Act 2 scene 1
What is the significance of the change in setting?
The principal characters are now isolated in the ‘warlike isle’ of Cyprus. The focus of the plot
narrows to focus on the relationship of Othello and Desdemona, and the description of the
setting sets up the idea that there will be the development of factions, like two sides of a
war. This will soon become a divided place as a result of Iago’s corruptive influence.
Suggests conflict is engrained in the country, as Cyprus was historically fought over a lot.
Venice represents things like law, order, wealth and social hierarchy- the early modern idea
of civilization. In contrast, Cyprus is a place of danger and uncertainty, as it is on the edge of
the Venetian empire.
Symbolically, Iago lands here before Othello, suggesting he will be in charge of this new
setting.
AO3: In Greek mythology, Aphrodite the goddess of love, was thought to have risen from the
sea on the West coast of Cyprus. Poets have celebrated Cyprus as the island of Venus.
Because of these associations, Cyprus is a fitting and ironic setting for a tragedy about love.
Ironic that Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is destroyed in the birthplace of the goddess
of love.
What is the significance of the storm?
The storm foreshadows the passion that will be unleashed in this new setting- we may see it
being related to Othello and his violent emotions, or Iago’s role in creating trouble and
upset.
While the storm rages, the soldiers cannot clearly see what is happening, and along with the
reader fear the outcome. Montano prays that his commander Othello has survived the
storm: ‘Pray heavens he be, For I have served him, and the man commands Like a full
soldier.’
The fact that Cassio and Othello have been separated by the ‘foul and violent’ tempest is
symbolic of what is to come.
Foreshadow later domestic conflicts in the play. Implies the later destruction and establishes
a dark, ominous mood. Act one ends with Iago’s rhyming couplet about his plan from hell,
hence the beginning of act 2 is the natural follow on from this.
Powerful forces of nature that we cannot control.
‘Foul and violent’- description of the storm could also be describing the plot of the play.
AO3- Storms are typically used in Shakespeare’s plays to cause disruption and confusion and
are sometimes also associated with the supernatural (e.g. the witches in Macbeth)… The
Tempest starts with a storm and shipwreck and also feature in comedies like Twelfth Night.
How does Shakespeare use a Deus Ex Machina?
Deus Ex Machina= an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation,
especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel.
The storm is used as a device by which Shakespeare can conveniently dispose of the Turkish
threat, which is no longer necessary to the plot.
What is the significance of the change in setting?
The principal characters are now isolated in the ‘warlike isle’ of Cyprus. The focus of the plot
narrows to focus on the relationship of Othello and Desdemona, and the description of the
setting sets up the idea that there will be the development of factions, like two sides of a
war. This will soon become a divided place as a result of Iago’s corruptive influence.
Suggests conflict is engrained in the country, as Cyprus was historically fought over a lot.
Venice represents things like law, order, wealth and social hierarchy- the early modern idea
of civilization. In contrast, Cyprus is a place of danger and uncertainty, as it is on the edge of
the Venetian empire.
Symbolically, Iago lands here before Othello, suggesting he will be in charge of this new
setting.
AO3: In Greek mythology, Aphrodite the goddess of love, was thought to have risen from the
sea on the West coast of Cyprus. Poets have celebrated Cyprus as the island of Venus.
Because of these associations, Cyprus is a fitting and ironic setting for a tragedy about love.
Ironic that Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is destroyed in the birthplace of the goddess
of love.
What is the significance of the storm?
The storm foreshadows the passion that will be unleashed in this new setting- we may see it
being related to Othello and his violent emotions, or Iago’s role in creating trouble and
upset.
While the storm rages, the soldiers cannot clearly see what is happening, and along with the
reader fear the outcome. Montano prays that his commander Othello has survived the
storm: ‘Pray heavens he be, For I have served him, and the man commands Like a full
soldier.’
The fact that Cassio and Othello have been separated by the ‘foul and violent’ tempest is
symbolic of what is to come.
Foreshadow later domestic conflicts in the play. Implies the later destruction and establishes
a dark, ominous mood. Act one ends with Iago’s rhyming couplet about his plan from hell,
hence the beginning of act 2 is the natural follow on from this.
Powerful forces of nature that we cannot control.
‘Foul and violent’- description of the storm could also be describing the plot of the play.
AO3- Storms are typically used in Shakespeare’s plays to cause disruption and confusion and
are sometimes also associated with the supernatural (e.g. the witches in Macbeth)… The
Tempest starts with a storm and shipwreck and also feature in comedies like Twelfth Night.
How does Shakespeare use a Deus Ex Machina?
Deus Ex Machina= an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation,
especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel.
The storm is used as a device by which Shakespeare can conveniently dispose of the Turkish
threat, which is no longer necessary to the plot.
