Othello: Study Questions - Act II

13. What happens to the threat of a Turkish invasion of Cyprus?

The Turkish fleet of ships sent to invade Cyprus didn’t survive the storm so the threat of a Turkish invasion was no longer present.

14. What non-literal purpose does the storm play in the story?

Shakespeare used the storm to foreshadow the drama to unfold, specifically Iago’s plot to ruin Othello through jealousy.

15. Why does Shakespeare move the action of his play from Venice to Cyprus?

I think changing the setting from Venice to Cyprus symbolized freedom for both Othello and Desdemona. Othello is free from the control of Venetian authority and Desdemona is free from her disapproving father.

16. How does Montano react to the news that Othello is about to take his place as governor of Cyprus?

In scene two, it is shown that Montano receives the news well and even calls Othello a worthy governor. Montano is not jealous of Othello and seems to accept his civilian life well.

17. What do Cassio’s actions in Act II, Scene 1 tells us about his character?

Cassio is described as a good loyal soldier who is almost like a faithful dog waiting upon Othello’s arrival to Cyprus. He is depicted as kind and brave, however, he is easily swayed by Iago to get drunk because he respects Iago.

18. What judgments does Iago pass on women in his conversation with Desdemona and Emilia? What is the purpose of his statements?

Iago claims that all women are unreliable, insincere and are lazy in every way with the exception regarding sex: “You rise to play and go to bed to work” (II.i.118). Through this conversation, the audience knows that Iago sees women as objects; something that is almost