Hot Seat Questions: Be ready to answer the following questions in depth at any time after you’ve read the
stated pages/lines.
Act I, Sc. 3, pages 49-55
What does Roderigo want to do now? How does Iago react to this?
Break down Iago’s garden imagery into it individual parts. Lines 361-375
Aside from swimming lessons, what is Iago’s advice to Roderigo?
Break down lines 393-397.
Break down lines 411-413.
Act II Questions
II.i pages 59-75
1. What happens to the Turks?
2. How do you see Cassio treating women? Be ready to share specific examples about Desdemona and Emilia
3. How does Iago treat his wife? Also, take notes on each one of his riddles. What is he saying about women?
4. What is Iago saying in his asides?
Pages 75-81
5. What does Iago convince Roderigo of?
6. What is the new plan for Roderigo?
II.ii
7. Why is this scene even in the play?
Othello: Act Two Questions Homework
Directions: in your notebook, take notes that answer the following question. Take notes in a way that will make sense to
you a few weeks from now (so make sure they are labeled and complete).
II.iii
Throughout this scene, how is Iago saying the right things around the right people (either directly to them or with them
around)? Find at least two examples for each of these four characters:
- Cassio
- Montano
- Othello
- Roderigo
Be sure to write down two exact quotations for each character. Keep track of line numbers so you are prepared to share
your examples in class. Next to each quotation in your notes, write down how it is the right thing for that character to hear
from Iago.
Act III Questions
III.ii – page 115
1. Why is this scene in the play?
III.iii
2. Page 119 – where do you see Iago “laying the bait”?
3. What is Desdemona’s request on pages 119-123? What stands out about HOW she makes her request? Be specific.
4. With a partner, paraphrase Iago and Othello’s conversation in lines 100-298 (1st person convo.).
Act III, scene 3, 92: "Chaos is come again" Act III, scene 3, 93–280: Iago preys upon Othello
Iago’s Rhetorical Strategies, Othello III, 3, 93-280
Strategy
Line #’s
Ethos
Logos
Pathos
Hesitation
Repetition
Leading Questions
Intimidation
Effect on Othello
Means of Persuasion – Aristotle’s definition
Ethos: Critical Thinking, we believe who we respect
Pathos: Emotional, appeal to emotion
Logos: Logical, using reasoning, “if
then
“
Act III, 3, 338-480
“O Blood, Blood, Blood”
Othello’s State of Mind
Othello is Rational
Othello Begins to Doubt
Othello is Jealous Monster
Iago’s Rhetorical Devices used to manipulate and
persuade Othello:
Othello’s Psychological Weaknesses:
Line Numbers
In 3.3.338–480, which lines show that Othello is still a rational human being, but one torn by doubt? Which
lines show that Othello has turned into the "green-eyed monster" of which Iago told him?
In 3.3.338–480, identify the rhetorical devices that Iago uses to make sure that Othello is ensnared in his web of
deceit.
In 3.3.338–480, identify also Othello's weaknesses that allow him to fall for Iago's evil persuasion.
In 4.1.19–45, what are the hypothetical situations Iago imagines between a woman and a man (namely
Desdemona and Cassio)? What images does Iago use to torment Othello? Which of Othello's many insecurities
do these images affect? What is the result of Iago's language?
Act IV, 1, 19-45
Othello’s State of Mind
Iago’s hypothetical situations between Desdemona &
Cassio
Effect of hypothetical situations on Othello
Line Numbers
Act IV, Scenes 2 and 3
Take notes focused on Emilia. What stands out about
1. What she says to Othello at the start of scene 2?
2. What she says about Othello after he leaves in scene 2?
3. What she says to Iago?
4. What she says about men and women in scene 3? Focus on pages 215-219.
Tone in Acts III and IV
Re-read the exchange between Othello and Desdemona in IV.ii, and compare it to their earlier exchanges in
III.iii.41 – 92 and III.iv.34 – 40. How has the tone changed?
Cite specific lines as support.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Act V
Explain Iago’s aside on the bottom of page 223. Why must both die?
How is the setting symbolic in this act?
Paraphrase Othello’s soliloquy (lines 1-21) in Act V, scene 2.
Identify two example in 5.2 showing that Desdemona still doesn’t know what is about to happen to her,
and find two examples from Othello that make it clear she should know what is coming. Keep track of
line numbers for these examples, but also writing down what they mean in your own words.
How is each death in Act V symbolic? In other words, what is being shown about each person based on
the way he or she dies?
Find the final lines for Roderigo, Desdemona, Emilia, and Iago. What is being characterized about each
of them through their last lines?
Paraphrase Othello’s speech at the end of the play (5.2. 397-417). Do this the same way you paraphrased
Iago’s four soliquies.
Now that the play is over, what do you think Iago really wants? Be ready to explain yourself with proof
from the play (line numbers would help, but they are not needed.)
How does this play SPECIFICALLY match up with Aristotle’s definition of tragedy?