Act 2 Questions/Answers

1. Describe the setting where Act 2 takes place.

-Its in Cyprus, probably at a base where they watch the sea.
2. With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio is a very
important quote. Fully explain: a) What the quote means, b) The context of the quote, and
c) How the rest of the play will be affected by this concept.
-a) The quote means that what Cassio is doing, though innocent, is all Iago needs to
frame him and make Othello hate him. b) Iago was talking poorly about all women in
general, specifically his wife Emilia who was present. Desdemona was standing up for
Emilia. Iago was being rude to her too. Cassio was present as well and tried comforting
Desdemona by holding and kissing her hand. c) Iago will tell Othello about it and get it in
his head that Desdemona loves Cassio and vise versa so this is basically the beginning of
all of Iagos lies.
3. Describe the technique of Pontification and show where it is used in act 2 as an
example.
-Pontification is basically presenting a lot of points all at once and fairly quickly in an
argument. This allows for the other person to see you have a lot of valid points but
doesnt have the time to respond to each point. Iago uses this technique when describing
the reasons he believes Desdemona is in love with Cassio to Roderigo.
4. Describe each individual manipulation that Iago uses to get Cassio drunk.
-First he says that everyone wants to toast to Othello, then he says the men are waiting,
then he starts singing a drinking song where everyone had to drink other than the singer,
who was Cassio.
5. Once Cassio is drunk, how does Iago use this to his advantage?
-Iago tells Montano that Cassio is basically an alcoholic; that he drinks himself to sleep
every night.
6. What does Iago advise Cassio to do to get his job back?
-Iago tells Cassio to talk to Desdemona about getting his job back.
7. How will this advice work to Iagos advantage?
-Cassio and Desdemona will be seen together even more, and Desdemona will speak
highly of Cassio to Othello in order to try to get him his job back.
8. List every hell/devil reference in Act 2.
1. No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those things. Well, heavens
above all, and there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved.
-Cassio
2. I will ask him for my place again, he shall tell me I am a
drunkard. Had I as
many mouths as Hydra, such an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man,
by and by a fool, and presently a beast! Oh, strange! Every inordinate cup is unblessed
and the ingredient is a devil. -Cassio
3. And whats he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free I give and
honest, probal to thinking and indeed the course to win the Moor again? For tis most

easy th' inclining Desdemona to subdue in any honest suit. Shes framed as fruitful as the
free elements. And then for her to win the Moor, were to renounce his baptism, all seals
and symbols of redeemd sin, his soul is so enfettered to her love, that she may make,
unmake, do what she list, even as her appetite shall play the god with his weak function.
How am I then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course, directly to his good?
Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on they do suggest at first with
heavenly shows as I do now. For whiles this honest fool plies Desdemona to repair his
fortune and she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, Ill pour this pestilence into his
ear -Iago