Wednesday, April 21, 2010


1. Reading of Othello ACT II to pp. 113 [ II.3.149]

2. Take notes:

A) Setting of play shifts from Venice in ACT I to Cyprus in ACT II.

Scene 1: Mother Nature aids Othello in defeating the Turkish fleet whose ships sink due to terrible storm. Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia arrive at Cyprus. Iago begins to weave his plan to ensnare Cassio.

Quote: II.1.168-169: "With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." (Iago).

B) Scene 2: Serves three purposes:
1. To celebrate Othello's marriage/victory over the Turks.
2. To show that the people of Cyprus love/support Othello.
3. To set up conflict in scene 3.

C) Cassio:
Good qualities: courteous, gentlemanly, well-mannered and complimentary to young ladies.
Bad qualities: Angers easily, low tolerance for alcohol (gets drunk easily).

NOTE: Keep all notes in order, neatly written on notebook paper. They will be a test grade.

Vocabulary Lesson 7: Quiz Friday, 4/23