Othello by William Shakespeare Act I

Othello the Moor (black mean); powerful Venetian general; loves Desdemona; trusting and innocent
Iago foil to Othello; Othello’s ensign; hates Othello because he did not promote him; deceitful & vengeful. He is the villain
Roderigo loves Desdemona; pays Iago to keep him informed about her; is manipulated by Iago
Cassio Othello’s lieutenant; a Florentine; weakness for alcoholic drink
Desdemona Othello’s wife; loves Othello because he told her stories
Brabantio Desdemona’s father; feels betrayed by his daughter; takes his case before the duke
Duke of Venice sides with Othello instead of Brabantio; sends Othello to Cyprus
Grantiano Brabantio’s brother
Lodovico Brabantio’s friend
Montano governor of Cyprus; wounded by Cassio while trying to stop a fight
Emilia Iago’s wife
Bianca Cassio’s mistress
A street in Venice (night). What is the setting for the first scene?
Iago didn’t tell him about Othello and Desdemona. Why is Roderigo upset with Iago?
To keep him informed of Desdemona’s suitors. What has Roderigo paid Iago to do?
Othello passed him up for a promotion. Why does Iago hate Othello
Michael Cassio. Who received the promotion that Iago felt he deserved?
Yes. Are Iago’s feelings reasonable
He is a hypocrite. He pretends to be Othello’s faithful servant, but in reality, he hates the Moor. Explain Iago’s words “I am not what I am”.
Brabantio, Desdemona’s father. Whom does Iago advise Roderigo to tell about the secret relationship?
No, he thinks she is in her bed at home. Is Brabantio aware of his daughter’s absence when he is awakened?
Yes, he had been loitering around the house earlier. He loves Desdemona, but she has no feelings for him. Does Brabantio know Roderigo? How?
He needs to appear faithful to Othello. Why does Iago feel that it is necessary to leave quickly?
He will get close to Othello so that he can get revenge later. Why does Iago say that he hides his hate for Othello?
He is very upset that he has been deceived. How does Brabantio respond to the news about his daughter?
In his first speech in Scene II, he says that he hates a man with whom he was speaking peaceably in the last scene (Roderigo). What does Iago say to Othello that shows his hypocrisy?
No, he is confident that state will side with him because of all the great feats he has done for them as their general. Does Othello fear Brabantio’s influence with the duke? Why or why not?
Janus – a roman god with two faces (irony). By what god does Iago swear?
There is a military emergency involving news of a Turkish fleet that has been sent to Cyprus. Why is Othello being summoned by the duke?
Through magic, spells, and witchcraft. How does Brabantio think that Othello was able to win Desdemona?
Peaceably before the duke, rather than violently on the street. How does Othello want to settle the matter?
Yes; Brabantio is a senator, and he feels he has a strong case. Does Brabantio believe that the duke will take his side?
In the council chamber before the duke and senators. Where does this scene take place?
A Turkish fleet is reportedly heading to Cyprus. Why has this emergency meeting been called in the middle of the night?
He says that the man who beguiled Brabantio’s daughter will be punished by the law, even if he is one of their own sons. How does the duke respond to Brabantio’s complaint before he knows of whom he speaks?
Fighting battles. What does Othello have much experience in?
He wants them to hear from Desdemona herself. How does Othello say that he can convince them of his case?
By telling her stories of the battles he has fought. How does Othello say that he was able to win Desdemona’s heart?
She listened attentively to his stories. What caused Othello to love her back?
He says that even his own daughter could be won in the same way. How does the duke respond to Othello’s story?
He would be tempted to be over-bearing with them because he has been hurt by Desdemona. Why does Brabantio say that he is glad that he has no other children?
He must leave for Cyprus tonight. Where does the duke order Othello to go? When must he leave?
With Othello. Where will Desdemona want to stay?
That having his wife there with them will in no way distract him from his duties. What promise does Othello make to the senators?
Iago – ironic because Iago is the person Othello should trust the least. To whose care does Othello entrust his wife? Why is this action ironic?
He plants a seed of doubt in Othello’s mind, regarding Desdemona’s faithfulness. Explain the significance of Brabantio’s words (p.18) :” Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; she has deceived her father, and may thee.”
Because he is crafty and deceitful/ Othello is naive. Why is it ironic that Othello refers to Iago as ” honest”?
He is suicidal / very depressed. How does Roderigo say he feels after everyone has gone?
To ” put money in his purse” .(materialism) What advice does Iago give him?
He believes that Othello may have been involved with Emilia. His suspicions are founded. What secondary reason for hating Othello does Iago give (p.20)? Are his suspicions reasonable?
Othello is very trusting; he would never suspect Iago’s ill motives. Why does Iago believe that Othello will be an easy target for revenge?
Iago → Rederigo “I am not what I am”.
Othello → council “She loved me for the dangers I had pass’d, and I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used”.
Brabantio → Othello “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; She has deceived her father, and may thee”.
July 7, 2019