Act 2 scene 3

These questions apply to Act 2 scene 3, lines 1-254. Answer them in full sentences, with quotations. 

1. Iago switches from verse to prose when he speaks with Cassio, and Cassio follows. What does this indicate about the exchange? What might it indicate about Cassio? AO2 LFS
2. What language does Cassio use when speaking about Desdemona? How does it compare to the language Iago uses to sexualise her? Why do you think Iago is speaking about Desdemona in this way to Cassio? (lines 15-25) AO2 LF  
3. How does Iago persuade Cassio to drink? Use your close reading skills to analyse the language he uses. (Note how ‘but’ is used as an adverb here) AO2 LFS
4.  Why does Iago try to subvert the social order and bring others down to his level, rather than try to climb the ladder and raise himself up? Consider ideas about social order at the time AO3, context.
5. Othello says “My blood begins my safer guides to rule/And passion, having my best judgements collied/Assays to lead the way.” (lines 201-203) What does this quotation reveal about the effects of Iago’s knavery in this scene?

       BIG QUESTION: Why is this scene important in relation to the play as a whole?

     Consider:

       How Iago is presented

      What happens in the scene

      What this scene indicates about key characters