Othello Study Guide Questions Act One

1. In scene one, why is Iago upset with Othello?

2. In scene one, why is Roderigo upset with Othello?

3. Iago thinks Cassion is not right for the job; why?

4. Who is it that Iago and Roderigo wake up?

5. Why do Roderigo and Iago repeat the word, “Thieves”?

6. What do they tell the man after he wakes up?

Iago’s Character

Words to describe Iago’s Character Evidence from the text

Prideful

Selfish

Two-faced

Liar

Sneaky

Scene 2

7. What does Iago mean by fast married? Why does he ask Othello that?

8. What can be inferred about Iago’s words to Cassio in line 50?

9. Why do you think Iago says he’ll fight Roderigo?

10. How does Brabantio react to Othello when he sees him in scene two?

Scene 3

11. What does Brabantio accuse Othello of doing to Desdemona to get her to fall in love with him?

12. What does the Duke want Othello to do?

13. What does Othello confess that he did do?

14. Who does Othello ask the men to bring to speak of him before Brabantio?

15. According to Othello, why does Desdemona fall in love with him?

16. According to Othello, why does Othello fall in love with Desdemona?

17. What kind of stories did Othello tell Desdemona and her father?

18. Why does Desdemona tell her father she chooses Othello?

19. What does Desdemona request from the Duke? (*Hint* Where does she want to go with

Othello)

20. In Cyprus, who will Othello trust Desdemona with?

21. What harmful act does Roderigo tell Iago he wants to do to himself?

22. What phrase did Iago keep repeating to Roderigo during their conversation?

23. After some time, what does Iago plan to tell Othello to bring Cassio down?

Dramatic Irony:

What do we know Evidence from text

Quote Who said it? What is its significance?

In complement extern, ‘tis not long after but I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at. I am not what I am.

Judge me the world, if ‘tis not gross in sense that though hast practiced on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals that weakens motion.

She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them. This is the only witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady. Let her witness it.

…But here’s my husband; and so much duty as my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord.

If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far my fair than black.