Othello Act & Scene Questions

Act One Questions

Scene 1
1. Summarize the scene.
Setting: in a street outside Brabantios house in Venice
Roderigo is angry with Iago because he feels cheated (he has given money to
Iago but Iago has not fulfilled his end of the bargain)
Iago and Roderigo speak privately about their hate for the Moor
Iago reveals that Othello is married to Brabantios daughter (Desdemona);
Roderigo is in love with her
Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio and notify him of his daughters rebellion
Brabantio institutes a search for Desdemona

2. Which techniques does Shakespeare use to capture the audiences attention at

the beginning of Act One, scene 1?
In medias res: the play begins in the middle of the action; the reader must
deduce plot details in order to understand the plot. This piques the readers
interest immediately.
Conflict: the scene begins with an argument between two characters.
Immediately, Iago is depicted as a man who does not keep his promises and
Roderigo is established as a man who has been manipulated.

3. How does Iago gain and maintain Roderigos trust in this scene?
Iago convinces Roderigo that he hates the Moor (since Roderigo is suspicious)
Iago confesses that he and Roderigo have a mutual enemy, despite their
individual motivations
In an attempt to reassure Roderigo that they are on the same side, Iago states, I
follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him (1.1.42).
Iago decides to reveal Desdemonas rebellion to her father, Brabantio, in the
middle of the night (which suggests that he wants to betray Othello by revealing a
secret)

4. What theme does Iago develop in his speech to Roderigo (ending with I am not
what I am)? Find at least two pieces of evidence.
Deception/Appearance versus Reality
I follow him to serve my turn upon him (1.1.42)

Iago appears to serve Othello dutifully but only does so to avoid arousing
suspicion from Othello; Iago plans to betray Othello in order to achieve
his own goals (foreshadowing)

Others there are

Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty,
Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,
And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,
Do well thrive by them; and when they have lined
their coats,
Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul,
And such a one do I profess myself. (1.1.49-55)
o Iago appears dutiful but looks to serve his own interests. To Iago, it is
better to be a servant who looks to satisfy his own interests than a
servant who serves their master and is discarded when he is no longer
needed. Iago lines his coat (makes a profit where he can) yet shows
visages of duty (appears to serve Othello)

5. What imagery does Iago use to describe the elopement of Othello and
Desdemona? Why?
Poison/disease motif
o poison [Brabantios] delight (1.1.69) with news of the elopement
o plague [Brabantio] with flies (1.1.72)
o throw such chances of vexation (1.1.73)

Animal imagery
o now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe (1.1.89-90)
sexual imagery
o youll have / your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; youll / have
your nephews neigh to you (1.1.111-13).
o your daughter / and the Moor are now making the beast with two / backs
(1.1.116-18).

Hell/devil motif
o Arise, arise, / Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, / Or else the devil
will make a grandshire of you (1.1.90-92) Othello is given the name
devil (associated with evil and darkness)

6. What impression of Othello do we receive in this scene from the combined

speeches of Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio? How has Shakespeare made
Othello particularly vulnerable to their criticism in this scene?

An unwise leader (by Iago) Othello selected Michael Cassio, someone without
experience in battle, to be his lieutenant (not Iago, who has fought alongside
Othello) (1.1.20-27)
Disliked (by Roderigo) Roderigo wants to be Othellos hangman (1.1.34)
A dishonest man (by Iago) Called a thief by Iago (when notifying Brabantio
of Desdemonas betrayal) (1.1.80)
Lascivious (by Roderigo) desirous (as Moors were understood to be)
(1.1.126)
a foreigner (by Roderigo) therefore, undeserving of Desdemonas love
(1.1.136)
An unwanted son-in-law (by Brabantio) Brabantio appears shocked and
frustrated with his daughters choice of husband (1.1.160)
Othello is particularly vulnerable to their criticism because he is absent from the
scene and, therefore, cannot defend himself or rebuke their claims

Scene 2
1. Summarize the scene.

Iago presents himself as Othellos friend, willing to defend his honour, and eager
to keep Othello and Desdemona safe, now that they are married
Othello describes his love for Desdemona
Cassio arrives, searching for Othello, on behalf of the Duke (the Duke requests
Othellos help since there is pending news from Cyprus)
Brabantio arrives, searching for Othello, and accuses/insults Othello
Othello decides not to keep the Duke waiting; he will speak to Brabantio in front
of the Duke

2. How does Iago mask his true intentions towards Othello?

He arrives alone (without Roderigo or Brabantio)

He regrets not having yerked [Roderigo] here under the ribs (1.2.5) for speaking
dishonourably about Othello
He appears honourable does not kill Roderigo because he has a conscience

3.

In what ways does Othello differ from our impression of him in the first scene?
He speaks eloquently
He is rational, patient, respectful, and civilized
He treats Brabantio with respect, despite Brabantios insults

4. Explain the purpose of Iagos allusion to Janus in line 38.

Janus two-faced Roman god of beginnings and endings classical allusion

Iago swears an oath to God, but not a Christian God (Venetians would have been
Roman Catholics), but a Roman god known for its duplicitousness (two sided
personality)
Iago swears appropriately on a two-faced god because Iago is two-faced
Iago is ending a peaceful period between the main characters and starting a
period of lies and deception

5. How does Othello propose to resolve the conflict with Brabantio? What theme
does this develop?
Othello proposes to resolve his conflict with Brabantio peacefully, reasonably,
and with honour
Othello shows respect toward Brabantio (even though it is not reciprocated)
perhaps because Othello knows that this is his father-in-law (like family now)
Othello is willing to comply with Brabantios demands, even though they are
irrational (jail time?)
Branbantio = passions (emotional self); Othello = reason (logical)
Theme: Honor or Reason versus Passion
Scene 3
1. Summarize the scene.

The Duke and Venetian senators are trying to assess the power of the Turkish
fleet
Reports about their strength are contradictory; confusion about where the Turkish
fleets are headed (Cyprus or Rhodes)
A messenger from the Governor of Cyprus confirms that they are headed toward
Cyprus
Brabantio accuses Othello of seducing Desdemona and stealing her away
(Othello defends himself)
The Duke appoints Othello as the leader of the Venetian army against Turkey
Desdemona requests to accompany Othello on his journey to Cyprus
Iago encourages Roderigo to continue to pursue Desdemona
Iago reveals his plan to destroy Othello and Desdemona

2. Describe the impending crisis faced by the Duke and senators at the beginning of
scene 3. Why does the Duke so readily dismiss Brabantios suit against Othello?

Pending crisis: the Turkish fleet is (possibly) sailing toward Cyprus

The Duke dismisses Brabantios suit against Othello because he is
impressed by Othellos defense. Othello shows honour and articulates well. The
Duke finds Othellos story about his courtship to Desdemona particularly moving.

Also, the Duke admires Othellos bravery and selects him as leader of the
Venetian army (he has faith that Othello will lead them well and to victory)
3. By what means has Othello seduced Desdemona according to: Brabantio?
Othello? Desdemona?

According to Brabantio: through magic or witchcraft; forcefully (1.3.60-64,

1.3.103-05)
According to Othello: through pity from Othellos stories of suffering (1.3.12769)
According to Desdemona: Othello is honourable and valiant; admiration
(1.3.245-50)

4. What has been Brabantios relationship with Othello up until Othellos marriage to
Brabantios daughter?

Loving, close Brabantio would invite Othello to tell stories of his battles
(1.1.127-32)

5. Quote three specific examples used to characterize Desdemona in this scene (by
her father, herself, or others). How do her actions seem to contradict this
characterization?

By her father: never bold; / Of spirit so still and quiet (1.3.94-95)

By herself: bound for life (1.3.180)
By others:
She contradicts this characterization because she speaks freely (in a patriarchal
society); she defies her father; she requests to travel with Othello (without
consulting a man her husband) (1.3.239-56)

6. By what ominous warning does Brabantio leave Othello? What is Othellos

ominous response?

Brabantio: Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. / She has deceived her
father, and may thee (1.3.289-90).
Othello: My life upon her faith! (Othello swears upon Desdemonas faith; he is
willing to bet his life on her honesty believes she will not betray him)

7. What is Iagos view about love? About human nature?

Love: Iago used to be overly sensitive before; he also admits that it is foolish to
love Ere I would say I would drown / myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I
would change my humanity with a baboon (1.3.311-13)
Human Nature: reason should outweigh passion
o our bodies are gardens and our will/reason is the gardener. Without
reason to balance out unchecked passions/emotions/desires, one would
conduct themselves based on base desires
o If the balance of our lives had not / one scale of reason to poise another
of sensuality / the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us
(1.3.323-25).

8. What is Iagos plan as the scene ends? What new motivation does he supply for
it?

Plan
o
o
o

Use Roderigos money Thus do I ever make my fool my purse

(1.3.376)
Use Othellos trusting nature against him He holds me well: / The
better shall my purpose work on him (1.3.381-82).
Tell Othello that Michael Cassio is too affectionate with Desdemona (to
arouse suspicion / jealousy) Iago will abuse Othellos ear / That
[Cassio] is too familiar with his wife (1.3.389-90).

Motivation
o There is an unconfirmed rumour that Othello has slept with Emilia I
hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets / Hes done
my office (1.3.379-81).

Act 2 Questions
Scene 1
1. Summarize the scene.

A violent storm keeps Othello from arriving to Cyprus immediately; several

Turkish fleets were destroyed
Cassio, Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia arrive safely
Cassio treats Desdemona courteously; Iago shows disrespect towards his wife in
public
Iago plans to use Cassio to make Othello jealous (plans to tell Othello that
Cassio and Desdemona are in love)

Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio; he asks Roderigo to
pick a fight with Cassio because Cassio has a bad temper; this will hopefully
demotes Cassio and promote Iago to Lieutenant

2. What are the purposes of the storm?

Pathetic Fallacy / Foreshadowing future destruction or chaos; unstoppable;

people died
o Perhaps future events will be unavoidable and cause many deaths

3. Why does Shakespeare move the action of his play from Venice to Cyprus?

Venice = order
Cyprus = chaos
Therefore, the move signifies that there is impending doom; danger to come

4. What are Iagos plans for Cassio?

Plans to deceive and use Cassio to his advantage With as little a web as this
will I ensnare as / great a fly as Cassio (2.1.164-65).
Iago will devise a web of lies wherein he will entangle Cassio

5. What do Cassios actions reveal about his character?

Shows concern for Othello prays that Othello arrives safely (2.1.44-45)
Praising Desdemona; shows respect for Othello but also Desdemona (women)
2.1.61-65, 2.1.83-86)
Flirtatious extends affection/courtesies to both Desdemona and Emilia (2.1.9699)

6. What judgement(s) does Iago pass on women in his conversation with

Desdemona and Emilia? Why do you think he might feel this way?

When speaking with Emilia: Iago insults her (shes a nag, she acts passively in
public, she is a hussy) 2.1.108-11 this reveals he has a negative
perception of women, he disrespects them, especially his wife, he has no regard
for her and how he treats her in public)

7. What happens during the meeting between Roderigo and Iago at the end of
scene 1?

Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio (2.1.211-12)

o Desdemonas urges have been satisfied with Othello but now she grows
bored with him and wants someone else; Cassio has all of the qualities
which Othello lacks (desirable, new, lovely, likeable, attractive) (2.1.22123)
o Iago earns Roderigos hand in destroying Othello and Desdemonas
relationship
Iago asks Roderigo to pick a fight with Cassio because Cassio is easily angered.
Iago hopes that the fight will occur in front of Othello and that Othello will demote
Cassio, since Cassio will behave as if he cannot control his emotions. Iago
entices Roderigo with this plan because it means that Cassio is out of the
picture! Therefore, Desdemona can be won over by Roderigo.

8. What does Iago reveal in his second soliloquy?

It appears that Cassio loves Desdemona; it is believable that Desdemona could

love him back (untrue)
Iago admits to loving Desdemona, not out of lust but out of revenge (he wants to
get even with Othello for doing Iagos office btwixt his sheets Act 1)
Iago wants to make Othello so jealous that reason will have no effect on his
actions (driven by emotions)
By identifying Cassio as Desdemonas lover, Othello will show gratitude toward
Iago (for revealing the truth); he plans to vilify Cassio and hopefully earn
Lieutenant status

Scene 2
1. Summarize the scene.

A herald reads Othellos proclamation to the citizens of Cyprus

The time ahead is meant to be joyous and celebratory

2. According to Othellos herald, what two events are going to be celebrated?

Drowning Turkish fleets

Othello and Desdemonas wedding

Scene 3
1. Summarize the scene.

2. How does Iago bring about Cassios dismissal? How does he manipulate Cassio
after his dismissal?

Get him drunk! Cassio does not handle alcohol well but he is peer pressured into
drinking (2.3.29-30); Iago also ensures that there are spectators (citizens of
Cyprus drinking too)
Begins to spread rumours/raise suspicion that Cassio is untrustworthy; makes
Cassio seem like an irresponsible drunk (2.3.112-14)
When Othello questions how the fight between Cassio and Roderigo began, Iago
claims to know nothing (does not defend anyone); when he does reveal what he
knows, he claims that Cassio chased a man with a sword who had insulted him
(does not name Roderigo perhaps to distance himself from the situation)
Othello trusts honest Iago when Iago details the events of the night

3. What role does Roderigo play in this scene?

Instigates a (public) fight with Cassio; he rings the bell to signal mutiny

4. Quote the line of Othellos that develops the theme of reason vs. passion, and
foreshadows further problems to come.

Othello: My blood begins my safer guides to rule, / And passion, having my best
judgment collied, / Assays to lead the way foreshadows that Othello will let
reason rule, although his emotions/passions attempt to do so
Iago: men in rage strike those what wish them best (2.3.227)
foreshadowing

5. As the scene ends, what are Iagos plans?

6. How does Shakespeare develop the theme of appearance vs. reality in Act 2?