English 7
Ms. Sottile
LMGHS
J. Zaza, Principal
Othello Homework Assignments
Background
“Othello is a drama of pathos and pity rather than a tragedy of character in which some tragic flaw brings about the doom
of the hero.” (Wright/LeMar) The Italian setting and atmosphere of the play were calculated to appeal to the Elizabethan
appetite, long fascinated with wicked Italy and with villains like Iago. The source of the play is a short story from the
Hecatomithis, a collection of tales published by Giraldi Cinthio in 1565. While Shakespeare probably did not read Italian,
the tale was widely known in England and used by other dramatists. While reading the play, pay particular attention to
the ironic presentation of Iago’s character as outwardly honest. He completely deceives Othello, who himself is
courageous, open, unsuspecting—even perhaps naïve when it comes to matters of the heart. The subtle poisoning of
Othello against his beloved wife Desdemona is a finely crafted, perfectly wicked scheme. Pay particular attention to the
soliloquies of Iago where he reveals his true nature. Trace the emotional changes in Othello’s character by noting his
use of language.
HW--Research the life and times of Shakespeare and anything relevant to the writing or performances of the play
Othello. Bring at least one article to share in class.
HW #1-Read pages xiii-xl-Take DEN** There will be a quiz on the life and times of Shakespeare and the introductory
reading.
HW #2-Read Act I, sc. 1-2-Take DEN/vocabulary words. (definition, part of speech and synonym/antonym) Make a
chart and hand in the vocabulary with every assignment. Answer all questions with supporting text.
1-What conflicts are established?
2-List five facts you learn about Othello.
3-Describe Iago.
facile, preposterously, beguiled, mandate, overt, imminent, insolent, sovereign
HW #3-Read Act I, sc 3-DEN/vocabulary
1. How do Othello and Desdemona feel about one another? (give two examples)
2. How does Desdemona’s father (Brabantio) feel about Othello as a son-in-law? How did he feel about him
before he married Desdemona?
3. What do Brabantio’s final lines (l 333-334) foreshadow?
4. Put Iago’s soliloquy in your own words. (l 426-447)
alacrity, bereft, consecrate, discern
HW #4-Read Act II, sc 1-2-DEN/vocabulary
1. What do you learn about Cassio’s character?
2. Why does Desdemona enter into the bantering with Iago? (l 131-175)
3. What do you find out about Iago’s perception of women from his part in the bantering? Give two examples.
tempest, paragons, contention, gall, chides, muse, paradox, profane, dote, prating, satiety, lechery, impediment
HW #5-Read Act II, sc. 3-DEN/vocabulary
1. What does Iago’s soliloquy (49-61) reveal about his intentions?
2. Identify two tactics Iago is using to implement his plan. Cite the specific lines that tell you this.
misogyny, hazard, barbarous, propriety, clamor, bestial, repute, imperious, discourse, importune
HW #6-Read Act III, sc 1-3-DEN/vocabulary
1. What possible reason did Shakespeare have for including Sc. 1 in the middle of the tragedy?
2. Use evidence from Acts I&II to prove that, up to this point, Othello is not the jealous type.
3. Describe Othello’s feeling as Desdemona and Emilia exit. Cite the specific lines to support your opinion.
4. What seemingly insignificant object does Iago obtain accidently?
dilatory, procure, affinity, fortification, politic, languishes, incur, perdition, ruminate, vehement, ocular
HW #7-Rad Act III, sc 4-DEN/vocabulary
1. How does the exchange between Othello and Desdemona play into Iago’s plan?
2. What is happening to the action of the play?
visage, imputation, catechize, dissemble, castigation, advocation, sanctified, venial, dotage, credulous, lethargy
HW #8-Read Act IV, sc 1-DEN/vocabulary
1. How has Othello changed? How is his emotional/mental stage affecting others? Be specific.
2. How does Iago use Othello’s uncertainly to his advantage?
3. At what point do you know that Iago’s plan has succeeded?
4. Who does Iago resemble?
strumpet, plenteous, expostulate, requite, chaste procreants, cistern, impudent, mettle, valor, harlotry
HW #9-Read Act IV, sc 2-3-DEN/vocabulary
1. Choose three examples that highlight the contrast between Desdemona’s innocence with Othello’s accusations.
2. What do you learn about Emilia?
3. What is foreshadowed in Scene 3?
4. How will Iago use Rodrigo to cover his tracks?
beseech, frailty, restitution, direful, malice, perjury, pernicious, odious, amorous, chastity, interim
HW #10-Read Act V-DEN/vocabulary
1. What impact does Desdemona’s purity and innocence have on the resolution of the tragedy?
2. How does Emilia respond when Othello tells her “thy husband knew it all?”
3. Who is the guilty party to the crimes of the play?
4. What do you think the theme of this play is?
extenuate, traduced, obsequious, timorous, lascivious, rebuke