Othello: Act 5 scene 1
Reading Instructions and Activities
Read the questions below, use a pencil to underline the lines in your text. Complete the
scene summary, then read the scene. When you come to a highlighted line, attempt to
answer the assigned question on the sheet. Once you have completed this task, you may
finish the theme question.
Summarize what will occur in this scene (1 mark)
Examine Plotline (1 mark each)
1. What task has Iago assigned to Roderigo?
2. Who wounds Cassio?
3. How does Roderigo’s murder occur?
4. Cassio claims to have been “undone” (line 54), what is meant by this term?
5. define malice (5.1.103)
Analyze Text (2 marks each)
1. Now, whether he kill Cassio, or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way
makes my gain. (5.1.13)
What does Iago reveal to us regarding his attachment to Roderigo?
2. “The voice of Cassio: Iago keeps his word” (5.1.27)
Explain what Othello is thinking at this time
3. Othello states that Iago has taught him a lesson (5.1.33). What actions has Othello
learned from, and why is this somewhat ironic?
4. “Strumpet, I come! Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted; Thy
bed, lust-stain’d, shall with lust’s blood be spotted.” (5.1.35)
What is meant by the term “Strumpet”. How is this line significant to the
action of the play?
5. He that lies slain here, Cassio, was my dear friend. What malice was between
you? (5.1.102)
Translate Iago’s words into your own. What is Iago implying here?
6. “Look you pale, mistress?...Do you see, gentlemen… guiltiness” (5.1.105-109)
Explain what Iago is implying about Bianca here. Predict what lies in her
future.
7. “This is the fruits of whoring” (5.1.116)
Explain the purpose of these words
Theme: Study Othello’s character… For each of the following claims, find a
suitable line of evidence from the text. Next, explain how this quotation proves
your claim. 6 marks total
1. Othello originally loves and treasures Desdemona above everything else
2. Iago’s “poison” has forced Othello to question his love for Desdemona
3. Othello hates and despises Desdemona above everything else.