Act ll
Setting
Act II takes place in a sea-port in Cyprus. The Venetian forces were delayed by a storm, so Othello decided to go there with Desdemona.
“With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio”
This quote means that Iago is developing a plan of lies to create a trap Cassio. This begins when Iago sees Cassio and Desdemona having a conversation, so he uses him for his plan. This affects the play because Iago will use this concept to drive Othello crazy and make him believe that Cassio and his wife are having an affair. Since it seems sneaky that Cassio didn't go to Othello to get his job back, this will hurt him in the future. Iago uses this conversation to get into Othello's head that his wife is unfaithful.
Pontification
Pontification is to to talk or behave in a pompous or dogmatic manner. An example of pontification in act 2 is when Iago tries to ruin Michael Cassio by offering him one drink which eventually turns into a bunch. This is an example because Iago's plan will have Othello mad at Cassio, so this is supposed to be a "nice thing" for Othello. It is supposed to be a "nice thing" because when Iago's plan is intact, Othello will already hate him. When Iago tells the truth that Cassio is irresponsible when he drinks, it will prove to Othello that he shouldn't trust Cassio, he should trust Iago.
Manipulation on Michael CassioIago gets Cassio drunk to manipulate him. Even though Cassio says he already had one, Iago insists to not be rude and drink with the men. Eventually they play a game that involves drinking, and Cassio gets drunk much faster. This is easier for the manipulation to begin.
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The Advantages on Michael CassioThe advantages that Iago has on Cassio are; is the fact that he is drunk. Since he is intoxicated, Iago can easily get him to do the things he wants him to do. Iago gets him to fight because he knows Cassio is an angry drunk when he drinks. He gets Rodrigo to fight Cassio because he knows that Cassio is a fighter and all man and won't back down.
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Iago's Plan is Working If Cassio talks to Desdemona, it will look more suspicious and that's good for Iago. This is another advantage for Iago to make Othello believe that there is something going on between them.
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Advice From the DevilCassio gets fired from Othello because he was running to fight Rodrigo, but he ran into the governor and began to fight with him. He got so angry that he stabbed him and then someone rung the bell and woke thw whole town up. Othello comes and starts questioning everyone and asks Iago what had happened. Iago tells him that he wants to protect Cassio, but Cassio ends up getting fired. Since he is desperate and wants his job back, Iago advises him to talk to Desdemona.
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Devil/Hell Reference in Act II
"Come on, come on: you are pictures out of the doors, bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds"(Act II, Scene 1).
"And what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, again to inflame it and give it satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners and beauties: all which the Moor is defective in"(Act II, Scene 1).
"Why, none; why, none ~ a slipper and subtitle knave, a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, knave!"(Act II, Scene
"O, thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil"(Act II, Scene 3).
"How am i then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course directly to his good? Divinity of hell!"(Act II, Scene 3).
"And what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be, again to inflame it and give it satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners and beauties: all which the Moor is defective in"(Act II, Scene 1).
"Why, none; why, none ~ a slipper and subtitle knave, a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, knave!"(Act II, Scene
"O, thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil"(Act II, Scene 3).
"How am i then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course directly to his good? Divinity of hell!"(Act II, Scene 3).