ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
Act I, Scene I
1. Often in plays, the setting is not just “where the story happens,” but includes the
geographical, historical, social, economic, or philosophical setting. Explain the type of
setting that Shakespeare establishes at the beginning of the play. What does the
setting convey to the audience?
2. How does Iago believe that people are promoted within the ranks? What effect does
his commentary have on the audience?
3. What does the audience learn about the relationship between Roderigo and Iago?
How does Iago manipulate Roderigo?
4. Shakespeare begins the play with two secret acts. Explain each deception and the
effect that these deceptions have on the tone of the play.
5. Make a list of the images that Shakespeare uses to describe Othello. What do the
images suggest about Othello?
6. Using examples from the play, illustrate how Brabantio’s attitude toward Roderigo
changes throughout the first act. Why do you think that Brabantio’s attitude
changes?
Act I, Scene II
1. Explain the irony in Iago’s discussion with Othello after Iago has just left Roderigo at
Brabantio’s house.
2. Explain the confusion when Iago and Othello see men approaching Othello’s home.
What do we learn about the men’s characters in this conflict?
3. Why is Iago unwilling to be present when he is talking about Othello’s marriage to
Desdemona? Cite two instances where Iago avoids being involved.
4. How does Othello contradict the image that Iago has portrayed of him to the
audience?
Act I, Scene III
1. Explain the parallels and symbolism between the distraction of the Turks
approaching Venice and Iago’s deceptions.
2. Explain the difference in tone between these two references to Othello:
RODERIGO: To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor—(Act I, Scene I, line 137)
FIRST SENATOR: Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. (Act I, Scene III, line 53)
Act II, Scene I
1. Explain the purpose of the descriptions at the beginning of the act.
2. Describe the nature of the weather as the scene opens. What might the weather
indicate about the “nature of things”?
3. What do we learn about Othello’s character from the trouble at sea?
4. Using your understanding of the imagery in the following passage, characterize the
relationship between Cassio and Othello. ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
CASSIO: His bark is stoutly timber’d, and his pilot Of very expert and approved
allowance;
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death,
Stand in bold cure. (lines 53
– 56)
5. Early in Scene I, as Iago and Desdemona’s ship approaches, Cassio describes
Desdemona to the Gentlemen with whom he is speaking:
CASSIO: Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid That paragons1 description and
wild fame;
/ One that excels the quirks2 of blazoning pens,
/ And in the essential
vesture3 of creation / Does tire the ingener.4
and later refers to Desdemona as “the riches of the ship” (line 91).
1 outdoes 2 figures of speech 3 clothing (i.e., her natural traits) 4 one who might describe her
Reread Iago’s description of women as he characterizes them in lines 115 – 177.
Contrast the two descriptions of women. Why does Shakespeare include both of the
descriptions? What do the commentaries tell us about the person making the
assertions?
6. After the interchange between Desdemona and Iago, how would you characterize
Desdemona?
7. What is the purpose of the following aside? IAGO: (Aside.) 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. / Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve5 thee
in
thine own courtship. / You say true; ‘tis so, indeed. / If such tricks as these strip you
out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so
often which now again you are most apt to play the sir6 in.
/ Very good. Well kissed!
an excellent courtesy! ‘tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? Would they
were clysterpipes7 for your sake! [Trumpet within.] The Moor! I know his trumpet.
(1.1.180 – 185)
8. Read the following section and explain how it functions as an example of
foreshadowing: OTHELLO: ...If it were now to die,
/ Twere now to be most happy; for I fear
/ My
soul hath her content so absolute
/ That not another comfort like to this
/ Succeeds
in unknown fate. (Act II, Scene I, lines 202 – 206)
9. What does Othello mean when he states, “News friends: our wars are done, the Turks
are drown’d.” (Act II, Scene I, line 219)
10. Why do Iago and Roderigo stay behind after all the others have left to travel to
Cyprus? What is further revealed about Iago’s plan? How does Roderigo respond to
Iago’s claims?
11. What does Iago instruct Roderigo to do?
12. Read the soliloquy that ends the scene. What does the reader learn about Iago’s plan?
What are the possible motivations for Iago’s revenge? What do you believe is the
reason for Iago’s anger at Cassio and Othello?
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
Act II, Scene II
1. Explain the occasion on which the Herald is giving his proclamation. Summarize the
Herald’s proclamation.
Act II, Scene III
1. On what occasion are Iago and Cassio going to spend time together? Explain the
dramatic irony in the situation and in Othello’s statement, “Iago is most honest.”
(2.3.7)
2. Read the first 42 lines of Act II, Scene III again. Using examples from the text, explain
the differences between how Othello speaks about and to Desdemona and how
Cassio and Iago discuss the current “situation” between Othello and Desdemona.
What might these speeches tell the audience about the characters of the men?
3. Analyze the conversation between Iago and Cassio in lines 13 – 41 in Act II, Scene III.
What do you believe Iago is trying to accomplish?
4. When Iago learns that his plan to influence Cassio’s feelings about Desdemona has
failed, what does he try to do? Analyze Iago’s speech and explain Iago’s purpose in
his actions.
IAGO: If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk tonight
already,
He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense
As my young mistress’ dog. Now my
sick fool Roderigo, Whom love hath turn’d almost the wrong side out, To Desdemona
hath tonight caroused
Potations pottledeep;8 and he’s to watch:
Three lads of
Cyprus, noble swelling spirits,
That hold their honors in a wary distance,9
The very
elements of this warlike isle,
Have I tonight fluster’d with flowing cups,
And they
watch too. Now, ‘mongst this flock of
drunkards,
Am I to put our Cassio in some
action10
That may offend the isle. But here they come:
If consequence11 do but
approve12 my dream,13
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. (2.3. 42 –
58)
5. Explain the significance of the following line by first explaining the speaker, the
audience, and the situation in which the line is contextualized.
“He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar and give direction.”
6. Summarize what happens after Cassio and Iago drink with the men.
7. Trace the use of the word “honest” through Act II. Explain the irony in how it is used
in lines 132 – 133.
8. Explain Othello’s insinuation when he states, “Are we turn’s Turks, and to ourselves
do that which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites?” (Act II, Scene III, lines 162 – 164)
9. Why do you think the men will not answer Othello’s questions about what happened
between the men?
10. When Iago is explaining to Othello what happened to cause the fight, why do you
think he leaves Roderigo’s name out of the narration?
11. What action does Othello take against Cassio upon hearing that Cassio is responsible
for the fight?
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
12. Describe the relationship between Desdemona and Othello as it appears at this
point in the play.
13. Explain the difference between the way Cassio and Iago view reputations. Is the
view of reputation that Iago explains to Cassio an accurate depiction of how he
really feels? How do we know?
14. How does Cassio misunderstand the “devil” in the situation?
15. Explain the imagery in Iago’s soliloquy. What do we learn about Iago’s character
through this speech? What do we learn about his plan?
IAGO: And what’s he then that says I play the villain? . . . That shall enmesh them all.
(Act II, Scene III, lines 321 – 347)
16. At this point in the play, we must investigate the motivation behind Iago’s scheme
in order to understand Iago’s strategies and how his plan to destroy Othello is put
into place. You may need to refer to previous scenes in the play.
a. What do you believe is Iago’s motivation in his destruction of Othello?
b. How does Iago immediately ensnare Roderigo as an accomplice in his plan?
c. Examine the conversations between Iago and Othello throughout the play thus
far. What technique does Iago use in speaking to Othello that helps to advance
his plan?
d. Reread Iago’s last three speeches at the end of Act One. What does it appear is
his motivation for his hatred of Othello? Find an example from the text to support
your answer.
e. Explain the Cassio phase of Iago’s plan to dishonor, discredit, and destroy Othello.
17. Examine Iago’s language at the end of Act Two. How does the language change?
What might have been a reason for Shakespeare to employ this change at the end of
the act?
Act III, Scene I
1. Explain the action and purpose at the beginning of the scene.
2. How is the concept of honesty contrasted in the conversation between Iago and
Cassio?
3. What request does Cassio make of Emilia?
Act III, Scene II
1. Summarize the events in this scene.
Act III, Scene III
1. What is significant about the action at the beginning of the scene? What do we learn
about the conversation between Desdemona and Cassio?
2. Explain the foreshadowing in the following lines: ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
CASSIO: Ay, but, lady,
/ That policy may either last so long,
/ Or feed upon such nice
and waterish diet,
/ Or breed itself so out of circumstance,
/ That, I being absent and
my place supplied,
/ My general will forget my love and service. (3. 3. 15 – 20)
3. How does Iago take advantage of Cassio’s departure as soon as Othello enters the
garden?
4. Explain the irony in Desdemona’s statement “I have no judgement in an honest face
....” (3.3.54)
5. Explain Desdemona’s tone in her conversation with Othello concerning Cassio.
6. After Desdemona compels Othello to speak to Cassio, she leaves. Othello states the
following: OTHELLO: Excellent wretch! / Perdition catch my soul, / But I do love thee! and
when I love thee not,
/ Chaos is come again. (3. 3. 100 – 103) Why do you think Iago is able to sow the seed of jealousy in Othello’s heart, if
Othello loves Desdemona as much as he claims he does?
How does Iago influence Othello’s thoughts?
7. Explain the meaning in Othello’s speech: OTHELLO: Why, why is this?
. . . Away at once with love or jealousy! (3.3.199 –
215)
8. What does the image of the “green-eyed monster” signify, and how is it represented
as a theme throughout the play? Read the following lines and explain the irony.
IAGO: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
/ It is the green-eyes monster, which doth
mock
/ The meat it feeds on. (3. 3. 165 – 167)
9. Read the following speech. How does Iago use Othello’s personality as a part of his
plan to ruin the Moor? What advice does he give Othello? IAGO: I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason . . . Is not to leave’t undone, but
keep’t unknown. (3. 3. 216 – 227)
10. What does Iago reveal about his character in his interaction with Othello?
11. Read the following lines from Act Three. How does Othello compare himself with
Desdemona? What do we learn about Othello’s view of himself and Iago? OTHELLO: This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, / And knows all qualities, with a
learned spirit,
/ Of human dealings. . . Even then this forked plague is fated to
us
When we do quicken. Desdemona comes .... (3. 3. 289 – 308)
12. Desdemona’s handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did
Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?
Finally, who gets it, and what is to be done with it?
13. How would you characterize the relationship between Iago and Emilia?
14. Iago’s first step in his plan to dishonor Othello is to ruin the Moor’s opinion of
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
Cassio. That being accomplished, Iago then attempts to make Othello jealous. Again,
with only so much as a word, Iago is able to accomplish the task. After he retrieves
the handkerchief from Emilia, how does he prompt Othello to discuss the proof
again?
15. Why do you think Othello is willing to believe Iago without confronting his wife with
the accusation? What do you believe Shakespeare is saying about the relationships
between men and women during this time?
16. Analyze Iago’s view of love as is illustrated in his following statement: It is
impossible you should see this
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As
salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross
As ignorance made drunk. (3. 3. 448 – 451)
17. As Iago continues to fuel Othello’s mistrust, Othello begins to respond to Iago’s
insinuations in short bursts of speech. Analyze Act III, Scene III, lines 373 – 530 and
draw a conclusion about Othello’s state of mind. Answers the following questions:
a. Which of the lines illustrate Othello’s emotional confusion between rationally
analyzing the situation between Desdemona and Cassio and doubting
Desdemona’s love and fidelity?
b. Which of the lines illustrate Iago’s ability to turn Othello into the “green-eyed
monster”?
c. Which of the linesi llustrate Othello’s weaknesses that allow him to fall into
Iago’s trap? .
18. At the end of Act III, Scene III, Othello makes a request. What does he ask of Iago?
What becomes of Iago?
Act III, Scene IV
1. Explain how the scene’s beginning is in direct contrast to the end of the previous
scene.
2. What do you believe is the symbolism associated with the handkerchief?
3. Othello and Desdemona see each other for the first time since Iago has poisoned
Othello’s mind. How does Othello seem to be treating Desdemona? What language
gives away the complexity behind Othello’s emotions?
4. Explain the significance of the following speech. OTHELLO: This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart: . . . ‘Tis a good hand,
/ A
frank one. (3.4. 39 – 45)
5. After Othello describes the importance of the handkerchief (lines 60 – 73), he tries to
elicit a response from Desdemona about where she may find the handkerchief.
Evaluate the language between Desdemona and Othello. What do you notice about
Othello’s demeanor as it is illustrated through his language?
6. How does Desdemona interpret Othello’s questions in lines 75 – 107?
7. What do you believe is the central conflict at this point in the play? What do you
believe will be Iago’s further role in the conflict?
8. Explain the symbolism in the following lines: ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
EMILIA: But jealous souls will not be answer’d so;
They are not ever jealous for the
cause,
But jealous for they are jealous. ‘Tis a monster
Begot upon itself, born on
itself.
(3. 4. 169 – 172) Explain the connection and the irony between Iago’s earlier reference to the greeneyed monster and Emilia’s reference to the monster above.
9. A foil is a character who contrasts or parallels a main character in a play or story.
Some people characterize Emilia and Bianca as foil for Desdemona. How would you
explain Emilia as a foil for Desdemona?
10. In the final scene of Act III, Bianca is angry at Cassio. How do Bianca and Othello
parallel each other in their relationships with their significant others?
11. In this scene, Othello recounts the way in which he came to have the handkerchief
that Desdemona has lost. What does Othello’s speech highlight about his character?
How does this play into Iago’s manipulation of the scenario between Othello, Cassio,
and Desdemona? Cite an example from the play that illustrates Iago’s use of Othello’s
perceived weakness.
Act IV, Scene I
1. How does the scene begin? Explain the significance of the following conversation
between Iago and Othello. Explain the symbolism of the handkerchief.
IAGO: So they do nothing, ‘tis a venial30 slip: / But if I give my wife a handkerchief
OTHELLO: What then?
IAGO: Why, then, ‘tis hers, my lord, and being hers, / She may, I think, bestow’t on
any man.
OTHELLO: She is protectress of her honour too: May she give that?
IAGO: Her honour is an essence that’s not seen; / They have it very oft that have it
not:
But, for the handkerchief—
OTHELLO: By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it: / Thou said’st—it comeso’er
my memory,
/ As doth the raven31 o’er the infected house,
/ Boding to all—he
had
my handkerchief.
2. What physical reactions does Othello have to the news about Desdemona and
Cassio? How might the audience interpret this response?
3. How does Othello misinterpret the dialogue between Cassio and Iago? How might an
observant person realize that Cassio is speaking of Bianca rather than Desdemona?
4. With what does Othello charge Iago? How does Iago further influence Othello as they
discuss Cassio’s and Desdemona’s murders?
5. How has Desdemona and Othello’s relationship changed since the beginning of the
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
play?
6. Who is Lodovico? Explain what his presence in the play highlight about Othello’s
character.
7. Explain the events as they transpire when Lodovico arrives. What do the events
illustrate about Othello’s transformation? Cite a textual example that supports this
recognized change in Othello’s behavior. How does this contribute to Othello’s
ultimate demise?
8. Explain the irony in the following speech. How does Shakespeare continue to highlight
the theme of appearance versus reality?
IAGO: Alas, alas!
It is not honesty in me to speak
What I have seen and known. You
shall observe him, And his own courses will denote him so
That I may save my
speech: do but go after,
And mark how he continues.
LODOVICO: I am sorry that I am deceived in him. (Act IV, Scene I, lines 299 – 305)
9. Pay attention to Othello’s language in this scene. How does his use of language
parallel his language in Act III? What does Othello’s use of language explain about his
character?
Act IV, Scene II
1. How does Emilia prove to be a friend to Desdemona? How does her characterization
of the cause of Othello’s mistrust parallel Emilia’s beliefs about men and marriage?
2. In the following speech, to what does “it” refer? EMILIA: I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest, / Lay down my soul at stake. / If you
think other, / Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom. If any wretch have
put this in your head, / Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse! / For, if she
be
not honest, chaste, and true, / There’s no man happy; the purest of their wives Is
foul as slander. (4. 2. 14 – 21)
3. Explain the rhetorical strategy that Shakespeare uses in the following passage. What
is its effect? OTHELLO: Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, . . . What committed!
/
Impudent strumpet! (4. 2. 79 – 89)
4. Read the following interchange between Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia. What
question does Desdemona ask of Iago? How does he initially respond? What does this
say about his character?
IAGO: What’s the matter, lady?
...
IAGO: Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. (4. 2. 130 – 152)
5. Roderigo is absent throughout much of the play. Explain Roderigo’s influence in the
action in the play despite his invisibility. How is this a testimony to Iago’s
manipulation? What is Roderigo’s purpose in this scene?
6. What exposition are we given through the conversation between Iago and Roderigo?
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
What is Roderigo able to learn about Iago’s character that the other characters in the
play have not?
7. How does Iago manipulate Roderigo at the end of Scene Two? How do we know that
Iago is manipulating Roderigo?
Act IV, Scene III
1. Explain the meaning of Emilia’s statement, “I would you had never seen him!” (Act IV,
Scene III, line 19) What is the context in which she makes the statement? How does
Desdemona respond to Emilia’s statement, and what does this illustrate about
Desdemona’s character?
2. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in this final scene of Act Four to show what is going
to happen to Desdemona. Cite several examples of foreshadowing in the scene and
explain what they imply about Desdemona’s knowledge of her death.
3. Explain the purpose of the final conversation between Emilia and Desdemona. Of
what do the two women speak?
4. Read Emilia’s final speech in Act Four. What comment do you believe Shakespeare
might be trying to make about the relationships between men and women through
Emilia’s speech at the end of Act Four? How does Emilia’s speech contrast
Desdemona’s beliefs about the relationships between men and women during the
Renaissance?
EMILIA: Yes, a dozen, and as many to the vantage as would store the world they
played for. . . Then let them use us well; else let them know,
The ills we do, their ills
instruct us so. (4.389 – 108)
Act V, Scene I
1. Explain what the following speech illustrates about Iago’s character. IAGO: I have rubb’d this young quat almost to the sense,/ And he grows angry. . .
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
No, he must die. But so: I hear him coming. (5. 1. 11 – 21)
For what two reasons does Iago say he wants Cassio dead?
In the battle, who is responsible for the wounds?
Explain Othello’s reaction to Roderigo’s and Casio’s injuries. With what does he give
Iago credit? Explain the irony in Othello’s words. OTHELLO: ‘Tis he. O brave Iago, honest and just,
/ That hast such noble sense of thy
friend’s wrong!
/ Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead,
/ And your unblest
fate hies. 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. (5.1.32 – 37)
How is Iago able to manipulate the situation even further? How does his
manipulation of the scene connect to the theme of the play?
Why does Roderigo say to Iago, “O, damn’d Iago! O inhuman dog!”?
Explain Iago’s implication of Bianca. Explain why you believe he chooses to implicate
her.
Read the following speech, paying particular attention to the aside. What does Iago’s
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
statement lead us to believe about him? IAGO: Kind gentlemen, let’s go see poor Cassio dress’d. . . . That either makes me or
fordoes me quite. (5.1. 138 – 143)
Act V, Scene II
1. Read Othello’s speech at the beginning of scene. Explain Othello’s state of mind. How
does his use of language compare with his use of language in Act Four? As he
contemplates murdering Desdemona, with what does he compare taking her life?
Explain the uses of diction as Shakespeare employs them in this speech.
OTHELLO: It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. . . It strikes where it doth love. She
wakes. (5. 2. 1 – 22)
2. Why does Othello ask Desdemona if she prayed before she went to sleep?
3. How does Desdemona try to convince Othello not to kill her? What is the effect of
her final conversation with Othello?
4. Explain the symbolism and recognition of the handkerchief in this final scene.
5. When Othello tells Desdemona of Cassio’s death, what is her reaction? How does
Othello interpret this reaction?
6. Othello believes that he has killed Desdemona. Explain his reaction to her death.
OTHELLO: Yes: ‘tis Emilia. By and by. She’s dead. ‘. . . Should yawn at alteration.
(5.2.
110 – 120)
7. Explain the events in the following lines from Act Five. Why does Desdemona say
what she says? EMILIA: Alas, what cry is that? OTHELLO: That? what? EMILIA: Out, and alas! That
was my lady’s voice. Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again!
Sweet Desdemona! O
sweet mistress, speak! DESDEMONA: A guiltless death I die. EMILIA: O, who hath
done this deed? DESDEMONA: Nobody; I myself. Farewell;
Commend me to my
kind
lord. O, farewell! [Dies] (5. 2. 141 – 149)
8. Why does Emilia repeat the phrase, “My husband!” three times?
9. How does Shakespeare reveal Iago’s duplicity after Desdemona’s murder?
10. How is Emilia’s fate parallel to Desdemona’s?
11. What is the implication behind Gratiano’s speech? GRATIANO: Poor Desdemona! I am glad thy father’s dead: / Thy match was mortal
To him, and pure grief
/ Shore his old thread in twain; did he live now,
/ This sight
would make him do a desperate turn, / Yea, curse his better angel from his side, /
And fall to reprobation.
12. Explain the irony in Iago’s statement. IAGO: Demand me nothing: what you know,
you know:
From this time forth I never will speak word. (5.2.348 – 349)
13. How does darkness function in the scene?
14. Explain the imagery in Othello’s final speech. What is he requesting? How does the
imagery speak to Othello’s character?
ENG 2DP: Othello Content Questions
OTHELLO: Soft you; a word or two before you go. . . And smote him, thus. (5.2388 –
406)