Hello everyone, welcome to today's lesson on exploring Act 2 Scene 1 of "Othello." I'm Miss Sutherland and I'll be teaching you today.

Thanks so much for joining me.

I can't wait to get started with today's lesson.

By the end of today's lesson, you will be able to explain how the symbolic storm reflects the structure and key elements of the tragedy "Othello." Let's go through our four keywords for today's lesson.

First of all, pathetic fallacy: the attribution of human emotion to inanimate objects or things.

Foreshadow: to foreshadow is to warn of a future event.

Misogyny: misogyny is dislike of or prejudice for women.

And poignant: poignant means evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

I'll give you a moment to jot down any of those key words.

Excellent, we have two learning cycles.

In the first section of the lesson, we'll be reading Act 2 Scene 1 and we'll be looking at how the play changes at this point.

In the second learning cycle, we will analyse the disorder that is created in Act 2 Scene 1.

So let's get started.

The play has now moved to war-torn Cyprus, where Othello and his army are aiming to defeat the Turkish army.

Geography plays a huge role in many of Shakespeare's plays.

That means location or where the play is set plays a huge role in Shakespeare's plays.

So I want you to answer this question.

What do you think the significance of this location change will be? What else might change as the play moves to Cyprus? So remember the play is set in Venice before and it now moves to Cyprus, where there is a threat of an invasion.

So why is this change significant and what else might change? Pause the video and have a think.

So each location in Shakespeare's plays symbolise different customs and mindsets.

In "Othello", Venice symbolises traditions and maintenance of status quo, whereas Cyprus symbolises the wilderness where disturbance of the status quo is possible.

The backdrop of possible war in Cyprus intensifies tension.

So as the play moves to Cyprus, it's possible that we might see a disturbance of the natural order as Elizabethans believed it and we might expect some chaos or confusion.

So let's take a look at Act 2 Scene 3.

Let's read it together.

Montano: What from the cape can you discern at sea? Nothing at all: it is a highwrought flood; I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main, Descry a sail.

Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; A fuller blast never shook our battlements: If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea, What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? A segregation of the Turkish fleet: For do but stand upon the foaming shore, The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds; The wind-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane, seems to cast water on the burning bear, And quench the guards of the ever-fixed pole: I never did like molestation view On the enchafed flood.

If that the Turkish fleet Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd: It is impossible they bear it out.

Enter a third Gentleman.

News, lads! Our wars are done.

The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks, That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance On most part of their fleet.

How! Is this true? The ship is here put in, A Veronesa; Michael Cassio, Lieutenant of the warlike Moor Othello.

Let's take a look at this purple section in more detail: News, lads! Our wars are done.

The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance on most part of their fleet.

I want you to think about this.

What has happened to the Turkish ships that were set to attack Cyprus? Pause the video and have a think.

So the storm that has occurred has destroyed the Turkish fleet.

That means there will be no war for the army to face.

There'll be no war for Othello to fight.

So answer this question to check your understanding of what we've just read.

What has occurred in Cyprus and what is the effect? Is it an earthquake that destroyed the character shelter? A flood that destroyed the Turkish defences? Or a storm which destroyed the Turkish fleet? Pause the video and have a think.

Well done if you said: a storm has occurred in Cyprus and the effect of it is that it has destroyed the Turkish fleet.

That means there's no threat of war for the army, for the Venetian army.

Now we've just mentioned that a storm has occurred and the storm is a recurring symbol in Shakespeare's plays.

What do you think a storm represents and why is it significant that it has happened in Cyprus? Pause the video and have a think.

Now some of you may have mentioned that a storm could represent destruction, chaos, confusion, violence, and that may be significant in Cyprus particularly because as we've said, Cyprus is already a place which could represent disturbance of status quo.

It also represents tension heightening due to it having a threat of invasion.

So together, the idea of the storm, and the location change to Cyprus create this sense of insecurity or uncertainty around the character's fate.

The next question I want you to discuss is how is pathetic fallacy relevant here? Remember pathetic fallacy is when an inanimate object represents or is depicted to have human emotions.

Pause the video and answer that question.

You may have said that pathetic fallacy is relevant because the storm reflects turbulence and chaos and that may very well reflect the characters' state of mind right now as they fear for their fellows may have been lost in the storm.

So as we've discussed, the storm could represent chaos, confusion, separation and turbulence.

The fact it has occurred in Cyprus adds another layer of tension to this part of the play.

There is a chaotic event in a new location which may unnerve characters.

A pathetic fallacy is relevant since the storm represents the characters especially Othello's fall into turbulent emotions.

Let's carry on reading.

So they're talking about Cassio here.

So Cassio is come on shore: the Moor himself at sea and is in full commission here for Cyprus.

I'm glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor.

But this same Cassio, though he speak of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly, And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted With foul and violent tempest.

Pray heavens he be; For I have served him, and the man commands like a full soldier.

Let's to the seaside, ho! As well to see the vessel that's come in As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, Even till we make the main and the aerial blue An indistinct regard.

Let's pay attention to this line here: for they were parted With foul and violent tempest.

This line talks of Othello and Cassio.

I want you to discuss what has happened to Othello and Cassio? How might this relate to Iago's schemes? And what might the foul and violent tempest foreshadow? Pause the video and answer those questions.

I heard some really interesting discussions.

So this means that Othello and Cassio have been separated by the storm.

So Cassio's made it safe to Cyprus but Othello is still out on sea.

And this separation of the two characters might relate to Iago's schemes 'cause, of course, we know Iago's plotting to getting in the way of Cassio and Othello's friendship with his plot to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio were having an affair.

So the storm has physically separated Othello and Cassio which relates to Iago's later mental separation of the two.

And the foul and violent tempest might foreshadow the foul and violent falling out that these two men will have and the jealousy, the foul and violent emotion of jealousy that will ultimately get in the way of their relationship later.

Let's carry on reading.

Come, let's do so: For every minute is expectancy of more arrivance.

So the men here are talking about how they want to look out for Othello because they want to make sure he returns to Cyprus safe.

Enter Cassio: Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle, That so approved the Moor! O, let the heavens Give him defence against the elements, For I have lost us him on a dangerous sea.

Is he well shipp'd? His bark is stoutly timber'd, his pilot of very expert and approved allowance; Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, Stand in bold cure.

Let's zoom into this line.

O, let the heavens Give him defence against the elements, For I have lost us him on a dangerous sea.

How do Montano and Cassio speak of Othello? And why is there longing for his safety so poignant? Pause the video and discuss those questions.

Now we can see here Montano and Cassio speak very highly of Othello.

They're praying for his safe arrival in Cyprus and this is quite poignant because they very much want him to be safe and protected.

They value him highly.

They respect him.

But we know that Iago in the background is plotting his downfall.

So it makes this seem deeply sad because whilst Othello will make it back safely, he will not be in that safe position for very much longer.

He will be in a vulnerable situation, not because of the storm, but because of Iago's manipulations very soon.

Let's continue with the reading.

A cry within 'A sail, a sail, a sail!' Enter a fourth Gentleman.

What noise? The town is empty; on the brow of the sea Stand ranks of people, and they cry 'A sail!' My hopes do shape him for the governor.

Guns heard.

They do discharge their short of courtesy: Our friends at least.

I pray you, sir, go forth, And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived.

I shall.

Exit.

But, good lieutenant, is your general wived? Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid That paragons description and wild fame; One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, And in the essential vesture of creation Does tyre the ingener.

Re-enter the second Gentlemen.

How now! Who has put in? So just for some context in this scene, they are talking about Desdemona, Othello's wife.

So Cassio is saying that Desdemona is very beautiful here.

How do Montano and Cassio speak of Othello? Pause the video and answer this question to check your understanding of what we've just read.

Montano and Cassio hold Othello in high regard and pray for his safety.

So Othello has quite a good reputation among these men.

Why is the separation of Cassio and Othello by storm significant? Pause the video and have a go answering that question.

The separation of Cassio and Othello by storm is significant because it foreshadows the tension that will form later in their relationship.

It foreshadows the fact that Iago will separate them another way later through his manipulations.

I now want you to take over the reading.

You are going to read from "Tis one Iago, ancient to the general" to "The Moor! I know his trumpet." Answer these questions as you read.

Which three characters have had favourable and happy speed? What is significant about Cassio's claim that he and Othello had their fellowship parted? How does Cassio greet Emilia, Iago's wife and how does Iago react? How does Iago show his misogyny and his rant about women? Pause the video, take over the reading, and I hope you enjoy this section.

Great reading, let's share our ideas to those questions.

Number one, which three characters have had favourable and happy speed? Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia have arrived together and their ship has had favourable and happy speed.

That means they're safe and their journey was absolutely fine.

What is significant about Cassio's claim that he and Othello had their fellowship parted? Cassio's claim that he and Othello had their fellowship parted may foreshadow their later division that Iago will orchestrate.

How does Cassio greet Emilia, Iago's wife and how does Iago react? Cassio greets Emilia by kissing her out of respect.

Iago is rather rude about his wife stating, "Would she give you so much of her lips as of her tongue she oft bestows on me that would be enough," meaning that Emilia talks too much.

So Iago comes across as quite malcontent here 'cause he seems dissatisfied with his relationship with Emilia and he almost mocks her very publicly.

How does Iago show his misogyny in his rants about women? Iago shows his misogyny as he slanders women saying that they are all duplicitous.

"Come on, come on! You are pictures out of door, bells in your parlours, wildcats in your kitchens." So he calls them wildcats and annoying at home but perfect in public and he's making this sweeping generalisation about all women that that's how they are.

So he's showing prejudice against women and therefore misogyny, and that is actually supported by how he talks to his wife when she greets Cassio.

He's not very respectful by his own wife and women in general.

Let's move on to our second learning cycle where we will analyse the disorder created in Act 2 Scene 1.

We are going to now read Iago's soliloquy and this takes the disorder suggested by the storm a step further.

We could actually view Iago much like the storm as an agent of disorder.

So Iago aside, that means on his own away from other people.

And at this point, Iago is witnessing Cassio and Desdemona greet each other: He takes her by the palm: Ay, well said, whisper: with as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.

Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship.

You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in.

Very good; well kissed! An excellent courtesy! 'tis so, indeed.

Yet again your fingers to your lips? Would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! Let's zoom in to this soliloquy.

Why is the aside so significant in revealing more of Iago's character? Pause the video and discuss that question.

So Iago speaks in an aside, which as we said means he speaks away from other characters.

This tells us that Iago is secretive and he's plotting in private.

So he's being very sneaky, very cunning, and he doesn't want other characters to know what he's up to.

What imagery is used here and what does it suggest? Pause the video and answer that question now.

Iago uses this imagery, "with as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." Now that imagery of trapping Cassio in a web suggests that Iago is gonna be very manipulative and play the puppet-master.

He is going to use as little evidence as possible to bring someone as virtuous as Cassio down.

Now next question is how does Iago show his enthusiasm for chaos and disorder? Pause the video and answer that question now.

Iago shows his enthusiasm for chaos and disorder because he goads Cassio to continue his so-called flirting with Desdemona.

He says "Ay, smile upon her, do;" and "Very good; well kissed! An excellent courtesy!" These phrases show he's revelling in how Cassio is being quite friendly with Desdemona.

He's loving, Iago is loving watching that because he knows he can use it to his advantage in the way he's going to tell a fellow about what they've been up to.

Let's check your understanding of Iago's soliloquy.

In this scene, how does Iago speak when discussing Cassio and Desdemona and what does it show? Pause the video and answer that question.

Well done if you said Iago speaks in private when discussing Cassio and Desdemona and that could show he is Machiavellian.

So remember a Machiavellian villain plots in secrecy and schemes in private.

So the fact Iago does this too suggests he's very much that Machiavellian.

Now we've looked at several examples of disorder in Act 2 Scene 1.

So I want you now to mind map your ideas in response to the question: How does Shakespeare create an impending sense of disorder and chaos in Act 2 Scene 1? Pause the video and have a go at that mind map.

First, you may have said the storm.

The storm symbolises chaos, separation, turbulence, and puts characters on edge.

The second thing that links to the theme of disorder is the changing location to Cyprus, which creates a sense of separation from tradition and customs of Venice, and this is a remote place where the rules can change.

Thirdly, Iago's soliloquy reveals he's closer to creating huge confusion and disorder through his Machiavellian schemes.

Well done if you mentioned any of that.

You are now going to complete the paragraph to answer that same question.

How does Shakespeare create an impending sense of disorder and chaos in Act 2 Scene 1? Here's your sentence starter.

"Shakespeare, setting the ideal scene for tragic events to unfold, characterises Act 2 Scene 1 as full of disorder and chaos.

In particular," Use all of the ideas from your mind map to complete that paragraph.

Pause the video and start writing.

Let's look at what you could have written.

Shakespeare, setting the ideal scene for tragic events to unfold, characterises Act 2 Scene 1 as full of disorder and chaos.

In particular, the play moves war-torn Cyprus which represents a shift away from the customs and traditions of Venetian society; this could be a setting where unusual events occur and mindsets become more fragile.

Furthermore, the arrival to Cyprus coincides with a storm which is symbolic of chaos, confusion, and disorder in Shakespeare's plays.

This storm destroys the Turkish fleet, and the Turks are seen as outsiders in the play; this very event could foreshadow the downfall of the outsider Othello.

This is corroborated by Cassio's report that he and Othello were "parted by foul and violent tempest." The imagery here foreshadows the division and separation that may occur between the two later as a result of Iago's foul Machiavellian schemes.

I'm going to give you a moment now to pause the video and reread your paragraph to make sure you are happy with all the information and ideas you've included.

Pause the video and check your work.

Excellent focus today and brilliant effort with your writing.

This is what we've learned today: Shakespeare often uses different locations to represent mindsets.

In "Othello", Venice represents civilisation whilst Cyprus symbolises the wilderness.

The storm is a recurring symbol in Shakespeare's plays, reflecting a disruption of order.

And the description of the storm dividing Othello and Cassio foreshadows Othello's demise.

Thanks for tuning in to this lesson.

I hope you've enjoyed it.