the meaning of these dreams and by other signs of doom, Calphurnia begs Caesar not to leave the house as she fears something bad will happen to him.
What happens in Act 2 Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice?
Summary: Act II, scene ii Launcelot Gobbo, a servant of Shylock's, struggles to decide whether or not he should run away from his master. Part of him, which he calls “[t]he fiend . . . at mine elbow,” wants to leave, while his conscience reminds him of his honest nature and urges him to stay (II. ii. 2 ).
What happened in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth?
In this scene, Macbeth returns from murdering Duncan, alarmed that he heard a noise. Lady Macbeth dismisses his fears and sees that he has brought the guards' daggers with him, rather than planting them at the scene of the crime. She tells him to return the daggers but he refuses and Lady Macbeth goes instead.
What is the contrast between Acts 4 and 5 of Othello?
At this point in the play, Othello is welcomed anywhere and highly respected, and this contrasts sharply with his loss of reputation in Acts 4 and 5.
What does the Herald say in Scene 2?
What the Herald actually says in Scene 2 is significant. Not only does he establish that Othello has given everyone in Cyprus permission to party (because of the destruction of the Turkish fleet and because of his nuptials), but he also gives the audience a clear image of Othello's reputation . He proclaims,
What does the herald say about Othello?
The herald conveys the consensus opinion about this leader when he calls him "our noble and valiant general."
Why does Shakespeare use a herald?
On one level, Shakespeare uses a herald because it is the quickest way to convey this information. Beyond that, it provides some relief ...
Why does Iago lust after Desdemona?
He secretly lusts after Desdemona, partially because he suspects that Othello has slept with Emilia, and he wants to get even with the Moor “wife for wife” (II.i. 286 ). But, Iago continues, if he is unable to get his revenge by sleeping with Desdemona, Roderigo’s accusation of Cassio will make Othello suspect his lieutenant of sleeping with his wife and torture Othello to madness.
Why is the banter between Iago and Desdemona uncomfortable?
The banter between Iago and Desdemona creates a nervous, uncomfortable atmosphere, in part because their levity is inappropriate, given that Othello’s ship remains missing.
Why does Iago abuse women?
Although Iago verbally abuses women in this scene—presumably because it is safe for him to do so —his real resentment seems to be against those characters who have a higher social class than he has , including Cassio and Desdemona. Iago resents Cassio for being promoted ahead of him, and Cassio’s promotion is likely due to his higher class status. At the beginning of the play, Iago argued that he ought to have been promoted based upon his worth as a soldier, and he expressed bitterness that “ [p]referment goes by letter and affection, / And not by old gradation” (I.i. 35 – 36 ).
What is the emphasis in Act II?
Like Act I, scene ii, the first scene of Act II begins with emphasis on the limitations of sight. “What from the cape can you discern at sea?” Montano asks, and the gentleman replies, “Nothing at all. It is a high-wrought flood” (II.i. 1 – 2 ). The emphasis on the limitations of physical sight in a tempest foreshadows what will, after Act III, become Othello’s metaphorical blindness, caused by his passion and rage. Similarly, once the physical threat that the Turks pose has been eliminated, the more psychological, less tangible threat posed by inner demons assumes dramatic precedence.
What is the emphasis on the limitations of physical sight in a tempest?
It is a high-wrought flood” (II.i. 1 – 2 ). The emphasis on the limitations of physical sight in a tempest foreshadows what will , after Act III, become Othello’s metaphorical blindness, caused by his passion and rage.
Who is Desdemona's first choice?
But, Iago continues, the obvious first choice for Desdemona will be Cassio, whom Iago characterizes over and over again as a “knave” (II.i. 231 – 239 ). Roderigo tries to argue that Cassio was merely ...
What ship did Othello's ship carry?
Hope lifts as voices offstage announce the sighting of a sail offshore, but the new ship turns out to be carrying Iago, Emilia, Desdemona, and Roderigo.
How does Iago persuade Roderigo of Cassio and Desdemona's?
He is able to persuade Roderigo of Cassio and Desdemona's attachment by painting an innocent gesture as a sign of familiarity; yet, all the power that is in his words is in their interpretation, for Iago is also able to say everything and nothing at once, depending on the inclination of the hearer.
What is the theme of Iago's speech?
Misrepresentation is a theme that surfaces often through Iago's villainy; already, he makes Desdemona seem like a fickle, lusty woman, which he will soon try to convince Othello of. Iago's speech also plays on Othello's insecurities perfectly; he speaks of Othello's age, race, and manners as reasons why Desdemona will grow tired of him, which are also reasons why Othello fears he might lose her. Iago is a master of temptation; he is able to figure out exactly what people want, and then drive them to it, often by his mastery of speech. He is able to persuade Roderigo of Cassio and Desdemona's attachment by painting an innocent gesture as a sign of familiarity; yet, all the power that is in his words is in their interpretation, for Iago is also able to say everything and nothing at once, depending on the inclination of the hearer.
What does Iago say to Desdemona?
The rest of Iago's plan at last falls into place after his discussion with Cassio. "I will turn her virtue into pitch," he says of Desdemona, hearkening back to the light/dark imagery earlier in the act. He will "out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all" (II.iii.361-363). Once again, Iago closes the act with a speech addressed to the audience; although Othello is the title character, and his dilemma is central to the play, Iago is even more central to the events of the play, and to the audience.
What does Othello say when he breaks up the quarrel?
When Othello breaks up the quarrel, he asks, "are we turn'd Turks" (II.iii.170). Indeed the Turks are the enemy in Cyprus, but it is interesting that Othello uses language that conveys otherness. Much like the stereotypes that are hurled his way, Othello contrasts the "barbarous" behavior with the "Christian" brotherhood of the Venetians. His language dehumanizes the Turks and makes them seem animal, echoing Brabantio 's dismissal of Othello in front of the Duke. This is a common tactic in times of war, to foment national pride while denigrating the enemy. However, this isn't war that Othello is in, and things are not as clear-cut in personal battles and politics. Othello considers all of his men in Cyprus to be friends, since they are allies; this is another example of Othello's confusion between the worldly and the personal spheres. Hence, Iago is again able to successfully misrepresent himself; this time, he pretends that he is there merely to settle the quarrel, when he is the engineer of the whole affair.
What is the word "honest" in the scene of Iago?
"Honest" emerges as a key word in this scene, a constant reminder of the dramatic irony of Iago's dealings. None of the characters in the play have any idea of Iago's plans and evil intentions; Othello and Cassio are especially unaware of this knowledge. Yet, the audience knows exactly what Iago is up to, and is able to see his deceptions for what they are. Tension lies in whether or not Cassio and Othello will come to know as much as the audience does about Iago's deviance.
What is Cassio's manner of speaking?
Just as every character has their own manner of speech and expression, Cassio has a very polished, courtly way of speaking, especially of ladies. He describes Desdemona as one who "excels the quirks of blazoning pens"; he calls her "divine Desdemona," but at the same time, wishes Othello much joy of her (II.i.62, 72).
What are some examples of Shakespeare's use of language?
The storm is also a great example of Shakespeare's deft use of language. The characters that comment on the storm are mariners, alluding to Ursa Minor and stars used for navigation; this is a testament to Shakespeare's ability to craft credible dialogue for a great diversity and range of characters.
What does Othello say to Desdemona?
Othello arrives, in triumph. He is overjoyed to see Desdemona, and says that he is so happy and content he could die now. She responds that, rather, their love and joy will only increase as they age. Othello then thanks the people of Cyprus for their hospitality.
What does Iago expound in Othello?
Iago expounds the prejudices against women and female sexuality that he will later use to manipulate Othello. Given the comic tone of his banter with Desdemona, however, it's hard to tell how he "really" feels about anything.
How does Iago get Roderigo to dislike Cassio?
In his plotting, Iago lies to everyone, all the time. Here he gets Roderigo to dislike Cassio by making Roderigo jealous of Cassio's chances with Desdemona. Notice that Iago's description of Cassio is actually a good description of himself.
What does Roderigo say to Cassio?
Roderigo did, but says it was just courtesy. Iago convinces him otherwise, and further advises Roderigo to provoke Cassio into a fight with him that night. He says that the people of Cyprus will then demand that Cassio be replaced, and in the process remove an obstacle that separates Roderigo from Desdemona.
What does Iago tell Roderigo about Desdemona?
Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is bound to tire of Othello, and want instead someone younger, more handsome, and better-mannered.
What does Cassio worry about Othello?
Cassio soon arrives himself, and though glad of the defeat of the Turks, he worries that Othello might himself have been lost at sea. In the early scenes of the play, Othello is completely in command of himself, and the idea that someone could manipulate him seems almost ludicrous.
What is the theme of the movie "Iago and Desdemona"?
Active Themes. As they wait for Othello to arrive, Iago and Desdemona banter. Iago portrays all women, whether beautiful, ugly, smart, or foolish, as generally deceptive and sex-starved. But he also says that a woman with perfect virtue would be boring.
What happened to Desdemona in the bed?
Over her protests of innocence, he smothers her. When Emilia comes to tell Othello about the violence in the streets, he acknowledges the killing, telling her that Iago had informed him of Desdemona’s infidelity. Emilia’s cries of “Murder” bring Iago, Montano, and Gratiano. Iago, under pressure, admits accusing Desdemona. When Emilia discloses the truth about the handkerchief, Othello tries, unsuccessfully, to kill Iago, and Iago kills Emilia. Othello, aware of his enormous error in regarding Desdemona as unfaithful, stabs himself, falling dead on the bed beside Emilia and Desdemona. Iago is taken away to be tortured and killed.
Who does Emilia's cries of murder bring?
Emilia’s cries of “Murder” bring Iago, Montano, and Gratiano. Iago, under pressure, admits accusing Desdemona. When Emilia discloses the truth about the handkerchief, Othello tries, unsuccessfully, to kill Iago, and Iago kills Emilia. Othello, aware of his enormous error in regarding Desdemona as unfaithful, stabs himself, ...
