Act 2, Scene 1

Act 2 Scene 1

Creative Writing Assignment

Write a journal from Othello’s point of view, about his journey by ship to Cyprus. Include at least three of the following:

1)      His thoughts on setting out

2)      His plans to defend Cyprus

3)      His early encounters with the Turkish ships

4)      His thoughts about Desdemona

5)      A description of the storm

6)      His fears for Desdemona’s safety

7)      His feelings on reaching the harbor safely

Iago’s Argument

According to Iago, Othello is defective in “loveliness, in favor, in sympathy in years, manners and beauties…” He assures Roderigo that Desdemona will quickly tire of her husband ‘when the blood is made dull with the act of sport…’ and that she had only been attracted to his ‘bragging’ and ‘fantastical lies’. Read lines 212-235 to each other. On what evidence is Iago basing his version of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship? How convincing a case does Iago manage to put together for Roderigo’s sake?

The Psychiatrist’s Coach:

In pairs, imagine Iago being questioned on a pyschiatrist’s couch about his obsession with Othello and Cassio. What questions would he or she ask Iago? Use the lines from Iago’s soliloquy to provide his answers. Perform when completed.