1. Act II. Scene III

2. Significance to:
Plot
This is the scene in which the first real steps towards entangling Cassio in Iago’s plan take place. This begins to give the illusion of proof for Othello to become suspicious of an affair between Desdemona and Cassio.
Theme
This scene helps play into the theme of deception as Iago continues to tell lies about Cassio being a drinker and manipulating Roderigo into fighting him. The theme of reputation is also addressed while Cassio mourns over the loss of his own.
Character
Iago’s character continues to become more wrapped up in the plan. Roderigo’s character shows how willing he is to sacrifice himself for Iago. Cassio is fired and this takes a huge shot to his esteem and his character is shaken

3. Significance Continued...
Setting
The scene begins with Othello taking Desdemona to “enjoy the profits” of their marriage. This shows how at this time all people waited until marriage for sex. The party is described to be lavish which adds to the royal and rich setting.
Mood
This scene adds to the tense mood as it makes readers itch to tell people the truth about Iago. He deceives many people in this scene. The party also allows to add to the exciting and fun mood to help bring the story along.

4. Motifs Appearance vs reality Jealousy Manhood and honor Womanhood
Sexuality
Deception
Racism
Revenge

5. Literary Devices Iago; Page 45; line 214-215
“I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio.”
Above is a clear example of Shakespeare using verbal irony to give the reader more insight to Iago’s true character- a liar with no loyalty to anyone but himself. Here Iago alludes that he knows incriminating evidence about Cassio but would rather have his tongue cut out than give away his ‘friend’.
Cassio; Page 47; line
“Wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil.”
Cassio personifies wine in this sentence by calling it the devil and referring to it as though it is animate. This is used to show the negative effects of alcohol on good people and it helps the reader to empathize with Cassio and understand that his actions were not caused by anger, but by wine.
Iago; Page 48; line
“This crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before.”
It is often said that a mended bone is stronger than before it was broken. This is a metaphor stating that this small obstacle in Cassio and Othello’s relationship will only help strengthen their friendship in time. Not only is this a metaphor but one could say that this is foreshadowing the very end of the play when Cassio chooses to give the knife to Othello as his silent dying wish- which solidifies their loyalty to one another by the end.

6. Dramatic Techniques
Dramatic irony: An example of dramatic irony occurs in this scene; the audience knows that Iago is trying to get cassio drunk so that he starts a fight with roderigo and eventually Othello will get mad at him. We also know that Iago started all of this drama but the characters don’t other than Roderigo.
Suspense: The audience is curious to know if Cassio is gonna get caught by Othello or if Othello is going to find out about Iago.
Surprise: When Cassio stabs Roderigo it is certainly unexpected. At this point in the scene it is thought that all that will come of it is an argument with maybe a few punches thrown. It escalates very quickly.

7. Timeline
Iago is trying to get Cassio drunk enough so that he loses control when Roderigo will try to fight him. After multiples attempts, Iago finally gets Cassio to drink
This part of the play is really significant because Cassio made it clear that he didn't want to drink and he didn’t like drinking in general.
2. Othello finds out about the drama that happened during his absence
he looks at Iago expecting him to tell him the truth.
But Iago tells him that he doesn't say anything that can affect Cassio.
Significance: Iago seted up everything so that Othello will get upset with Michael Cassio.
Iago purposely lied so that he doesn’t sound like a bad guy. This shows how smart Iago is and that he is alway a step a head

8. Discussion Questions
1. Othello gave the audience this preliminary idea of being a calm and collective man who seldom had to raise his voice or show temper. What new side of Othello do we see when he arrives to the scene of Cassio and Montano. What is taken away from what we thought of his modest character? Was the right decision made? Was this the punishment of a level headed, fair leader or a tempered, unfair leader?
2. Towards the end of the act, Iago offers Cassio advice. What does Iago do to portray this idea of friendliness towards Cassio? How is Iago’s advice contributing to his plan to bring down Othello? How does Iago's tactics represent his intelligence?
3. Iago offers Cassio advice. How does Iago make himself appear convincing and friendly towards Cassio? How is Iago using his own advice to Cassio as a piece to his plot to bring Othello down? How are Iago’s tactics a true indicator to his intelligence?
4. Iago uses Cassio’s desire to get his honor back and Desdemona’s generosity to create doubt in Othello about Desdemona and jealousy towards Cassio. What are some examples for how he does this? What language does he use? What feelings does he ignite in Cassio?