English 12
Othello by William Shakespeare
Name_________________________________
Review Questions — Acts One and Two
Act One:
1.1
1. What is Roderigo complaining about in the opening scene?
Roderigo is complaining because Desdemona is married to Othello and Roderigo loves her.
2. Why does Iago say he hates Othello so much? Find lines to support his motivation for staying in
Othello’s service.
He hates Othello because Othello made Cassio his lieutenant and Iago wants to take revenge.
Page 9, line 45, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.”
3. What do Iago and Roderigo home to accomplish by shouting insulting remarks about Othello and
Desdemona under Brabantio’s window? Cite some of the metaphors they use.
They want to upset Brabantio, so he will go after Othello and possibly make him divorce her.
Page 11, line 75 “poison his delight, plague him with flies”
1.2
1. What are Othello and Iago discussing at the opening of this scene? How is this scene an example of
dramatic irony?
Iago is telling Othello that Brabantio is talking against him and his honor.
It is dramatic irony because we know Iago was the one who told Brabantio about Othello and
Desdemona (Page 21).
2. When Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is “much loved” and may try to separate him and
Desdemona, what is Othello’s answer and what does it suggest about what Othello values?
Othello feels his service and fortune should put him at the same level as Desdemona (Page 21).
3. According to Brabantio, how has Othello seduced his daughter?
Brabantio feels Othello has used trickery/Magic to seduce Desdemona (Pages 25-27 & Page 33,
line 73)
1.3
1. What is the political situation between Venice and Turkey?
The Turks are going to attack Cyprus and Venice will go to protect Cyprus (Pages 29-31)
2. According to Othello, what were the circumstances under which he and Desdemona fell in love?
Brabantio would invite Othello over and Othello would tell Desdemona the adventures he had.
Desdemona fell in love with him for his adventurous life, and he fell in love with her for her
Compassion (Pages 37-39)
3. What is Brabantio’s response to Desdemona’s testimony and the Duke’s suggestions for making
peace with Othello? How is this an example of foreshadowing?
She has deceived her father, and this may foreshadow that she may deceive Othello (Page 49).
4. Why does the Duke summon Othello? What is decided regarding Desdemona? How is this ironic?
The Duke summons Othello to send him to war against the Turks, to protect Cyprus. Desdemona
is allowed to go to Cyprus to live with Othello. It is ironic because the plan backfired instead of
separating, they are together (Page ).
5. What advice does Iago give to Roderigo?
“Put money in the purse” (Page 51, line 383).
6. Summarize Iago’s final soliloquy in this scene. How would you characterize the difference between
the way Othello and Iago talk, both in their subject matter and their style?
Iago is going to get back at Othello by making him believe Cassio and Desdemona are having an
affair. Othello talks straight from the heart and says what’s on his mind, while Iago is secretive
and sneaky (Page 55).
7. At the end of this scene, Iago gives a second reason for hating Othello; what is this reason?
Iago thinks that Othello has slept with Emelia (Page 55, line 430).
8. What did the city of Venice symbolize to members of the Elizabethan audience?
Elizabethans thought that the Italians were wicked and living lives of treachery. Venetian
women were beautiful and promiscuous. Men were hot tempered, aggressive, and easily jealous.
Act Two:
2.1
1. What happens to the Turkish fleet?
The fleet is wrecked at sea due to a bad storm (Page 61).
2. What sentiments does Iago express towards women in this scene? How is this ironic?
Iago talks down to women and makes rude comments toward them. He believes they are
deceitful and only good for babies and beer. It is ironic because Iago is the deceitful one.
3. In lines 167-178 of this scene, what does Iago notice and what does he plan to do as a result?
This is when Iago notices how Cassio greets women, and he plans to use Cassio to get back at
Othello by making it look like Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair,
4. What does Iago’s advice (lines 234-276) to the lovesick Roderigo reveal about what he thinks of
Desdemona’s love for Othello?
Iago thinks Desdemona will get bored with Othello because of her breading; therefore, Roderigo
should put money in his purse (Page 75, line 248).
5. What does Iago’s last speech in the scene reveal about his attitude toward Othello?
Iago hates Othello and wants revenge. Othello will be thanking Iago for making him look like an
Ass (Page 79).
2.2
1. What does the herald announce?
Time to celebrate, because the Turks fleet is destroyed and they will also celebrate Othello’s
marriage (Page 81).
2.3
1. How does Iago dishonor Cassio in this scene?
Iago pushes Cassio to drink, and he has Roderigo pick a fight with him; so Cassio loses his
position (Page 83-85).
2. What does he advise Cassio to do in order to be reinstated?
Iago tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help because she can influence her husband (Page 103).
3. What is Iago’s plan to set up Cassio?
Iago wants Othello to believe that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Iago will get his
wife to convince Desdemona to help Cassio. Iago will bring Othello into the room when
Desdemona and Cassio are meeting together alone. (Page 105).