Othello Study Guide Teachers Copy Act I, Scene 1 1 From Roderigo’ first speech it xppears that he paid lago for something. Can you tell ‘wha it was? At this point, it appears chat he paid lage money to keep him informed about Desdemona. ‘Some critics say that Roderigo had paid hie coset up a relationship with Desdemona, but it ts no until much later thatthe poine becomes clear lago says he hates Othello. For what reason? Othello chose Cassio, a Florentine, o be his assistant, not lago who thought he deserved it ‘What does Iago say of Cassio? He says that Cassio has litle military experience in the fled while he, himself, has a great dea ‘What two kinds of followers are there, acconding to lago? ago believes that there are wo types those that wear themselves out their master’ service and do not lok afer themselves, and those tha always appear tobe attentive tthe masters reeds bu are always looking out for their own intrest. Shortly afer this, ago speaks about appearance and reality. He concludes, "Lam not what Tam,” State what preceded that line and explain it He says that he does not follow anyone out of love or duty, but he does work at giving that impression because i sults his ends. ow do lago and Roderigo stir up rouble? They stand outside of Desdemonas fathers house and wake him up with their shouts. Then, using lewd expressions with animal imagery, chey refer to Othello and Desdemona’ relaton- ship. TH10. ‘What is Brabantio’ reaction? ‘A irst he doesnot believe chem; but after he checks an finds Desdemona missing, he is very upset ‘What does Brabantio say cha this situation reminds him of? {reminds hm of a dream he had, ‘Why does Iago make sure he leaves before Brabantio comes out of the house? He does not want anyone to know chat he is nt a loyal frend to Othello. ier Brabantlo has told Roderigo that there is no way that Roderigo is suitable Desdemona, What does he say to Roderigo after finding out about her and Othello? He claims, “, [1] would you had had her" Apparently, anyone but the Moor is Brabantios choice a this pein ‘Act I, Seene 2 Why does lago say he wished to kill Roderigo? What reason does he give for not killing, him? He tells Otello that Roderigo spoke badly of Othello and he felt lke stabbing him, but his conscience held him back, ‘What is Othello response? ‘tela says that itis beter lef the way tis ‘Why is Othello not woried about Brabantios wrath? “He believes that hs valuable service tthe state “shall ou tongue” Brabantio’ complaints lago tells Othello that Brabantio and his fiends are coming and itis bes if Othello goes into the house, What is Othello’ response? He says, in effect, tha he is not going to ide because he hal nothing tobe ashamed of ‘The lights turn out to be cared by Cassio, What message does he bring? The Duke and Senate want o ser Othello right away: ood6. As Othello Is about o leave for the Senate, Brabantio and his supporters show up and {raw their swords. How would you describe Othello when he responds? “He seems exceptionally calm and in control. He ells them to put up thelr swords because “the dew wil rust thers.” 7. Of what does Brabanto accuse Othello? ‘He claims Othello is gulty of stealing away his daughter by the use of foul charms, drugs or witcheraf 8, Brabantio wishes to arrest Othello and hold im in jail until he ean be brought 1 court ‘What forces him to change his plans? Othello tells Brabantio that che Duke would be upset if Othello were arrested because at that ‘moment the Duke awaits him 9, What is Brabantios new plan? He wishes see the Duke and plead the case for Othello’ arvest ro the council Act I, Seene 3 1, As.at the opening of scenes 1 and 2 the audience is right in the middle ofthe action ‘About what are the Duke and Senators concerned? ‘They are woried abou the sizeof the Turkish let heading toward Cyprus 2, By what adjective do the Senators and the Duke refer to Othello? What does this indi- ‘They eer to him as “valiant,” which indicates the large measure of respect they hold for him. 3, Why is Brabantio convinced the Moor used drugs and spells on Desdemona? {is incomprehensible to him that Desdemona would stray s0 far from her nature by secretly geting involved withthe Moor 4. How does the Senate react to Brabunti's charges against Othello? What does the Duke say? The Senate is sorry to hear this charge because they have been basing their hopes forthe defeat of the Turks om Othello. The Duke asks Othello what he has o say abou this 110. ‘What i the cone of Othello’ response? What does this say about his temperament? ‘We would have expected Othello co be upset by these charges; but if he is upset, he doesnot show it Hes calm and evenstempered, suggesting he isa man who keeps his emotions under control How did Brabantio misread Desdemonal actions towand the Moor? He thought his daughter had never looked at the Moor because she was afraid of him. Ic appears, though, that she had not looked at him because she was in love and sy. ‘The Duke tells Brabantio that his (Brabant) saying that Othello used drugs as charms om his daughter is nat proof of i. Then a Senator asks Othello iF itis true. What is Othello’ response? He requests that Desdemona be brought tothe Sagttary and asked if the charges are crue. If she says they are, then Othello i willing to accept any punishment, even death How did Othello win Desdemona’ love? He would vist Brabantios house and tell stores of Ils youth and his adventures, which enthralled Desdemona, She tld him to teach these stories to anyone who wanted to win her heart He took the hint and proposed to her. ‘The Duke says his daughter, too, would have fallen tn love with Othello after hearing him speak, What is Brabantio’s response? Brabantio 1s sill willing to hear what Desdemona has (0 $2. If she confirms “she was half the wooer” he will object no further Desdemona speaks truthfully before this group, and Brabantio is convinced she married ot her own free wil, The Duke then gives Brabentio advice, What is Brabantio$ mood at this poine? He is resigned tothe stuaion but pierced with grief. He begs the Duke to proceed tothe afar of sat.” ‘What is Desdemonals request of the Duke? ‘She wishes tobe allowed to go with Othello to Cyprus Why do you suppose Brabantio says to Othello “Look to her, Moor if thou hast eyes to see; She has deceived her father, and may thee Hes biter and angry; otherwise i is hard ko imagine his saying it 143. 14 Everyone leaves and Roderigo tells lago he is going to drown himself. What is Iago’. response? What is Iago’ view of human nature and of love? He thinks Roderigo i stupid to talk of drowning himself over a woman. He believes a man wills thereto make any choice e wishes. As for Love, he thinks that i mo more than lst swith permission. ‘After lago tells Roderigo to make a great deal of money and plan on getting Desdemona buck, Roderigo leaves and we see into Iago thoughts in the soliloquy In this soliloquy, ‘what seems to be his opinion of Roderigo? What isa reason he hates the Moor? What plan has he formulated? He thinks Roderigo a foe, and would not waste time wth him except for sport and profit, Iago believes that some people think that che Moor had gone to bed with his wife Emilia. He docs rot now i ts true oF no, but dhe mere suspicion of if enough for him. He plans to put the ‘dea in Othello head that Desdemona i having an afar with Casio, Act I, Seene 1 1 ‘What news do we get ofthe Turkish let? leas destroyed in a terble storm a sea At his point what is Cassio’ hope? He is hoping that Othello ship will weather te storm. Although they al seem co be enjoying themaelves om the dock with lag cynical com tents on women, we see tha ago Herce mood has not abated. What does he observe, and what does he conclude? He observes Cassio kissing Desdemona’ hand an he feels certain that Cassi actions, although innocent, wil play inc his purpose. Its clear that Iago views Othello as “diferent” and thinks that eventually Desdemona, will @o. Why does he think Desdemona will lose her love for Othello? He says of Othello that he is defective in beauty, manners, and appearance, in addition to being 00 old for her 1s5, Some critics make the point that Othello isan outsider; and certainly, Brabanti lago, land others see him as that. To be an outsider, though, one must fel apart from society Is there any indication, so fr, that Othello fels lke an outsider? Answers will vay. 6. Iago tells Roderigo that because of Cassio’ youth and good looks Desdemona will look to Cassio when she gets red of Othello. I Lago saying allthis just co ensnare Roderigo, ‘or do you think he believes that Desdemona will be unfaithful ro Othello? In this speech and earlier ones, he seems very cynical about women and says that nature wi compel Desdemona to a second choice 50 it's likely he believes it. 7. tago accuses Cassio of putting on false appearance to gain his own ends. Why is this accusation an example of irony? {ago has previously expressed contempt for those who are honest and claims he hates Otello. ago will, however, be duplicitous to serve his own purpose. 8, In Lagos soliloquy at the end ofthis scene we again see into his mind and, unlike the times he speaks with others, he has no reason to le. in this soliloquy what does he believe about a) Cassio and Desdemona b) Othello and Desdemona c) his own felings for Desdemona d) his suspicions of the Moor? How does he plan to discredit Casio? He believes Cassio laves Desdemona and ics possible that she loves Cassio or at last could love him, but Othello will prove to be "a most dear husband.” He says, 00, that he himself loves Desdemona, partly out of lust and partly out of a desire for revenge. He suspects the ‘Moor of having gone to bed with Emilia, He plans to have Roderigo provoke a fight with Cassio and thereby discredit Cassi. ‘Act T, Seene 2 1, What announcement is made by the Herald? Othello has announced that there will be a celebration 9 mark both his mariage and the defeat ofthe Turkish fleet, ‘Act, Scene 3 1, What is Othello’ opinion of lago? “ago ts most honest.” 16‘Why is Cassio reluctant to have a drink? Why does he finally agree? He hows he does not hold alcohol well and he has already had one drink. Unfortunately, although there isa celebration, Otello left him in charge of heping everything orderly. He ‘agrees to have one drink to be polite tothe Cypriot soldiers. How does the clever Iago, in one breath, praise and condemn Cassio to Montano? Iago says Cassio is soldier ft co stand by Caesar with oly one vice: alcoholism, ago tells Roderigo to provoke Cassio, and he does. Then, as Montano and Cassio fight, Roderigo rings the alarm bell. Othello, very angrily, orders them to stop. What does Othello say to lage? He says lago looks dead from grif and asks him what stated the fght After not getting a straight answer from anyone, Othello says, "My blood begins my safer {guides to Tule, /And passion, having my best judgment collie, Assays to lead the way” ‘What is his point and then what does he threaten? ets saying that his passion is beginning to overcome hs reason and that, fhe does nt get «decent answer soon, there willbe trouble forall of them. How is this « departure from his earlier temperament, and what makes it ominous? Despite the situation he has always remained calm; now, however, his emotions are overtak- Ing his reason. If ago succeeds in making him jealous, his temper could lar up again ‘Reluctantly, lago tells Othello what happened. How is Othello reaction all that lago had. hoped for? ‘Othello tells ago that Iago is putting the best light onthe mater for Cassio sake; he tells Cassio tha although he loves him, Cassio i no longer an officer ‘What advice does lago give Cassio? He tells Cassio to ask Desdemona to speak to Othello on his (Casso§) behalf (Once again, tago soliloquy gives usa glimpse into his plans, He concludes, “So wil tum her virwe into pitch; /And out of her own goodness make the net /That shall fenmesh them all” What is he saying, and how does he plan to accomplish this? Hes saying that because of her good nature Desdemona will try co help Casio; he is going to use this well-intentioned effort of ers against all ehree of them. oa10. a. Im Roderigo’ speech, do you find him tobe pitiabe, comical or something else? He has no money let and has been beaten up by Cassio. If we did not now what would be the result of his actions, we cou find him bot ptiable and comical ‘What are the next two moves lago plans? ‘He wants to have his wife Emullaspeale t Desdemona about saying a good word for Casi; then he plans to have Othello see Cassio and Desdemona speaking together ‘Act, Seene 1 1 ‘Why does Cassio pay money to the clown to find Emilia? Emilias job ts that of a Lady-in-Wialing to Desdemona. Cassio wants Emilia to see if Desdemona will meet with him (ask her to speak with Othello on Cassio’ behalf. ‘What does Emilia tell Cassio? ‘She says that Othello and Desdemona have already talked about him. Othello has said that ‘when things calm down, he wil reinstate Cassio, [At this point, how could Cassio upset Iago’ devious plan? If he were to stay away from Desdemona and wait out of ight patently for hs reinstatement, It would be harder for Iago to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio were having an aff ‘Act TM, Seene 2 & Scene 3 1s Emilia part of lagos plot, or does she eruly believe that Lago is saddened by what hap- pened to Cassio? “There has been nothing inthe play thus far to suggest that Emilia i aware of Tago’ plans. She, lke everyone els, is fooled by lagoS ac. ‘Cassio knows he is going to get his job back, so what worries him now? By being absent from the job, he fears he may lose Othello favor TeFor what wo reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio’ case? ‘Cassio asked her he algo thinks he would be doing her husband a favor by reuniting the two longtime friends ‘What i lago referring to when he says, "Hal [lke not that." ‘As he and Othello walk toward Desdemona, lao sees Cassio slip away. Again, lago plans to use this for his own ends Desdemona pleads CassioS case, and Othello agrees to reinstate him, What happens (Othello asks her to leave him alone fora short tim, so she leaves. Lago now has time to work (on te sed of ealously planted n Othello ‘After Othello repeatedly urges lago to tell him what on is mind, lago says “O, beware, ‘my lord, of jealousy; / Its the green-eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds ‘on What is Othello’ response? Before he gts jealous he is going to have to see some proof of Desdemona infidelity ‘What does lago say about the women of Venice? ‘They let the gods se things that chey dare not show their husbands, n other words, lago claims that infidelity among Venetian women Is very common. ‘Why might Othello be inclined to belleve this oat least, not dismiss it immediately? He sa foreigner and someone who, because he has spent most of his fe in che army, isnot “aniliar with the ways of women, ‘Who echoes Brabantio’ earlier warning to Othello? Tago reminds Othello that Desdemona deceived her father when she married Othello, 1m his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does lago make about Desdemona and Othello? {ago claims ta fear that Desdemona may compare Othello to some of her handsome, young, countrymen and regret having marved hi 111, Desdemonas handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to It? What does Emilia plan to do with it? Finally, who gets it, and what is to be done with it? Desdemona is going to put i around Othello’ head, but he brushes i off and it falls onthe ‘loon Emilia picks it up after they leave and plans to malke a copy oft however, Iago comes in, see it and takes i. He plans to plant it in Cassio$ room as proof of Desdemona’ unfath- fulness. 12, Othello returns and is quite upset at this point. What warning does he give lago? ago needs tobe able to prove what he sai about Desdemona or he willbe mo better than if he had “been born a dog.” 13, What proof of Desdemona disloyalty does lago give Othello? He says that one night (resumably while sharing guard duty) he was sharing bed with Cassio. Cassio tale in is sleep and even Kissed ago hard onthe ips, thinking ago was Desdemona 14, Whats ago’ Binal proof? He saw Cassio wipe his face with the handherchief that Othello had given Desdemona 15, Atthis point what Othello’ mood? eis enraged and crying for Desdemona blood. 16, Othello makes lago his eutenant, What task is lago to perform? Wihin cre days he soll Casio. Act, Scene + 1. Why does Desdemona not wish to admit t Othello that she lost the handkerchief he had given her? {thas a sentimental value Because i was che fis git Othello had ever given her Heals told her that it had been his mother and that a magic spell had ben woven ito i 2. Why does he demand to see the handkerchief when he already knows that Desdemona oes not have i? ‘Othello is angry and filled with Jealousy: He knows the handkerchiefs gone, but she til will, not adit che loss. Desdemona es, though innocent, are stil es. 10‘When Cassio asks Desdemona about his suit, what does she tel him? He need tobe patient because Othello i, for some reason, ina bad humor ‘What does Desdemona think is the cause of Othellos anger? What point does Emilia rise? Desdemona believes i some problem of state. Emilia say, “Pray heave i be../..nojeal- cous tay/ Concerning you.” State the two reasons Bianca is upset with Cassio, ‘She says he has not been near her fora week, He then gives her the handkerchief he had found {nis rom. She i jealous because she believes the handkerchief is from a girlfriend ActIY, Seene 1 lago tells Othello that Cassio has told him of his affair with Desdemona, He agitates (Othello with lewa images. What isthe result? (Othello falls imo some typeof fc ‘Cassio shows up a this point, snd Lago tells him to come back late. How dos lago say Ihe show Othello further proof? He tells Othello to hide himself When Cassio arrives, Iago will get him to repeat the tory of the afr with Desdemona Iago plans to get Cassio talking about Bianca, so Othello will think Cassio is taking bout Desdemona, What further information does lago reveal about Bianca? ‘Blanca, although she supports herself “by selling her desire” and begules many men, dotes on Cassio. The situation amuses Cassio ow does lago manage to get Cassio to talk about Blanca while Othello thinks he is talk ing about Desdemona? He ells Casio, in effec, to Reep after Desdemona so she wl plead his case with Otello; then ina low voice he brings m Blancas name and presumably Othello does nt hear this‘What is the purpose of having Blanca show up at this point ‘She brings Desdemona handkerchief back, and Othello recognizes it, Tago is able to show how tle Cassio values “the folish woman your wife because Casio gave his whore Bianca the handkerchief that Desdemona had given him. 6, Why does Othello say one moment that she isa sweet creature and, in another breath, tallof letting her 1%? He stom between love and hate 7. What news does Ledovico bring from Venice? ‘Ochllo sto returns co Venice an leave Cassio in charg in Cyprus. 8, How does Desdemona react tothe news? Sl mnocent as to what is happening, she is happy for everyone; Othello takes her happiness the wrong way, 9, After Othello slaps Desdemona infront of the guests, how does she react? Even in te face of this humiliation, she is composed, but she can not hold back her tears. 10, In his somewhat deranged state, Othello refers to “goats and monkeys." It appears to make no sense, but iti a reference to what earlier comments in the play by Iago? Earlier inthe play when lago described the sexual appetites of Cassio and Desdemona he used this term, Cries poin ou that Othello has descended to lagoS level now Throughout the play, Tago as used extensive animal imagery, bu this isthe ist use of by Othello 11, What does Lodovieo ask lago and what is lago response? He asks lago if Othello is still the noble Moor he knew in Vence.lago says, “He is much changed.” ‘Act IV, Scene 2 1 ‘Throughout the discussion with Othello, Desdemona still does not understand the prob lem finally, Othello calls her a whore. What is Desdemona’ reaction? ‘She denies it, and she seems tobe in stat of shock from the accusation.After she recovers, what seems to be her plan? 1 appears that Desdemona is going to try to remind Otello of their wedding night, n so doing, she hopes to convince him that he isthe only one she loves. ago, Emilia, and Desdemona discuss how it could have happened that Othello has called her “that cunning whore,” a phrase that she will not even repeat. What is Emilias thought about Othello accusations? ‘She says that some villain must hav slandered Desdemona in onder to somehow advance him- self The same man, she suspects, spread the rumor about herself and che Moor ‘What is lago’s reaction to this ? He calls Emilia a fool. Obviously, her guess isto case tothe truth and males him uncom foncable Roderigo shoves up. What iss complaint to lago? Despite the number of jewels he has given Tago to give to Desdemona, nothing has come oft. Roderigo says, "Ihave wasted myself out of my means" and suspects that Tago has duped him. (Once again, however, ago wins Roderigo back to his side. How? 8 He flaters his resolution and courage an promises that if tomorrow night Roderigo doesnot get that he desires, lag will lady give up hs own ie Tago makes up a story to trick Roderigo, What isi he wants Roderigo to do? Tago wants Roderig to waylay and ill Cassio, Act TY, Seene 3 1 Othello seems much calmer since he has made up his mind. What is revealed about Desdemona’ thoughts? She says that if she dies before Emil, the wedding sheets should be Desdemona’ burial ‘shroud, Perhaps she has a feeling of something evl to come. Desdemona asks Emilis if she thinks that there are women who are unfsthful to their lhasbands. Does Desdemona seem naive with this question? Answers may vary; Desdemona had led a sheltered life, which may account for her innocence ‘matters of fidelity. Tm3. What is Emilia response? What does she say about females who commit adultery? ‘he say that i str that there are women who are unfaithful: she adds that is usualy the husbands faul if he woman strays. Desdemona, however, states emphatically that she would not “do such a wrong/For the whole world.” 44. Desdemona has been abused, slapped and humiliated by her husband, yet she loves him and hopes to convince him of the purity oftheir martage. Does she seem weak or fool {sh beenuse of her toual love for Othello? [By modern standards she may br, but we have to Keepin mind the tne the play was writen cada woman’ role i that society. Shei still unaware ofthe details of Othello accusations, and she is innocent, 50 al she cn fight with is what she now: her love for her husband, ‘Act V, Scene 1 1. What is lagos plan for Cassio? Rodeigo and lago will atack and bil him inthe stret. 2. For what two reasons does he say he wants Cassio dead? ago says that Cassio has a “beauty” be his life (an integrity) that makes Tago took ugly. Secondly if Othello confronts Cassio, Iago’ treachery will be revealed. 5, Iago also feels he will benefit if i happens that Cassio kills Roderigo, How can he bene fit from that? ago has cheated Roderigo ou of gold and jewels. Roderig has threatened to tl al if he does rt get them back 4. What saves Cassio? Cassio coat, possibly of mal saves him by blunting the thrust of Rodrigo’ rapier 5. Why does Roderigo say to lag, "O damn‘ lago! O inhuman dog"? ago, Lodovico, and Gratiano are onthe scene when the wounded Cassio points out Rodrigo as one of his attackers, lago, pretending rag, hills Roderigo to keep him quiet. At this point, Roderigo recognizes 1ago forthe evil demon he is 6. Why is it necessary for Gratiano and Lodovico to be present at tis sie? If ehey had not been there, ago would have easily killed Cassio, TH1, ‘What isthe meaning of lagoS aside atthe end ofthe scene? “Tonight deeds will make his fortune or doom him. Act V, Seene 2 1 From his soliloquy that opens Scene 2, what would you say is Othello’ mood? He is much calmer than he had been in Act IL. His love Is obvious; he és somewhat unsure, Duc he s determined to kill Desdemona Why does Othello say, “No; heaven forfend! 1 would not kal thy soul." He told Desdemona to make her peace with heaven for hr sins because he is going fo il her “He doesnot want to dam her soul by killing her ifshe has a moral sin that has no been cor- rected by prayer ‘As Desdemona tries to convince Othello that she is lnnocent of what he accuses her, she breaks down and weeps at what news? ‘She is told that Cass, who could have cleared her, i dead, How does Othello interpret her weeping? ‘He thinks she is weeping for the dead Cassio. Before she dies, Desdemona tells Emilia that she ha killed herself Why do you think she does not say that it was Othello who killed her? She is trying to protect him from punishment Why does Emilia repeat the phrase, "My husband!” three times. She cannot believe, at fis, chat her husband would have said that Desdemona was unfath- fil A this point, why does Othello draw his sword on Emilia? milla says that her hushand ied if he sad chat Desdemona haa been unfaithful. She adds that Desdemona did not deserve to die and Desdemona’ marriage to Othello was “her most {filthy bargain.” She tnsults him.10. n. v, B. Bravely because Othello might easly kill her at this point and because her own life may beat risk, Emilia defies Othello, Why? ‘She loves and remains loyal to Desdemona, go tells Emilia to go home, but she refuses, Why is he telling her to leave, and why does she reuse? Iago knows she will explain the truth to Othello she stay. She, however, is determined to clear Desdemona name and prove to Othello what a fool he was. Aer Emilia dies, Othello gets another sword. He cells Gratiano, who is guarding him, ‘hat Gratiano does not have to Worry about Othello ying to escape. Why not? (Othello is devastated and no longer has any wish to live. He says, "Where should Othello go?" Othello admits to planning Cassio$ murder with lago. Cassio is shocked to hear this, since he has done nothing to wrong Othello. What is Othello’ response? ‘Othello finally believes Cassi, and demands that Lago, “that demi-devi,” explain why he commited these deeds ‘What is Othello request of Lodovico? ‘When Lodovico writes the report on the deaths, he should describe Othello as “one that loved rot wisely but too well” (Othello kills himself, and Lodovico and Gratiano prepare to return to Venice. What will ‘oe the future for Cassio and Iago? Cassio willbe the governor of Cyprus, and lago is condemned to be tortured to death 116