Study Guide Questions for Act I of Shakespeare’s Othello
Name: ANSWER GUIDE
1. Analyze Iago’s actions when he and Roderigo are waking Brabantio.
He is trying to turn Brabantio against Othello, and generally trying to destroy Othello’s
character.
2. Critique Iago and Roderigo’s relationship.
They aren’t friends. Iago is using Roderigo for personal gain, and Roderigo is depending on
Iago to help him win Desdemona.
3. Explain Iago’s actions toward Roderigo in the near-battle scene.
He acts as if he will attack Roderigo—this action helps maintain the illusion that he
supports Othello.
4. Paraphrase Brabantio’s response to Desdemona’s “testimony” (see the text, I.iii, pg. 15).
He acknowledges her marriage to Othello, yet he will have nothing else to do with her.
5. Explain the debate that immediately follows the marriage discussion. What is the result?
Othello must leave for war, and it must be decided where Desdemona will stay. The
result is that she will go to Cyprus to join Othello.
6. Quote Brabantio’s final warning to Othello (I.iii, pg. 18). Explain whether it is an
example of foreshadowing.
“Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see:
She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
Technically, it IS NOT foreshadowing, since she never actually deceives Othello
anywhere in the play.
7. Discuss the irony of the phrase “honest Iago”.
Iago is dishonest towards everyone he encounters, using them for his personal gain.
8. Analyze Iago’s repeated advice to Roderigo. What does it suggest about Iago’s
intentions for him?
Iago repeatedly says “put money in thy purse.” Iago is planning on using Roderigo and his
wealth to make it easier for him to destroy Othello.
9. In his monologue, how does Iago explain his relationship with Roderigo (I.iii, pg. 20)?
He says he makes his fool his purse. Roderigo is a dupe whom he will use for personal
sport and fortune.
10. Discuss the details of Iago’s plan.
Iago is going to influence Othello, through word and deed, to persuade him to think that
Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.