Act II Questions
Act II Setting “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” Technique of Pontification Iago Manipulating Cassio to Get Him Drunk Iago Takes Advantage Iago's Advice to Cassio
This Advice to Iago's Advantage Act II Devil/Hell References |
Act II takes place on the hills of Cyprus, watching over the Mediterranean Sea between Cyprus and Turkey. After the Turkish fleet sinks, everyone goes to the castle in Cyprus to celebrate. The Act ends outside of the castle
This quote means that Iago has everything he needs to get Cassio. Iago is talking about how he can use Desdemona and Cassio being close to make it look like Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio. The concept of this statement sets the tone for the rest of play; it practically states the play's plot. What Iago states he is going to do here is in fact what happens throughout the play.
Iago uses pontification to make him sound confident when he gives his opinions and people will believe him easier. For example, Iago says "Now, sir, this granted,—as it is a most pregnant and unforced position—who stands so eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does?" This shows how Iago's pontificate words can stimulate rumors easily and without a doubt.
Iago first tries to get Cassio to drink in celebration of Othello and Desdemona's marriage, but Cassio denies that. Iago then insists he drink to the celebration of the Turkish fleet sinking and avoiding war, of which Cassio finally acccepts. If Cassio denies the drinks, he makes it sound like he is disrespecting both the marriage and the victory. Cassio does not want to be looked upon in that light, so he unwillingly accepts the drink.
Now that Cassio is drunk, he is more susceptible to anger, and Iago takes advantage of this by having Roderigo pick a fight with Cassio, which leads to Cassio attacking the governor of the region Montano. This results in Cassio losing his position with Othello, and advancing Iago's plan to the next stage.
To help Cassio get his position back, Iago advises Cassio to approach Desdemona and get her to persuade Othello to give him his job back.
With Cassio having to get closer to Desdemona to get his job back, it will make it easier for Othello to believe that Desdemona is cheating on him. This is all a part of Iago's elaborate plan.
“. . . Bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries, devils being offended . . .”
“Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil?” “. . . counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself; a devilish knave.” "Who's that which rings the bell?--Diablo, ho!" "O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil!" "It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath;" "Every inordinate cup is unblessed and the ingredient is a devil." "When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now:" |