Smarr Publishers
English
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Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
Othello
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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Othello / 1
O
Introduction to Othello
THELLO is much more than a story of love,
jealousy, and revenge. The play is a rich study of
contrasts between intangible qualities and mortal
characters. Evil is plotted in the dark, Desdemona is
constantly seen as light, and order is always tending
towards disorder. The contrasting themes of order with
disorder and light with darkness are important to the play
and should be carefully noted when read in Othello.
It seems that Shakespeare is breaking new ground by
having an African and an Italian fall in love with each
other. However, as is usual with Shakespeare, the plot is
borrowed from an existing source. In this case, the plot of
Othello comes from the Hecatomnithi written by Giraldi
Cinthio, published in Venice, Italy in 1565. However, Shakespeare does offer many innovations
to Cinthio’s work. While Cinthio’s version stresses the unwise choice of Desdemona for
marrying a Moor who was different in race and religion, Shakespeare gives his Moor a name, a
noble character, and a deep soul-like love for his wife. The ending of Othello is completely
Shakespeare’s genius.
The chief antagonist in Othello is Iago, who perhaps is the greatest villain in all of
Shakespeare’s plays. Iago’s revenge is meaningless, which makes his crime fouler, because
there is no motive, except that he hates Othello. The apparent reason of this hatred is unclear.
The first scene in the play suggests that Iago is jealous of Cassio, because Iago was passed over
for promotion by Othello. But this wounded pride as the sole reason for Iago’s fiendish plotting
and actions is weak. The greatest irony in the play is that Iago is perceived by everyone as
honest and good. Thus, another theme in this play is that of appearance verses that of reality.
The scheme to cause the downfall of Othello is so well done that no one can suspect the true
motives of Iago, whose own downfall could only have happened by someone closest to him—
his wife Emilia. However, instead of being honest and trustworthy, Iago is the worst enemy that
Othello has. Othello’s flaw is that he values his military relationship with Iago more than his
marital relationship with Desdemona. You should question why this preference is so. Also, be
sure to study especially the asides and soliloquies of Iago. While Iago is a liar and a schemer
with the other characters in the play, he is brutally honest and aboveboard with the audience.
While Othello’s race is referred to in the play, racism is not a theme. The term racism is seldom
defined today. Most people think that racism has something to do with disliking an ethic group
and depriving this group of people certain rights and privileges in a society. This activity may
be discrimination or prejudice, but it certainly is not racism. In the real world where Hollywood
and the mass media have no effect, people dislike others not because of the color of skin, but
because of the political and ethical views held. For an example, American conservatives oppose
the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference not because these organizations are predominately black organizations,
but because both groups are founded by socialists and Marxists. Racism has nothing to do with
opposing the NAACP and SCLC. Patriots oppose these organizations, because the membership
embrace the anti-American ideals of coercion and extortion, thus making these groups odious to
liberty and freedom.
On the other hand, racism is the belief that, due to evolution, differences in intelligence,
morality, and abilities are dependent upon one’s ancestry. When the U.S. Supreme Court
decided in Brown v. Board of Education that separate Negro schools were bad for black
2 / Othello
children, the justices implied that black children cannot make it in American society without
associating with white children. In other words, white kids will help raise the intelligence and
social acceptability of black kids. This racist decision destroyed the black schools, forced black
students to be bussed to alien neighborhoods, and caused the dismissal of hundreds of AfricanAmerican teachers. In turn, without their community schools with their black teachers, the
black communities were undermined, and even today African-Americans are prevented from
solving their own problems without interference by the paternalistic white elite. AfricanAmericans are fully capable of finding solutions to their own problems, if they are left alone.
This is true with any community. Outside interference always results in greater problems for
those who must endure the unwanted help. You will not find this sort of racism in Othello. As a
man, Othello is highly intelligent, noble, and very capable as the general of the Venetian army.
Whenever Othello’s skin color is referred to, it is only to identify him as a Negro, and not to
impugn his intelligence or character. Of course, Shakespeare did not have the benefit of
knowing about evolution (I speak as a fool). The division of mankind into races is the invention
of evolutionists, who are racists of the worst sort. Shakespeare approaches the story in Othello
from the Biblical view; i.e., the Bible recognizes only one race of men—the human race.
In short, Othello is the study about the tragic results of a consummate busybody. Since Iago
interferes with so many lives and ruins so many good people, the reader will clearly understand
why the busybody is the same as a murderer: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a
thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters” (I Peter 4:15). Whenever you
discover someone who thinks he knows what is best for other people, mark that man as an
enemy against your family, your liberty, and your soul. Unfortunately, American society is
teeming with such evildoers, most of them being politicians, who are found in civil government,
education, and churches. However, Othello helps reveal the true character of such wicked
people and how to avoid falling into their malicious traps.
ROBERT W. WATSON
Othello / 3
Othello
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
obsequious adj.
timorous adj.
circumscription n.
facile adj.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Will was ashamed of his boys after their ________________ display when they were scared
by a rabbit jumping out of the brush.
2. Jim, who prided himself of being self-reliant, was constantly embarrassed by his
________________ aides after he was elected as a state representative.
3. The Chatterworth proposal was a ____________ solution for a very complex problem, a
proposal that was not worthy of anyone’s serious attention.
4. The commandant of the compound made it quite clear that the fence line was the
____________________ of the area and that no one was permitted to go near it.
1.3 Reading Assignment: Othello, Act I
1.4 Recall Questions
1. What is the reason that Iago gives for hating Othello?
2. After awaking Brabantio, what message does Roderigo with Iago’s help deliver to the
senator?
3. What message does Cassio deliver to Othello?
4. According to Othello, what does Brabantio possess that will command Othello better than
weapons?
5. Why did the Duke summons the council to meet so late at night?
6. What does the council finally conclude is the destination of the Turkish fleet?
7. In order to prove that he did not bewitch Desdemona, what witness does Othello request to
be present before the council?
8. What was the “witchcraft” that Othello claims that he used to win Desdemona’s heart?
4 / Othello
9. According to Desdemona, what is her “divided duty”?
10. Who does Othello leave behind to look after the affairs of Desdemona and to help her to
come to Cyprus later?
11. What did Brabantio say to Othello that gives the moor the first doubt regarding
Desdemona?
12. Why does Roderigo tell Iago that he is going to kill himself?
13. What is Iago’s advice for Roderigo to win Desdemona?
1.5 Critical Thinking

Where and in what terms is Othello’s race mentioned in Act I? Discuss whether race is a
factor for Iago’s hatred.

Explain the irony in Othello’s words, “Rude am I in my speech, / And little blest with the
soft phrase of peace” (p. 12).

Discuss what is the basis of the love between Othello and Desdemona.

Explain how Iago enlists the aid of his accomplice Roderigo. What are Iago’s true feelings
for Roderigo?
1.6 Bonus Thoughts

The Moors: The Moorish culture contributed significantly to Western Europe and
especially to Spain. Art, architecture, medicine, astronomy, and the humanities (especially
ancient Greek learning) are included among the many contributions. This black nomadic
people of the northern shores of Africa is primarily of Berber and Arab descent. In the
eighth century, the Moors were converted to Islam and then spread throughout northern
Africa and into Andalusia of Spain. The Moors crossed to Gibraltar in 711 and easily
conquered the failing Visigothic kingdom of Roderick. From here, the Moors spread beyond
the Pyrenees into France, where they were checked at the battle of Tours by Charles Martel
in 732. The cities in the south—Toledo, Córdoba, and Seville—soon became centers of a
new culture and were famed for their universities and architecture. For the next several
centuries thousands of skilled Moorish artisans and farmers came to Andalusia and
contributed largely to the intermittent prosperity of the country. The Moors were killed or
expelled in large numbers in the Roman Catholic re-conquest, which began with the
recovery of Toledo in 1085. Later, the victories of the Catholic armies in 1212 and 1236
hastened the eventual fall of the Moorish kingdom. There was continuous war, and one by
one the Moorish strongholds fell, until only Granada remained in their hands. Málaga was
taken in 1487 after a long siege by the forces of Ferdinand and Isabella, and in 1492
Granada was recovered. Nevertheless, many of the Moors remained in Spain; those who
remained faithful to Islam were called Mudejares, while those who accepted Christianity
were called Moriscos. A few decades later, the Moors were persecuted by Philip II, revolted
in 1568, and in the Inquisition were nearly exterminated. In 1609 the remaining Christian
Moriscos were expelled from Spain.
Othello / 5

Ancient: Iago is called the Ancient. This is a military term used to designate the standard
bearer, a position of great honor in an army. The word ancient is a variation of the word
ensign, which is a flag.

Mountebank: Brabantio accuses Othello in the presence of the Duke of drugging
Desdemona by using “spells and medicines bought of mountebanks.” This English word is
one of the few that is derived from Italian. The Italian phrase, monta im banco, means “one
gets up onto the bench.” Today, a mountebank refers to a hawker of quack medicines or a
flamboyant charlatan.
6 / Othello
Othello
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
descry v.
egregious adj.
dilatory adj.
cashier v.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Because he was AWOL from his unit for over a month, Private Hughes was
______________ from the service with a dishonorable discharge.
2. The other council members were getting upset with Mrs. McDonnell, who always offered
_____________ proposals designed to simply delay action on the impending ordinances for
the city.
3. The stranded sailor thought that he _____________ a distant sail, but he soon discovered
that it as only the product of his wishful thinking as the approaching object became a cloud.
4. The occupation by the foreign troops made the “peace” more _____________ than the
actual war due to the soldiers looting and sacking of the homes.
2.3 Reading Assignment: Othello, Act II
2.4 Recall Questions
1. What was the cause of the destruction of the Turkish fleet?
2. When Iago in his aside states “He takes her by the palm,” of which two people does he refer
to?
3. What lie does Iago tell Roderigo concerning Desdemona?
4. What plan does Iago conceive about Cassio, and what is Roderigo’s role in the plan?
5. Of what country does Iago sing about when he tries to get Cassio to drink some wine?
6. Against whom does Cassio draw his sword due to Roderigo’s telling him that the person
knew his job better than Cassio?
7. When Cassio is demoted and no longer an officer under Othello, Iago points out to Cassio
that Othello’s action is not out of malice, but out of what?
8. Why does Roderigo tell Iago that he was going back to Venice?
Othello / 7
2.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Venice, Cyprus, and the “land beyond the sea’s horizon” (Africa) represent
different worlds in terms of values and degrees of civilization.

Discuss Iago’s view of women. Is this view a realistic one?

Compare and contrast Cassio with Iago.

Explain how Iago likens himself to Satan.

Discuss how Othello is able to be so totally deceived by Iago.
2.6 Bonus Thoughts

The Tragic Hero and His Flaw: According to Aristotle, what marks a tragedy are two
distinctions. First, the play must not leave the audience depressed after witnessing so much
defeat and suffering. Indeed, the audience should leave the play feeling relieved, or even
happy. Perhaps the reason for such an odd result is that in the tragedy all sin is atoned for by
the end of the play. Second, the tragedy will evoke the emotions of pity and fear. In order
to experience these emotions, the tragic hero must not be completely good and not
completely evil. In other words, the hero ought to reflect a good representation of true
humanness. Aristotle adds that the hero must be of higher moral worth than the common
man. For this reason, the tragic hero will be a king or as in the case of Othello, the general
of an army. The hero’s downfall from happiness to ruin will appear that much greater. What
brings about the hero’s ruin is his tragic flaw. This flaw is always an error in judgment. In
Greek drama, a common flaw is pride or over-confidence. However, with Shakespeare, the
error in judgment can be any number of reasons, as is the case in Othello. We pity the hero
because his flaw is not due to wickedness, and his punishment for his bad judgment is much
more than he deserves. Yet, his destruction causes us to reflect that if such a result could
happen to a great man like Othello, then how shall we stand in the day when such events
overtake us? Thus, we fear the results of the tragic flaw and hopefully will avoid the
circumstances that destroyed such a noble person.
8 / Othello
Othello
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
ruminate v.
dissemble v.
castigation n.
vehement adj.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The plans for war were so well ______________ by the ambassador that the peace
commissioners honestly believed that the administration was seeking a suitable and peaceful
resolution to all grievances.
2. Often I find myself sitting in a chair and _______________ over a passage that I just read,
allowing the words to be turned over and over in my mind.
3. For a gentleman who did not seem to be passionate about anything, we were all surprised
with Robert offered _____________ opposition to our proposed razing of old building.
4. I have to admit that Joe’s _________________ was the worst I had ever witnessed the boss
give to any employee; but I have to also admit that Joe deserved the bawling out for
accidentally mixing glue with the mashed potatoes.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Othello, Act III
3.4 Recall Questions
1. Whom does Cassio send to speak with Desdemona about his being reinstated in the service
of Othello?
2. According to Othello, who was a vigorous suitor of Desdemona at the same time he was?
3. According to Iago, what is “the immediate jewel of their souls”?
4. What does Emilia pick up that was dropped by Desdemona?
5. Since Othello has lost his peace of mind regarding Desdemona, what does Othello demand
from Iago at the peril of his life?
6. What lie does Iago tell to Othello about overhearing Cassio talking in his sleep when Iago
had a toothache and was unable to sleep?
7. What does Othello order Iago to do within three days regarding Cassio?
8. What item does Othello ask Desdemona to produce for him?
Othello / 9
9. According to Emilia, what are men likened to?
10. Where did Cassio find the handkerchief?
3.5 Critical Thinking

Compare and contrast the relationship between Iago and Emilia with that between Othello
and Desdemona.

Discuss how Othello’s demeanor towards Desdemona changes in their three meetings in
today’s readings.

Explain how chance or fate enters into the play in today’s reading.
3.6 Bonus Thoughts

Bedfellows: When Iago lies to Othello about Cassio talking in his sleep, we discover that
these two men were bedfellows. A bedfellow is merely one who shares a bed with another.
The idiom “strange bedfellows” is credited to William Shakespeare in his play, The
Tempest: “Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows.” Like anyone whose mind is
distorted by sin, sodomites claim that this scene in today’s reading proves that Iago and
Cassio are lovers. However, during this time in history and well into the nineteenth century,
it was customary to share beds with others for practical reasons: it was cheaper when
traveling, and it provided additional warmth during cold evenings. Cassio and Iago were
soldiers, and no doubt, being the lieutenant and the ancient respectively, both would have
shared the same tent and blankets. Always read the text in the context of the period when
written, and do not apply ignorant notions of so-called modern standards to past customs.

Sibyl: An allusion is made of the Sibyl. While a sibyl is a woman prophet, the most famous
one is the Sibyl that escorts Æneus through the underworld in Vergil’s Æneid. During his
journey, Æneus tells the Sibyl that he will construct a temple for her and will offer sacrifices
to her. The Sibyl rebukes the warrior by explaining that she is not a goddess and cannot
claim sacrifices. Her story is a sad one, since the Sibyl was a victim of Apollo and her own
desire for immortality. Even though she refused the love of Apollo, the Sibyl was granted
one wish to be fulfilled by the god. After thinking for a moment, the young lady bent over
and scooped up a handful of sand. She announced to Apollo, “I wish to have as many years
of life as are the number of grains of sand in my hand.” The Sibyl’s request was granted.
However, she failed to ask for constant youth as well as years. As the years passed on, the
Sibyl got smaller and smaller, until she was put into a bottle. Many years later, when she
was merely a voice, the Sibyl was asked if she had another wish, what would she wish for.
She replied, “I wish to die.” The Sibyl plays a significant role in T. S. Eliot’s modern poem,
The Wasteland.
10 / Othello
Othello
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
venial adj.
fulsome adj.
mandate n.
avaunt adv.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Even though Ricky carelessly tossed the ball that broke our neighbor’s window, Mrs. Lloyd
said that the ____________ offense was easily remedied by my brother’s cutting her grass
for a month.
2. The English lord sent his servant _____________ with joy, because the faithful butler was
permitted to take an extended vacation.
3. Since the new president won the election by eighty percent of the vote, he was convinced
that this indicated a _____________ from the people to advance his agenda.
4. When defeated Scottish chieftains heard the _____________ praise of their conquerors,
they all laughed and spit on the ground, showing their displeasure.
4.3 Reading Assignment: Othello, Act IV
4.4 Recall Questions
1. What happens to Othello after Iago tells him that Desdemona had been unfaithful to him?
2. When Iago questions Cassio about his love affair, Othello overhears the conversion,
thinking that Cassio is talking about Desdemona, but in reality, whom is Cassio talking
about?
3. Who arrives in Cyprus unexpectedly and is a relative of Desdemona?
4. When Othello accuses Desdemona of being a strumpet, Desdemona denies the charge and
insists that she is a what?
5. After Othello leaves the room whom does Desdemona ask Emilia to bring to her?
6. What is ironic about Iago’s declaring that “Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible”?
7. Whom does Iago get to agree to kill Cassio?
8. According to Emilia, who is responsible for women becoming unfaithful to their marriage
vows?
Othello / 11
4.5 Critical Thinking

Discuss the symbolism of the handkerchief.

Is Emilia an example of an early feminist? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Emilia’s and Desdemona’s views of husbands.

Explain the character of Desdemona. In doing so, why does her character fail to be a
defense to be accepted by Othello?
4.6 Bonus Thoughts

Jealousy: We learn that Shakespeare coins the phrase “green-eyed monster” in Othello.
Almost everyone knows that this monster refers to jealousy. However, it is incorrect to
think that jealousy is wrong or wicked. Jealousy is not a sin. In fact, one of the names of the
Lord God is Jealous (Exodus 34:14). Closely connected with jealousy are the emotions of
love and anger, and this will help explain Othello’s actions toward Desdemona. God treats
his people Israel in the same manner as Othello treats Desdemona. However, Othello is
jealous due to misinformation, and not because of any unfaithfulness on the part of
Desdemona. In other words, Othello’s jealousy is unfounded.

Feminism: In today’s reading, the discussion of Emilia with Desdemona reveals some
rather interesting ideas about men. As a social movement, feminism centers on political,
economic, and educational equality of women with men. Thus, feminism’s foundation is
derived from eighteenth-century theories of liberal egalitarianism. Not surprising, feminism
has occurred mainly in Great Britain and the United States, because these two centralized
states offer the only foundation upon which feminism can build. Where else can the feminist
find a foundation to develop her theories but from the western tradition? Latin America?
The eastern tradition of China or Japan? Perhaps the Islamic tradition? What is surprising is
that feminism undermines the very foundation that it can find to build on. In short, feminism
is a form of suicide. However, the blame for this obvious path towards destruction is heaped
upon Christian ladies, who refuse to buy into the flawed theories of feminism. The feminists
are convinced that if the Christians would join the battle in order to present a united front
against the evils of patriarchy, then victory over men will be theirs. The trouble is that
feminism is not as united as the feminists claim, even without the Christian ladies.
Feminism is divided between different ethic groups and even between religions.
At the heart of feminism are three anti-Christian tenets. First, women are oppressed and
abused under any patriarchal society; second, all conflicts in society are the result of a class
struggle with women against men, where men are the root of all evil; and third, women are
fully capable of doing anything that men can do, if not better. Today’s feminists are still
locked into this tiresome Marxism. Issues today do not involve the gap between men and
women salaries or the lack of educational opportunities for young women, but issues are
more substantial like the real gap between the incomes of traditional families and of oneparent families, which are inevitably women-run households due mainly to divorce. In
addition to this, in that nearly 70% of African-American children are born out of wedlock,
the destruction of black families is nearly complete. Like any of the bankrupted ideas that
came from flawed human reason during the Enlightenment, Feminism can only tear down a
society and is incapable of building anything. In order to build a just society, one must go to
the Bible for guidance.
12 / Othello
Othello
Lesson Five
5.1
Vocabulary
restitution n.
minion n.
portent n.
interim n.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. After the military takeover, the general of the army appointed a temporary puppet governor
for the ____________ until a more permanent government could be formed.
2. While queen Elizabeth had many ______________ in her court, her favorite courtier was
Sir Walter Raleigh.
3. A just society would require a theft to pay ________________ to his victim, rather than
paying fines to the government or spending time in prison at taxpayers’ expense.
4. When Steve saw the gathering storm clouds, he was certain that the dark sky was a
____________ for some approaching rough weather.
5.3 Reading Assignment: Othello, Act V
5.4 Recall Questions
1. After Roderigo is wounded by Cassio, who sneaks up from behind Cassio to wound him?
2. Who kills Roderigo in the presence of Lodovico and Gratiano?
3. After sending Emilia back to Othello and Desdemona to report what had happened, Iago
states in an aside the night will either have one of two results. What are these two results?
4. According to Othello, why must he kill Desdemona?
5. How does Othello kill Desdemona?
6. Desdemona revives long enough to tell Emilia who was responsible for her death. Whom
does Desdemona state is her murderer?
7. After Emilia reveals the truth about the handkerchief, what does Iago do to Emilia?
8. What was found in the pocket of Roderigo that implicated Iago in the planned murder of
Cassio?
Othello / 13
9. When Cassio states, “This did I fear,” what was the fear that he was afraid of?
10. To whom did the inheritance of Othello go?
5.5 Critical Thinking

In your own opinion, explain what compels Othello to murder Desdemona.

Do you agree with Cassio that Othello was “great of heart”? Why or why not?

Explain what Othello means when he describes himself as a man who “loved not wisely but
too well.”

Discuss whether Othello is a tragic hero, or merely a pathetic soul.

Critics tend to disagree whether Othello is a Moslem or a Christian. By getting support from
the text, was Othello a Christian? Why or why not?
5.6 Bonus Thoughts

Prometheus: The reference to Prometheus offers more development of Desdemona as
bearing light. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus was one of the Titans, who
predated the gods. The task given to Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus was the
creation of man and the animals. The animals were given various gifts and abilities like fur,
strength, agility, and swiftness. By the time the Titans came to man, there was nothing left
to give him. Man was now naked and exposed to every danger from the elements and the
animals. However, Prometheus goes into the heavens and lights his torch with fire from the
sun. The Titan presents the fire to man, which proved to be very valuable, since the fire
could be used for cooking, for heating, for making weapons and tools, and for defending
himself from the animals. Thus, Prometheus became known as the friend of man.
14 / Othello
Glossary for Othello
avaunt (…-vônt“) adv. Hence; away
cashier (k²-shîr“) v. To dismiss from a position of command or responsibility, especially for
disciplinary reasons
castigation (k²s“t¹-g³”sh…n) n. The inflicting of severe punishment on; a severe criticism
circumscription (sûr”k…m-skr¹p“sh…n) n. Something, such as a limit or restriction, that
circumscribes; a circumscribed space or area
descry (d¹-skrº“) v. To catch sight of; to discover by careful observation or scrutiny; detect
dilatory (d¹l“…-tôr”¶) adj. Intended to delay; tending to postpone or delay
dissemble (d¹-sμm“b…l) v. To disguise or conceal behind a false appearance; disguise; to make a
false show of; feign
egregious (¹-gr¶“j…s) adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive; flagrant
facile (f²s“…l) adj. Done or achieved with little effort or difficulty; easy; nimble; arrived at
without due care, effort, or examination; superficial
fulsome (f‹l“s…m) adj. Offensively flattering or insincere; offensive to the taste or sensibilities
interim (¹n“t…r-¹m) n. An interval of time between one event, process, or period and another
mandate (m²n“d³t”) n. An authoritative command or instruction
minion (m¹n“y…n) n. An fawning follower or dependent; a sycophant; a subordinate official; one
who is highly esteemed or favored; a darling
obsequious (¼b-s¶“kw¶-…s) adj. Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning
portent (pôr“tμnt”) n. An indication of something important or calamitous about to occur; an
omen; prophetic or threatening sign
restitution (rμs”t¹-t›“sh…n) n. The act of restoring to the rightful owner something that has been
taken away, lost, or surrendered; the act of making good for loss, damage, or injury;
indemnification; a return to or restoration of a previous state or position
ruminate (r›“m…-n³t”) v. To turn a matter over and over in the mind; ponder; to chew cud
timorous (t¹m“…r-…s) adj. Full of apprehensiveness; timid
vehement (v¶“…-m…nt) adj. Characterized by forcefulness of expression or intensity of emotion
or conviction; fervid; intense; marked by or full of vigor or energy; strong
venial (v¶“n¶-…l) adj. Easily excused or forgiven; pardonable
Othello
Vocabulary Quiz
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. obsequious
D. facile
G. dilatory
J. dissemble
M. venial
P. avaunt
S. portent
B. timorous
E. descry
H. cashier
K. castigation
N. fulsome
Q. restitution
T. interim
C. circumscription
F. egregious
I. ruminate
L. vehement
O. mandate
R. minion
1. _____ intended to delay; tending to postpone or delay
2. _____ forcefulness of expression or intensity of emotion or conviction
3. _____ something, such as a limit or restriction, that circumscribes
4. _____ an authoritative command or instruction
5. _____ to disguise or conceal behind a false appearance
6. _____ act of making good for loss, damage, or injury
7. _____ an interval of time between one event, process, or period and another
8. _____ full of apprehensiveness; timid
9. _____ hence; away
10. _____ to turn a matter over and over in the mind; ponder
11. _____ an indication of something important or calamitous about to occur
12. _____ conspicuously bad or offensive; flagrant
13. _____ easily excused or forgiven; pardonable
14. _____ done or achieved with little effort or difficulty
15. _____ offensively flattering or insincere
16. _____ to dismiss from a position of command or responsibility
17. _____ a fawning follower or dependent
18. _____ to catch sight of; detect
19. _____ inflicting of severe punishment on
20. _____ full of or exhibiting servile compliance
Answer Keys to Othello
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. timorous
2. obsequious
3. facile
4. circumscription
Lesson 1
1. Othello passed over Iago for promotion in favor of Michael Cassio, a non-professional
soldier.
2. Roderigo tells Brabantio that his daughter, Desdemona, has eloped with Othello the Moor.
3. Othello is to report to the Duke and council immediately.
4. Brabantio possesses years, in other words, a mark of respect.
5. The Duke received word that the Turks were deploying a hostile fleet of ships.
6. The Turkish fleet is destined for Cyprus.
7. Othello asks that Desdemona be permitted to speak.
8. What won Desdemona was Othello’s ability to tell a good story.
9. To her father, Desdemona owes her life and education; to Othello, she owes greater duty
than to her father.
10. Othello appoints Iago to the task of helping Desdemona.
11. Brabantio states that Othello needs to watch Desdemona closely, because since she deceived
her father, she could easily deceive him.
12. Roderigo loved Desdemona, and lost her to Othello.
13. Iago suggests patience and getting money, because he believes Othello will become bored
with Desdemona, and then Roderigo will have money to woe her.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. cashiered
2. dilatory
3. descried
4. egregious
Lesson 2
1. A storm had destroyed the fleet.
2. Iago refers to Cassio and Desdemona, as Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand.
3. Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona was in love with Cassio.
4. Iago plans to disgrace Cassio by getting him drunk, and Roderigo is to pick a fight with
him.
5. Iago sings about England.
6. Cassio thought Montano had slandered him, and therefore fought with him.
7. Othello acted due to policy, and not malice.
8. Roderigo states that his money is almost gone and that his being beaten was not part of the
plan.
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Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. dissembled
2. ruminating
3. vehement
4. castigation
Lesson 3
1. Cassio sends the wife of Iago, Emilia.
2. The suiter was Cassio.
3. Iago states that a good name is the jewel of men’s souls.
4. Emilia picks up a handkerchief, the first gift given to Desdemona from Othello.
5. Othello demands visible proof of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness to him.
6. Iago states that Cassio spoke in his sleep to Desdemona, warning her that they had to be
careful about their supposed love.
7. Iago is to kill Cassio.
8. Othello wants to see the handkerchief that he had given to her.
9. Men are likened to stomachs.
10. The handkerchief was found in Cassio’s room (chamber).
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. venial
2. avaunt
3. mandate
4. fulsome
Lesson 4
1. Othello falls into a trance.
2. Cassio is talking about his mistress, Bianca.
3. Desdemona’s cousin, Lodovico, arrives in Cyprus.
4. Desdemona states that she is a Christian.
5. Desdemona requests Emilia to bring Iago to her room.
6. Iago is the man that Emilia describes as being a “busy and insinuating rogue.”
7. Iago gets Roderigo to agree to kill Cassio.
8. Emilia blames husbands for teaching their wives to be unfaithful.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. interim
2. minions
3. restitution
4. portent
Lesson 5
1. Iago wounds Cassio.
2. Iago kills Roderigo.
3. Iago states that the night will either make him or ruin him.
4. Othello must kill Desdemona in order that she will not betray other men.
5. Othello kills Desdemona by smothering her (“he stifles her”).
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6. Desdemona states that no one murdered her, but she took her own life.
7. Iago stabs his wife with his sword.
8. A letter was found in the pocket of Roderigo that implicated Iago.
9. Cassio feared that Othello would commit suicide.
10. The inheritance went to Gratiano.
Othello
1. G
2. L
3. C
4. O
5. J
6. Q
7. T
8. B
9. P
10. I
11. S
12. F
13. M
14. D
15. N
16. H
17. R
18. E
19. K
20. A
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