OTHELLO: Some “Guiding Questions”
Act I, scene i
Specifically, why is Iago so upset with Othello for not promoting him?
What becomes Iago’s plan for enacting his revenge on Othello? Why can’t
Roderigo understand it?
To what extent do Roderigo and Iago both dislike Othello? Why do you believe
this?
Does the first phase in Iago and Roderigo’s plan work? How do you know?
Scene ii
As the scene opens, how is Iago “not what he is?”
Does Othello appeared worried about the warning Iago gives him? Why or why
not?
What news does Cassio bring?
What does Brabantio believe Othello has done with Desdemona? How do you
know?
Scene iii
What is happening with Venice’s conflict with the Turks?
How do the Duke and other dignitaries of Venice seem to feel about Othello?
How does Othello seem to feel about himself?
Does Desdemona really love Othello? What is Brabantio’s reaction to
Desdemona’s testimony?
What will happen to Othello? Desdemona?
At the scenes conclusion, why is Roderigo upset? How does Iago “cheer him
up?” What is the next phase of their plan?
What does Iago privately believe about his wife, Emilia?
Act II
Scene i
1. What is the outcome with the Turks?
2. After observing Iago’s thoughts on women, is it possible that his private
beliefs about Emilia are true?
3. How does Cassio become a key part of Iago’s future plan?
4. Specifically, with the assistance from Roderigo, how will Iago move his
plan forward?
Scene iii
1. Why does Cassio hesitate to join Iago and the others for drinks?
2. Through his interaction with Montano, how does Iago undermine
Cassio’s reputation?
3. What exactly happens during the “brawl?”
4. How is Iago not “what he [is],” when Othello demands answers about
how the brawl happened and who was responsible for it?
5. How will Iago use the consequences of the brawl to his advantage?
Act III
Scenes i-iii
1. As scene one begins, does it seem like Iago’s plan for Cassio could
potentially work? Why or why not?
2. How is Othello distracted, so that Cassio may get close contact with
Desdemona?
3. How receptive is Desdemona to Cassio’s request?
4. What suggestion does Iago make to Othello in order to begin “pouring
pestilence into his ear?”
5. How receptive is Othello to Desdemona’s first proposal regarding Cassio?
Scene iii (cont.)
1. What are at least five specific suggestions Iago makes to get Othello to
believe that Desdemona is unfaithful?
2. Does Shakespeare suggest that Othello is naturally a jealous person?
Why or why not?
3. What is a private insecurity of Othello’s that makes him reconsider
Desdmona’s faithfulness to him?
4. What is Iago’s plan for Othello’s handkerchief?
5. Near the end of the scene, what does Othello demand from Iago? If
Othello is satisfied with Iago, what does he want Iago to do?
Scene iv: Things have clearly been “bothering” Othello…
1. What is Desdemona’s explanation for his behavior? Emilia? Iago?
2. What do you infer about Othello’s assertions about Desdemona’s sweaty
hands?
3. According to Othello, what is significant about the handkerchief? Why is
he telling Desdemona this?
4. Why might Iago’s plans for the handkerchief now get complicated?
Act IV
Scene i
1. How does Iago continue to “pour pestilence into [Othello’s] ear?” Why does Othello
have a seizure?
2. What plan does Iago devise, after Cassio enters the scene?
3. What is Othello’s interpretation of Iago’s conversation with Cassio? What decision
does Othello make, as a result of this interpretation? What suggestions does Iago
make? Why?
4. What is the news from Venice? Why does Othello smack Desdemona?
Scene ii
1. What does Desdemona believe could be the reason that Othello is angry? Why does
Desdemona become upset by the end of the scene?
2. How much does Emilia seem to know about Iago’s plan? Could Iago’s suspicions about
an affair be true? Why or why not?
3. While Roderigo continues to be upset with Iago, what does he now plan to do? How
does Iago, yet again, persuade Roderigo to be patient?