Act 1 Scene 1 1.1 provides exposition: time, place, situation and sparks curiosity about the main character whose name is not spoken. Enter Roderigo and Iago. 1. Roderigo and Iago both express distress. How does Iago explain the cause of his anger? 2. Quote Iago s negative description of Cassio. 3. Iago asks Roderigo if he can imagine any reason for him to love the Moor. The Moor is Othello. Why not name him? 4. Why does Iago still work with Othello? 5. Othello is a Moor, The definition of a moor is a member of a Muslim people of Berber and Arab descent living in Northwest Africa. Characters will use racial slurs when referring to Othello. Make a list of them here and consider how they contribute to characterization. 6. The men arrive at the home of Brabantio. Quote three shouts that they direct to the senator. 7. Iago tells Brabantio, you have lost half of your soul. What or who does he mean? 8. Brabantio s response reveals the reason that Roderigo is distressed. Quote that line.
9. How does Brabantio react to the men s assertion that his daughter has been stolen by the Moor? 10. Before leaving the scene, Iago remarks on Othello s importance to Venice. Quote the line that expresses Othello s value. 11. Iago says, Though I do Hate him as I do hell pains,/ Yet, for necessity of present life,/ I must show out a flag and sign of love. Restate Iago s admission in your own words. 12. Brabantio calls his daughter s elopement with Othello treason of the blood! He also suggest that there may be another explanation for her running off. Quote that reason. 13. Roderigo leads Brabantio and his armed men on a search for his daughter, Desdemona. How has Brabantio s opinion of Roderigo changed? Scene 2 14. Iago tells Othello, I lack iniquity/sometimes to do me service. What is iniquity? Reword Iago's claim. How is this statement ironic? 15. Does Othello appear to be afraid? Does he appear to feel guilty? Quote the line that reveals his confidence that his marriage will be accepted. 16. Of Desdemona, Othello proclaims, For know, Iago,/ But that I love the gentle Desdemona,/I would not my unhoused free condition/ Put into circumscription and confine/ For the sea s worth. Express Othello s sentiment in your own words. 17. Iago alludes to Janus, the double-faced god of Roman mythology. Why is this an appropriate deity for Iago to worship? 18. Cassio, Othello s lieutenant arrives to report that Othello is being summoned to the Senate. Quote a line that indicates Othello s status in Venice. 19. Upon the arrival of Brabantio and his armed men, Othello, states, Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them./ Good signior, you shall more command with years/ Than with your weapons. What qualities does Othello display that a father-in-law should admire?
20. Brabantio insists that Desdemona is in the chains of magic. First, why would he believe that Othello has magical capabilities? Following, what other reasons does he list to explain why Desdemona would not have married the Moor willingly? 21. Brabantio demands that Othello be taken to prison. What defense does Othello provide that dissuades Brabantio? 22. Brabantio feels confident that the other men in the Senate will back him in his indictment of Othello. Provide a quote illustrating Brabantio s certainty. Scene 3 23. A Turkish fleet is poised to attack Cyprus. After much discussion of strategies, there is confirmation from the governor of Cyprus, Montano. Othello answers his call to duty. How do the senators react to his arrival? 24. Brabantio suggests the urgency of his crisis exceeds the senators concerns about Cyprus. He is in such anguish, the men fear that Desdemona is dead. How do the men initially react to Brabantio s report that Desdemona has been beguiled? How do they react when they discover the beguiler is Othello? 25. Othello does not make excuses, but explains his relationship with Desdemona. What does he say about his youth? 26. Brabantio again lists reasons why Desdemona would not be attracted to Othello. Provide that list. 27. Othello suggests that the men send for Desdemona to attest for her actions. Quote a line that shows Othello s confidence in his bride s love. 28. Othello summarizes his courtship with Desdemona. List the highlights. 29. She loved me for the dangers I had passed,/ And I loved her that she did pity them./ this only is the witchcraft I have used. Do you think there is anything suspicious about Othello and Desdemona s relationship? Explain.
30. Why does Desdemona refer to a divided duty? 31. Provide a quote that indicates Brabantio s disappointment with Desdemona. 32. Why is Othello the best man to defend Cyprus? 33. How does Desdemona resolve the problem of where she will stay while Othello is defending Cyprus? 34. Quote Othello s words that assure the Senate that Desdemona will not distract him from his duties. 35. To whom does Othello trust Desdemona s safety? Quote the line in which he characterizes his ancient. How is this incident ironic? 36. How does the duke defend Othello to Brabantio? Provide a quote. 37. What warning does Brabantio give Othello? 38. Quote Othello s lines that illustrate his utmost trust in his wife and in Iago. 39. Roderigo is desperately overwrought that he has no chance of marrying Desdemona. What does he claim he will do? How does Iago respond to his intentions? 40. What promise does he make to Roderigo? What does Iago predict will happen to Othello and Desdemona? What fallibility does he ascribe to Othello? To Desdemona? Do you believe Iago makes valid points about the couple? 41. Iago encourages Roderigo: Put money in thy purse. How is Iago scamming Roderigo?
A soliloquy is a popular literary device often used in drama to reveal the innermost thoughts of a character. It is a great technique used to convey the progress of action of the play, by means of expressing a character s thoughts about a certain character or past, present, or upcoming event, while talking to himself without acknowledging the presence of any other person. Iago s first soliloquy occurs at the end of Act 1. Here he reveals his thoughts, plans, opinions, and his evil character. IAGO: Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe. But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man: let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery--how, how? Let's see:-- After some time, to abuse Othello's ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. Highlight a word that expresses Iago s opinion of Roderigo. Highlight Iago s feelings about Othello. What offense against Iago has Othello committed? Reword the underlined section. How does Othello feel about Iago? Does Othello s opinion of him work for or against Iago? What are Iago s goals regarding Cassio? Iago reveals his perception of Cassio. What would a man like Cassio be called in our society? How does Iago characterize Othello? How will Othello s demeanor benefit Iago? Highlight two words that indicate that Iago s plan is evil. Exit