Othello Act 1

Describe the marriage customs of the 16th century Men made decisions; fathers chose who and when daughters married; marriage=business transaction.
How does Shakespeare get the audience’s attention at the beginning of the play? Starts with a fight, with vulgar language, or with sexual innuendos.
Why does Iago hate Othello? Iago was up for a promotion, but Othello gave Cassio the position of lieutenant.
Why is Roderigo upset with Othello? He wanted to marry Desdemona.
How do Iago and Roderigo plan to get revenge on Othello? They go to Brabantio in the middle of the night to tell on Othello.
Name two of Iago’s character traits. What does he say that lets us know he is this way? Racist: refers to Othello as a Barbary horse Two-faced: Says, “I am not what I am.” Also–plots against Othello while pretending to be on his side.
Name Two of Brabantio’s character traits. What does he say that lets us know he is this way? Racist: assumes his daughter must have been wooed by magic or potions. She couldn’t possibly fall in love with a black man.Hurt/Angry: disowns Desdemona because he felt lied to.
How does Brabantio react to the news of Desdemona marrying Othello? He freaks out, calls up his servants to hunt down Othello, and demands that Othello be put to death. Then, he disowns Desdemona.
How does Brabantio think Othello “wooed” Desdemona? With magic and potions.
How does Othello say he “wooed” Desdemona? By telling her his life story. She fell in love with him.
What does the Duke promise to do for Brabantio? To kill the man who stole his daughter.
How does the Duke’s reaction change once he finds out the “thief” is Othello? He says that his daughter would be wooed by Othello’s story, too. He pardons Othello.
What does the Duke say to “comfort” Brabantio? Does he seem sincere? The Duke tells Brabantio a bunch of cliched statements. He’s pretty much telling him to get over it, so he is not sincere.
What kind of girl does Brabantio think Desdemona is? Does he really know his daughter? Quiet, shy, she blushes at her own reflection. He obviously doesn’t know his daughter if she’s capable of getting married in secret.
Brabantio says to Othello, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father and may thee.” What does this mean? Desdemona will deceive Othello just as she deceived her father.
Why does Iago talk about gardens and gardeners with Roderigo? Gardens=our emotions, our lusts, our impulses.We are the gardeners. We have choices of what “to plant.” We must be logical instead of lustful.
What does Iago mean by, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse”? Who is the fool? Iago plans to use Roderigo, who is a fool, to get rich.
What does Iago accuse Othello of? (In the soliloquy.) Iago heard a rumor–Othello slept with Emilia (Iago’s wife).
What does Iago plan to do to get back at Othello? (In the soliloquy.) To make Othello think that Cassio (the lieutenant) and Desdemona are having an affair.
Brabantio says to Iago, “Thou art a villain.” Iago replies, “You are a senator.” What makes these lines funny? Brabantio IS a senator. Iago is pretty much saying, “Well, duh. Of course I’m a villain.”
July 4, 2019