DATE: 5 May 2020

RESOURCE: Othello (published by Oxford University Press).  Please note that this is the text I have before me.  I will use act, scene and line references rather than page numbers as they will differ from publication to publication. Do not forget to make constant reference to the two booklets that were compiled for you, and which contain detailed explanations of the drama. Remember that you will not be tested on your ability to just retell the story!

Act 2, scene 1

Overview

·      *   Iago’s disparagement of women

·      *   The true love between Desdemona and Othello

·       *  Desdemona’s power over Othello

·      *   Othello’s passionate nature

·      *   Cassio’s love and respect for Othello

·      *   The general esteem in which Othello is held

·       *  The traits that Iago will use to destroy others

·       *  The destructive impact of jealousy

In this scene we take note of the esteem in which Othello is held, from the comment by Montano – “’tis a worthy governor”, L30.  Cassio’s loyalty and love for Othello stands in contrast to Iago’s hatred – he prays for Othello’s safety as they had been parted by the terrible storm – “They were parted with foul and violent tempest”, L33; “Oh let the heavens give him defence against the elements, for I have lost him on a dangerous sea”, L44-46.These words are ironic, because Iago’s destructive plan will see Othello decline from being a man who is admired greatly, to one who behaves violently towards those who love him the most.  He demotes Cassio on impulse and chooses to trust “honest” Iago.

As you witness the distressing decline in Othello’s character, consider who should be blamed for this transition.

Cassio is full of respect and admiration for Desdemona – “A maid that paragons description”. He may be charming and guilty of misleading Bianca, but he does not have the misogynistic view evident in Iago – we see this in the seemingly light-hearted conversation that takes place between Cassio, Iago, Desdemona and Emilia, L97 to 172, where Iago has nothing complimentary to say about women. Iago will use this charm to destroy Cassio – “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio”, L164.

Othello’s love for Desdemona is true yet passionate, perhaps unreasonably so, which could explain the jealous rage to which he later succumbs.  It is clearly visible that she has a great hold over him, as Cassio comments: “She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain”, L74, is indicative of the power she has.

Desdemona truly loves Othello; her concern for him is evident the minute she steps onto land. Her weakness or virtue is her generous spirit and friendly nature.  When Othello loves no more and his mind descends into chaos, he will forget this love – “If it were now to die, ‘twere now to be most happy…my soul hath her content so absolute…”, L184. Consumed by jealousy, he will forget this moment and these words; he will fail to reason, to take the time to think and to communicate with Desdemona.

Iago lies convincingly, enough to manipulate Roderigo. The conversation they have convinces Roderigo that Desdemona is capable of betraying Othello, for someone much younger. He accepts the instruction to get Cassio drunk and demoted, which will give him a chance with Desdemona. Roderigo’s despicable nature is evident here, as he knows that this is wrong. Iago is vile in his willingness to destroy Cassio, by manipulating Cassio’s inability to control his temper – “He’s rash and very sudden in choler”, L262. Iago is jealous of Cassio’s charm and superior rank.  Iago is unaware that he himself is consumed by jealousy. This quality will destroy him to the point where he fails to reason, even when the impact of his actions is visible.  Ironically, he will later warn Othello to “Beware of jealousy”. The theme of jealousy is relevant to both Iago and Othello; the effect of this negative emotion is the same on both men.