Now that you have read more than half of the play, you may be finding the content easier to understand. You may find yourself needing to stop less frequently. It is still a good idea to take your notes and make sure you focus your understanding.

Here are the things to look for in this act.

How does Iago continue to influence Othello’s feelings toward Desdemona?

What does Iago promise to do to Cassio?

What orders does Othello receive from Venice?

What role does Bianca play in the scene?

In lines 1-111, how does Iago’s language contribute to Othello’s increasing distrust of Desdemona? What words and phrases are particularly potent? How does the audience know how strong Othello’s reaction is? What does this tell us about Othello’s emotional state?
In lines 119-189, how does Iago use his conversation with Cassio to further deceive Othello? Based on Othello’s responses, which segment(s) seem particularly effective?
In lines 190-236, how do Othello’s descriptions of Desdemona vacillate? What does he identify as some of her admirable qualities? How does Iago use language to manipulate Othello’s thoughts away from those traits? Why might Iago want Othello to strangle Desdemona instead of poisoning her?
In lines 237-298, identify places where Othello and Desdemona misunderstand one another. What causes those misunderstandings? Why does Othello hit Desdemona? What does Othello’s language suggest about his state of mind? What does he mean by “Goats and monkeys” (297)?
In 299-323, what is Iago’s purpose in this exchange with Lodovico? How does Iago use language to reinforce Lodovico’s understanding of Othello’s state of mind? Is Iago lying or telling the truth in his responses? How do we know?
In scene 2, why does Othello not believe Emelia when she says Desdemona is faithful?

How does Desdemona respond to Othello’s accusations?

How does Emelia explain Othello’s behavior?

What effect might the dramatic irony in this scene have on an audience? What effect does it have an Iago?

What do we learn about Emelia’s character and her understanding of human nature in this scene?

What more do we learn about Desdemona’s feelings for, and relationship with, Othello?

For what price does Emelia say she would be unfaithful to Iago? How does she justify it? How does her view differ from Desdemona’s view?

As always, keep up your document "Considering the Rhetorical Situation."