Name: ________________________ Class: __Language Arts_ Date: __________
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Othello Act 2 Scene 1
Multiple Choice - Use these questions to check your understanding of the scene.
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1. In Act 2 this is very clear about Iago
a. He respects women and especially of wives.
b. He discounts women and considers them slightly less worse than whores.
c. He thinks women do not get enough credit for their abilities if they are ugly.
2. What does Iago mean by the following quote "He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, whisper: with as
little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio" (II.i.169).
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a. The flies are prevelant in Cyprus
b. Iago hopes to use Cassio's hand-holding to frame him so he will lose his promotion.
c. Othello has witnessed Cassio holding hands with his wife
3. Why does Cassio kiss Desdemona’s hand?
a. He is showing friendly courtesy appropriate during these times.
b. He and Desdemona are in love and are having an affair.
c. Actually Cassio never did kiss Desdemona’s hand.
4. Who does Iago say that Desdemona is in love with and will soon have an affair?
a. Othello
b. Iago
c. Cassio
5. Now what is the reason that Iago gives for wanting revenge on Othello?
a. Othello made Iago pay back money he owed to a merchant.
b. Cassio has threatened Iago and after Iago told Othello, Othello dismissed it as a lie.
c. Iago thinks Othello has slept with his wife.
Short Answer
6. Summary Writing: retell the scene you witnessed using signal words and subordinating clauses.
First,
Then
Later,
After
When
Although
Sometimes
Meanwhile
Once
Whenever
Afterwhile
Because
Complete the crossword on back for 5 points
1
Whether
While
In order that
Even though
Before
Unless
Since
If
Othello Act 2 scene 1
Language Arts
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2
3
4
5
6
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EclipseCrossword.com
Across
2.
Iago wants to use this handsome young captain in
his plot for revenge.
6.
At sea, there is a giant one that sinks the Ottoman
fleet.
8.
Iago's _____ is ashamed of him for some of the
things he says.
9.
This is the word for wanting something you don't
have. It is also method for Iago's revenge.
Down
1.
This action by Cassio might get him in trouble
(according to Iago).
2.
This is the setting of scene 1.
3.
This is the word used for when one cheats on his
or her spouse. It is Iago's claim for his revenge.
4.
This young wealthy kid shows up to help Iago
because he believes he might get Desdemona
back.
5.
He arrives safely and is clearly glad to see his wife
again.
7.
According to Iago all women are these.
Name: ________________________ Class: _Language Arts_ Date: __________
ACT 2 SCENE 2 & 3
Othello Act 2 scene 2-3
True/False
Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.
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1. True or False: Iago wanted Roderigo to anger Cassio. He thought this would show that
Cassio was undisciplined and then he would be relieved of his duty. This would allow
Roderigo a better chance of getting Desdemona, since Othello and Desdemona would have to stay
longer until a replacement for Cassio could be found.
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2. True or False: Iago was encouraging and using Roderigo in order to get revenge on him
(Roderigo) for a wrong that Roderigo's father had done to Iago's father, although it happened many
years ago, Iago had sworn revenge, and saw his chance now.
Multiple Choice
Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
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____
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3. What lie did Iago tell Montano about Cassio?
a. He said Cassio was stealing money from Othello.
b. He said Cassio was drunk every night, and would probably be drunk in an crisis.
c. He said Cassio had lied about this qualifications to get the position he has.
4. How did Iago cause Cassio to be argumentative?
a. Iago discussed politics with him, and purposely disagreed about everything.
b. Iago made insinuating remarks about Cassio's marital status.
c. Iago encouraged Cassio to get drunk.
5. What was the result of Iago's crafty explanation of Cassio's fight with Roderigo?
a. Othello stripped Cassio of his rank.
b. They were both put in jail for a month.
c. Roderigo was banished from the city for a month.
6. Why did Cassio ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello's faith in him?
a. He feels remorse for what he has done and thought he embarrassed her.
b. If she would take up Cassio's cause, it would appear as though as she trusts him.
c. Cassio has been secretly plotting with the Ottomans and is playing a trick on her.
7. What is Othello mad about?
a. The fight has frightened town and made his soldiers look rowdy and menacing.
b. He is afraid the Ottomans might find out that they are fighting each other.
c. He is afraid that they have frightened his wife.
8. What does Othello to punish Cassio?
a. Has him executed.
b. Gives him a bonus.
c. Fires him from his job.
9. Whose idea was it for Cassio to ask Desdemona for help?
a. Iago’s
b. Cassio’s
c. Emilia’s
10. What does everyone think of Iago in scene 3?
a. He really is a drunk and starts fights in bars.
b. He is after everyone’s wife.
c. He is honest and they call him this all the time.
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Name: ________________________
ACT 2 SCENE 2 & 3
Paragraph - Write a persuasive response using support from Act 2.
11. In the soliloquy that concludes Act II, scene i, Iago once again explains quite clearly what he intends
to do, despite his comment that his plan is “yet confused” (II.i.298). At the same time, his statements
about what motivates him are hazy and confusing. In an essay explain whether he is motivated by
lust for Desdemona, envy of Cassio, or jealousy over his wife’s supposed affair with Othello? Cite
one quote as an example in your summary.
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