Othello

What is Iago’s complaint in Scene I? Cassio is lieutenant Iago believes he is a better soldier and moredeserving,
Who is Brabantio, and why do Iago and Roderigo awaken him in the middle of the night? Desdemona’s fatherHe tells him that Desdemona is with Othello (explained using animalistic terms)
Why does Iago leave Roderigo at Brabantio’s house? So he doesn’t look like he is against Othello
What is Roderigo’s previous relationship with Brabantio and Desdemona? Roderigo is in love with Desdemona but she rejected him
Barbantio’s reaction to othello and desdemona’s marriage madthinks shes under a spell or drugged to sneak off with moor
Why does the Duke send for othello turks are preparing to invade cyprus
What danger is Cyprus facing turks want to invade critical to trade and economy of venice
Brabantio complains to the Duke about Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. After listening to both sides of the story, what is the Duke’s reply? The Duke admits his own daughter would be won by the valiant stories of Othello. The Duke admires Othello’s skill, nobility and bravery in battle and war affairs.
What is Roderigo’s complaint, and what is Iago’s reply to it He feels ha has no chance for winning Desdemona at this point and wants to kill himself. Iago’s attitude is “just get over it.” In his28 years he has never seen a “love” worth dying for and has “never found man that knew how tolove himself.” Desdemona’s love for the Moor will fade; be there and you will win her. Iago alsoagrees to support Roderigo in this matter because he, too, hates the Moor.
Who is Othello, and why is he so respected by the Duke? Othello does not “act” like a stereotypical “moor” or black man of Shakespeare’s times. The Duke respects his military accomplishments and trusts him The Duke admits that even his own daughter could fall for his honest charms
What warning does Brabantio give to Othello? Brabantio does not like it, but must give his daughter to the Moor. Because he reluctantlygives his “jewel” the implication is a warning to treasure the jewel as he has or “else”.Brabantio also warns him to beware because she has deceived her father – she is very likely to deceive him
Othello and Desdemona have just been married. Will they stay together or separate? Othello and Desdemona both strongly profess their love for each other in Act I. stay together
. What does Iago say must happen to Desdemona? She must have change. Her love for the Moor will fade. Iago advises Roderigo to make money and be ready for her to change.
. Why does Iago “hate the Moor”? jealousy and the fact than he has not chosen Iago as his lieutenant.
How would you grade Iago on racial insensitivity? that Iago is completely insensitive. He not only lacks racial sensitivity, but sensitivity for all humanity. Iago loves or is sensitive to no one.
Where are we as Act 2 begins? begins at a seaport in Cyprus. Terrible storms are at sea as the Venetian ships arrive.
What has happened to the Turkish fleet? The Turkish fleet was separated and completely destroyed by the tempests at sea because they were not bayed and shelters.
Which ship from Venice arrives first? cassio’s
Which ship arrives second? Why is it surprising that it arrives before Othello’s? IagosOthello’s ship and Cassio’s ship were traveling together but became separated during the storms.
What does the discussion between Desdemona and Emilia tell us about their relationship? they are close
Who is Emilia?. Emilia is Iago’s and attendant to Desdemona
How does Cassio greet Desdemona and Emilia? great courtesy and he is happy that they have arrived safely.
Why does Iago want Roderigo to anger Cassio? Iago wants Roderigo to engage Cassio into a fight. If Cassio appears to neglect his duties (assignedby Othello) it will contribute to his losing favor in Othello’s eyes.
. What is the purpose of Iago’s plan? his plan is to topple Othello, by winning Othello’s favor and trust. His first plan use Roderigo as a pawn to lure Cassio into doing something rash, thus losing favor with Othello.As Cassio loses favor with Othello; Iago gains his support
. What evidence is Iago using to rationalize his plan? Is his evidence solid? Iago feels cheated by the selection of the “book-smart” Cassio’s selection as lieutenant. He finds theselection not only unjustified, but completely incomprehensible. Because he cannot be trusted, Iago trusts no one, not even his own wife. He also suspects that both Othello and Cassio were lecherous with his wife. He is absolutely incapable of trust and entirely paranoid. He assumes everyone is as manipulative and deceitful as he is. Iago has no solid evidence; it is pure speculation and psychological instability on his part.
What keeps Roderigo from seeing the truth instead of Iago’s lies? Roderigo is easily manipulated by Iago because of his lovesickness for Desdemona. Iago simply usesRoderigo’s weaknesses against him. Roderigo wants to believe Iago’s lies because he desperately wants them to be true.
What emotion seems to be governing Iago’s thoughts and actions? Pure and utter jealousy and hated consume Iago’s thoughts.
How does Iago see Desdemona, and how does Cassio see Desdemona? Iago sees Desdemona simply as a tool to use for Othello’s destruction. Because the Moor loves her,he too, would “love” to use her for Othello’s destruction. Cassio and Desdemona have been friends for some time. They care deeply for each other, however, not romantically. Cassio, out of friendship for Desdemona, and out of loyalty to Othello, shows deep concern for her safety and well-being.
Why does Iago want Cassio to drink more wine? cloud his judgment; under the influence of alcohol, Cassio, will act rashly.
What is the outcome of Cassio’s drinking? Cassio was easily provoked into an argument with Roderigo, and then Montano and wounds montano
What lie does Iago tell Montano about Cassio? Iago tells Montano that Cassio is a good soldier but his vice is his love for alcohol.twists his statement to emphasize that fact that Cassio is a drunkard but urging Montano to not think he is too much of a drunk to be a great soldier and “unworthy of his place”.
Why does Othello strip Cassio of his rank? Othello strips Cassio of his rank for conduct unbecoming an officer. Othello directly told Cassio not to drink too much and to keep order. Cassio and Roderigo fight only to be broken up by Montano and thus their fight ensues which othello ends
Why does Iago want Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello’s faith in Cassio? By asking Desdemona to intercede with Othello to aide Cassio, it may appear to others that hermotives for helping him are less than pure and out of friendship only. This assumption by otherssupports Iago’s wicked plan to manipulate Othello’s feelings of jealousy and trust.
How does Iago get back in Othello’s good graces? After the fighting in the streets, carefully and secretly orchestrated by Iago, Iago artfully showsreluctance to “betray” his comrade, Cassio by revealing the “truth” of the events. After severalurgings from Othello, he explains the “truth’ to Othello. His feigned reluctance, wins Othello’sloyalty.
What is Roderigo’s complaint, and how does Iago answer it? Roderigo complains that his money is almost spent and he wishes to return defeated to Venice. Iago tells him to be patient he has yet to reap the “fruits” of his labor.
Why does Cassio bring musicians? What is Othello’s response to them? Cassio asks the musicians to play something short, but pleasant to greet and say “good morning” tothe General. Othello sends the musicians away; he does not want to hear the music.
What does Emilia tell Cassio that Desdemona is already doing for him? Emilia tells Cassio that Desdemona is already speaking to Othello on his behalf.
What responses do Iago and Othello have to seeing Cassio leave Desdemona? Iago sparks Othello’s suspicion of Cassio and his wife being alone together by saying “Ha! I like notthat.” When Othello questions whether it was in fact Cassio, Iago further arouses his suspicion bysaying, ” No, sure, I cannot think it, that he would steal away so guilty-like, seeing you coming.”
How successfully does Desdemona plead for Cassio? What is Othello’s response to Desdemona as sheleaves? not successful because Iago has aroused Othello’ssuspicions about Desdemona and Cassio’s relationship. Othello replies, “Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, /But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, /Chaos is come
Why doesn’t Iago simply tell Othello right away that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair? If Othello comes to the conclusion that his wife is not faithful “own his own” his feelings will be stronger and more indestructible.Iago gets Othello suspicious and he can’t tell him right away he won’t have evidence to back his suspicions and needs the plan to develop more
Othello’s love for Desdemona is solid as can be seen through line 93 of Act 3, Scene 3. Why does he become a man in “misery” by his next speech (3.3.190/p10). What has moved him from love to jealousy? When alone, Othello and Iago discuss relationships and commitment. While discussing, Iago’sreluctance to answer cultivate Othello’s growing doubts. By not responding Othello thinks Iagoknows something but is afraid to be the “bearer of bad news.”
How can anyone provide proof of fidelity? Fidelity is difficult to prove; in contrast,infidelity has hard evidence and is easy to prove. IDK asking i guess
What thing does Emilia find and give to Iago? What does Iago intend to do with it? She finds desdemona’s handkerchiefIago plans to plant it with Cassio.
What is Iago’s reply when Othello demanded proof of his wife’s disloyalty? Iago feigns reluctance to assist Othello in such a grave matter. His reluctance makes Othello’spassion and suspicion grow by saying Cassio dreamt about being with desdemona and mentions that Cassio was seen with the handkerchief
What does Othello decide and command at the end of Scene 3? Othello makes Iago his lieutenant and commands him to kill Cassio.
How likely is it that Othello will keep an open mind until he has seen real proof? How much have Iago’ssuggestions about Desdemona’s “nature” worked on Othello? Iago carefully and very subtly leads Othello to believe that Desdemona’s trust and loyalty may be in question. The artfulness and manipulation is unmatched in its wickedness. His suggestions haveworked havoc on Othello’s emotionally state and Othello’s suspicion has reached its height.
Is there any chance of his changing his mind or of Desdemona’s convincing him of her innocence afterthis speech? There is little, if no chance, of Desdemona convincing Othello of her faithfulness in Othello’semotional state.
What is Emilia’s relationship with Iago? Desdemona? Her relationship with Iago is not strong becauseIago truly loves no one but uses them for his own gain and shows interest in her when she brings him the handkerchief, she is a confidant and a friend to desdemona She would not knowingly do something to harm Desdemona, and as the importance of thehandkerchief is reveal her anxiety, guilt and feelings of betrayal grow.
4. What, according to Othello, is the history of the handkerchief (3.4.53-73)? Is Othello telling the truth here?What else might he be doing? Othello explains that the handkerchief is a family heirloom given to him by his mother.He might be embellishing the history of it too see if Desdemona has been unfaithful
What does the argument in 3.4.75-95 (between Othello & Desdemona) show about both Othello andDesdemona? For Othello, the argument reveals that he has been completely captured in Iago’s web of destruction.Because Desdemona cannot produce the handkerchief, Othello’s rage and jealousy intensify.Desdemona’s confusion is revealed when she is faced with an accusation that appears to “come out of nowhere.” Because she is confused, she simply does not know how to respond to such an accusation, and her only defense is to change the subject, to buy her time to find the handkerchief.
What is Emilia’s view of men (3.4.99-102)? How justified is she? She feels men only use women and then toss them away when they are no longer useful, justified by her relationship with Iago when she sees he used her for the handkerchief.
Who is Bianca? What is her relationship to Cassio? What does he ask her to do? What is her emotionalresponse? Sound familiar? How does Cassio get the handkerchief? Bianca is Cassio’s girlfriend. Because she has not seen him in over a week, she is suspicious of hiswhereabouts. Cassio gives Bianca the handkerchief, and asks her to hold on to it for him. Her suspicion causes her to question him about where he got the handkerchief, and she mistakenlyassumes he got it from a new girlfriend. He assures her that he found it in his room, and only wants tohave one like it for her. He then asks her to leave because he is waiting to talk with Othello.
Who had the handkerchief at the end of Act 3? Why? Bianca has the handkerchief at the end of Act III because Cassio gave it to her to hold
After Iago lied and told Othello that Cassio confessed going to bed with Desdemona, what advice does hegive the overwhelmed Othello? Iago asks Othello to hide in the shadows while he talks “privately” with Cassio and gets him toconfess his affair with Desdemona.
What happens to Othello in Scene 1? How does Iago respond? Othello suffers an epileptic seizure. Iago responds with the coldness and lack of sympathy consistentwith his villainous character.
How does Iago trick Othello into thinking Cassio is gloating and bragging about his affair with Desdemona? Iago engages Cassio in a conversation where it appears that they are discussing Desdemona whil Othello listens hidden from Cassio,
Why is Bianca angry with Cassio? Bianca believes the handkerchief Cassio gave her belongs to the “other woman.”
How does Bianca’s return with the handkerchief help Iago? Her return with the handkerchief not only confirms that it is Desdemona’s handkerchief, but the factthat Cassio had it at one time
Why does Othello hit Desdemona? The message Lodovico brings instructs Othello to return to Venice and names Cassio governor ofCyprus. When Desdemona expresses that she is glad about the news, Othello strikes her in anger.Desdemona’s joy is in the fact that they will return home; Othello mistakes her joy for Cassio’sappointment.
Who is Lodovico, and why has he come to Venice? Lodovico is Desdemona’s cousin. He has arrived from Venice to deliver a message to Othello for hisreturn to Venice.
What is Lodovico’s reaction to Othello’s behavior towards Desdemona? How does Iago later explain Othello’s behavior to Lodovico? Lodovico is shocked by Othello’s behavior and questions whether he is sane. He is surprised because he had respected Othello as a virtuous and noble man. Iago explains his behavior by saying he has changed, and again is reluctant to give his opinion because it is not his “respectful place.”
Why does Othello ask Emilia about Cassio’s affair with Desdemona, and what is her reply? Emilia is closest to DesdemonaEmilia passionately defends Desdemona by saying nothing bad happened between her and cassio and tells Othello to stop worrying
How correctly does Othello identify his weakness in Scene 2? Othello believes he was a fool to believe Desdemona loved him and was faithful to him. he says “I took you for that cunning ***** of Venice / That married with Othello.”
To whom does Desdemona turn for help after Othello calls her a strumpet (Act IV.ii.p5)? Desdemona, ironically, turns to Iago for help.
Why does Iago tell Roderigo to kill Cassio? Why does Roderigo consent to think about it? If Iago can get Roderigo to do his dirty work forhim, Iago’s hands remain clean and he is innocent of the crime. Since Othello and Desdemona arefighting, it may be true that her love for the Moor is fading and Roderigo thinks that he may be able toget Desdemona with Cassio out of the picture.
If Roderigo kills Iago, what promise has Iago taken care of? By Roderigo’s killing of Cassio, Iago keeps his promise to Othello.
Give Scene 3, between Desdemona and Emilia; is it at all possible that Desdemona could ever be unfaithful to Othello? Desdemona insists she would never betray Othello.
What is the effect of the “Willow Song” and the interruptions to it? Desdemona sings this song which foreshadows her death. The song then prompts Desdemona to ask Emilia if there are men who abuse women and Emilia replies “there be some such, no question” which is ironic because Emilia is not aware that Iago is abusing her
How would Iago gain from Roderigo’s death? Cassio’s? Iago gains from Roderigo’s death because he will not have to repay him for all the jewels and money he has taken from in to woo Desdemona, in Roderigo’s name. Cassio death would keep Iago’s promise to Othello.
What happens when Roderigo attacks Cassio? Who actually wounds Cassio? Roderigo misses when he attacks Cassio. Iago, from behind, wounds Cassio, and eventually killsRoderigo.
What does Othello assume has happened? Is he correct? Othello assumes Iago has kept his promise and Cassio is dead. Cassio is seriously wounded, but not dead.
After Bianca appears, what new part of his plot does Iago begin in Scene 1, starting at line 107? When Bianca arrives, Iago draws her into suspicion for the attack on Cassio. Because her reputationis in question, it is possible that others would believe she would do such an evil act.
Who will get the blame for the attack on Cassio if Iago has his way? Both, or either, Roderigo and/ or Bianca will be blamed for the attack on Cassio.
What justification does Othello try to give for the murder of Desdemona in Scene 2? Othello justifies the murder of Desdemona by claiming to serve mankind. In the name of justice, she will not be able to ruin other good and noble men.
How does Othello kill Desdemona? What interruption occurs while he is doing it? Othello smothers Desdemona but is interrupted by Emilia. Emilia goes to Desdemona; but, it is toolate she dies
Whom does Desdemona blame for her death? Does Emilia believe her? Desdemona blames herself for her death; but, Emilia does not believe her.
How is Desdemona faithful to Othello to the end? Desdemona remains faithful to her end, by saying she caused her own death. “Nobody; I myself.”
What happens when Iago tells his wife not to speak and to go home, orders which good Renaissance wives should follow without question? Iago repeatedly orders Emilia to go home. Out of love for Desdemona, and out of truth, she refuses.Eventually, to quiet her, Iago kills her.
What is Emilia’s reaction when Othello tells her that Iago has revealed Desdemona’s affair with Cassio to him? Emilia is the first to realize Iago is to blame for the murder, especially when Othello mentions thehandkerchief. She also feels some responsibility because she is the one who gave the handkerchief to Iago. Emilia is horrified by the wickedness and vehemently defends Desdemona. She wants all toknow the truth. She defies her husband’s orders to leave, and starts to reveal the truth to all.
What is Othello finally beginning to realize at 5. 2.205? What has happened to Desdemona’s father? Othello is beginning to realize he has been deceived and has made a grave mistake. Desdemona’s father has died.
Why does Othello attack Iago? Othello realize he has been deceived. Overwhelmed with guilt and grief, he attacks Iago out of anger and revenge.
What is Othello’s reaction to having his sword taken away? When Othello’s first sword is taken, he claims to have another in the chamber. He uses the secondsword to attack Iago.
How does Othello use the second sword his finds in the room? Othello uses the second sword in his room to attack Iago.
How do Roderigo’s pockets conveniently help to clarify much of what has happened? Lodovico makes known Roderigo’s letters found to explain his attempt to kill Cassio, his discontentwith Iago, and his reproach of Iago for making him incite Cassio to a quarrel earlier in the play. Theletters begin to unveil Iago’s malignancy.
What happens to Othello, Iago and Cassio in the end? Cassio, although wounded, will recover and is named governor of Cyprus. Othello takes his own life with a hidden knife, and falls on the bed beside Desdemona. Iago’s wickedness is made apparent to all, and his fate is left to be enforced by cassio
Who gets Othello’s estate? Why? Gratiano, Desdemona’s uncle, gets Othello’s estate as restitution for Desdemona’s death caused bythe Moor.
July 6, 2019