| Why do Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio hate Othello? | – Othello promoted Cassio over Iago – Iago feels he deserved it – also jealous of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship- Roderigo loves Desdemona and Brabantio rejected him- Brabantio hates him because he eloped with his daughter and made him look like a fool |
| Who is Cassio? Why does Iago dislike him? | Iago is amde because he did not get the role. He thinks Cassio got the promotion because of his math skills. Iago has lots of experience in Cyprus which Cassio does not have. He thinks Othello likes Cassio better and that Cassio was favored over actual experience |
| Who is Iago? | Iago is deceptive. He is going to put on a good face and pretend to be loyal until the moment arises to get even. Admits that he is two-faced and makes it clear to other characters and the audience. |
| Why might Shakespeare have begun Act II with a raging storm? | It foreshadows to the coming troubles and deceit all caused by Iago |
| What is Iago saying about woman in act II? Are Iago’s jokes similar or different from the views he has expressed earlier to Roderigo? | He is saying they are two faced and are different when they leave the house. He is a masogenist. |
| How do you interpret “For I fear Cassio with my (nightcap) too”? | He is saying that he worries that Cassio may have too much power for someone who also has a drinking problem. |
| Howis the setting of this second act different from that of Act I? | He needed to ire Cassio because they need to put on a strong frtont and seem capable while setting a good example. If Cassio, Othello’s right hand men cannot do that, they will not be able to accomplish their goals. |
| Why does reputation represent for Cassio? In your opinion, does a person’s “reputation” have the same value today? | Iago is most intent on destroying the reputation of Othello. He will go through other people to get it. If you can turn someone’s name to trash, that is one of the worst things you can do to them. One of the most important recurring themes in the play. |
| What is the significance of the handkerchief? | Othello sees the handkerchief as a confession |
| What is the significance of “for she shall not live: no, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my hand” | turning point when Othello no longer angry at Cassio and wants revenge on Desdemona |
| What is Othello’s tragic flaw? | – he is too trusting, bad judge of character, gullible, impulsive, hubris – excessive pride, when he is discussing his relationship with Desdemona to Brabantio – arrogant |
| What is his initial character? | – decision maker, proud, collected, calm, self assured, confident, powerful, level headed, rational, and intelligent |
| What are the forces of change? | – change in environment, Iago’s manipulation, handkerchief, race, epilepsy, stress, etc. |
| What are Othello’s character changes? | – jealous, rash, irrational, self-conflicted, untrusting, insecure, more violent |
English Othello Flashcards
July 22, 2019