| William Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Othello in what language? | Middle English |
| For what reason(s) would Iago be angry with Othello? | he was passed over for a promotion |
| Explain why and how Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio in Act I scene i. | they cry “thief!” at his window, making him believe his daughter was ‘stolen’ |
| Explain the quote “I am not what I am.” (Act I, scene i) | Iago is two-faced |
| Of what crime does Brabantio accuse Othello? | tricking his daughter to marry him |
| How does Othello answer/explain these charges? | “she fell in love with me naturally.” |
| What piece of advice does Brabantio offer Othello after accepting the marriage? | be careful, Desdemona is young and her heart is fleeting |
| How does Iago advise and manipulate Roderigo? | makes him get Cassio drunk and provokes him to fight; Roderigo is a pawn in Iago’s plans. Also, by ruining Othello, Rod could get Desdemona |
| Why does Roderigo follow Iago’s advice? | he wants to marry Desdemona |
| What is Iago’s ultimate plan concerning Othello?- | To ruin his marriage and name |
| What ironic adjective is frequently used to describe Iago? | Honest |
| What is the significance of the Turkish fleet introduced in Act I and what happens to the fleet by Act II? | They are the enemies and they lose the war when their ship overturns in a storm |
| Describe Othello’s nature in the first two acts of the play. | Happy, content, in love, strong |
| How does Othello change from Act III to Act V? | he is consumed by jealousy and anger |
| What plan is carried out against Cassio at the celebration in Cyprus? | o get him drunk and get into a brawl |
| What are the immediate results of this plan? | Cassio is fired |
| What advice does Iago offer to Cassio after Cassio’s loss of reputation? | talk to Desdemona in hopes of her getting Othello to rehire Cassio |
| Describe the technique used by Iago to make Othello jealous. | plants scenarios and hints that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio |
| For what reason(s) does Othello initially not believe Iago’s suggestion of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness? | wants to believe his wife is faithful |
| What pieces of circumstantial evidence does Iago provide as “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity? | she and Cassio were talking and holding hands |
| Explain the history and significance of the handkerchief. | Othello’s mother gave it to him, and he gave it to Desdemona upon their marriage. It is sacred to Othello |
| Describe the relationship between Iago and Emilia. | not good, he treats her poorly |
| Explain the role of Cassio’s character in the play. | Iago wants his job, and he is used as the role of Desdemona’s alleged lover |
| In Act V, in the final scene, which characters provide information that help reveal the truth? | Emilia, Cassio and Lodovico |
| Which character is a dramatic foil for Iago? | Othello |
| What is Othello’s tragic flaw? | his jealousy |
Othello
July 17, 2019