Othello Discussion Questions Act 2
Below are questions we will discuss about the reading. Please respond to these questions using
thoughtful responses and referring back to the text for support for any of your answers. These
questions will set the foundation for classroom discussions. You should always be prepared to
answer these questions because you never know when I am going to call on you. 
1. Describe Iago’s encounter between Emilia and Desdemona. What assumptions can on make about
Iago’s character towards women? Emilia? Desdemona?
2. After reading the encounter between Emilia, Desdemona, and Iago, is Emilia weak or playing the
role of a good wife? Is Desdemona strong or just too mouthy?
3. What gesture does Iago notice between Cassio and Desdemona? How does he plan to use that as a
result? Is it justifiable or is Iago just wasting his time? Could you really use something like that
read into something more than a friendship?
4. What lie does Iago tell Roderigo about Desdemona and Cassio? What is Iago’s evidence? Why
does he choose to tell Roderigo that lie?
5. In the end of scene one, Iago reveals more of his feelings about Othello, Cassio, and his plan. What
does Iago’s soliloquy reveal about his attitude toward Othello? What does the audience learn
about Iago’s character and/or state of mind? Is it safe to say at this point, Iago’s hatred towards
Othello is stemming from more than not receiving the job as lieutenant?
6. How does Iago dishonor Cassio while speaking with Montano? What is the purpose in having this
conversation about Cassio with Montano? How is Shakespeare trying to paint Iago’s character in
this section of the scene? Is Shakespeare successful?
7. Even though Iago is trying to take up for his friend, Cassio, describe the type of language he uses
that ultimately convinces Othello to take action against Cassio? What was the purpose? How did
Iago carefully defend Cassio and “throw him under the bus” at the same time?
8. When we first met Othello, he appeared as a calm man who did not have to yell or raise his
temper. What new aspect of Othello’s personality do we see when he arrives to see what
happened between Cassio and Montano? What is taken away from his modest character, if
anything? Did Othello make the right decision in regards to Cassio’s punishment? Was Othello’s
decision reflective of a levelheaded, fair leader or a rash, unfair leader?
9. Cassio’s behavior can be viewed as unattractive in a professional manner? What aspects of his
behavior drove Othello to his decision? Do you think Cassio’s behavior was bad enough for the
harsh consequence he received? Is Cassio’s behavior his entire fault or is it okay to partially blame
Iago for what happened? Based on Cassio’s reaction after Othello leaves, what can the reader infer
about Cassio’s character?
10. Iago offers Cassio advice. How does Iago make himself appear convincing and friendly towards
Cassio? How is Iago using his own advice to Cassio as a piece to his plot to bring Othello down?
How are Iago’s tactics a true indicator to his intelligence?