Characters
This character is Othello's ensign, outwardly loyal but secretly plotting against him.
Iago
Iago says this about himself alluding to and inverting God's biblical statement "I AM THAT I AM."
"I am not what I am"
This is the setting (time and place) of Act 1
This theme is driven by Iago's resentment and desire for revenge against Othello
Jealousy
This literary term describes Othello's tragic flaw, his excessive trust and insecurity (inevitable downfall)
hamartia
The Venetian senator is Desdemona's father, enraged over her secret marriage
Brabantio
This animal metaphor, used by Iago to wake Brabantio, dehumanizes Othello and Desdemona's relationship.
"An old black ram is tupping your white ewe"
This is the political crisis that summons Othello to the Duke in Scene 2
Cyprus crisis
This theme is shown through animalistic, dehumanizing language used to describe Othello
Racial prejudice
This is the epithet other characters repeatedly use to describe, despite the audience knowing its false
Honest Iago
This character is rejected suitor of Desdemona who allies with Brabantio
Roderigo
This repeated word, shouted by Iago and Roderigo outside Brabantio's house, creates panic and urgency
Thieves
This is what Iago claims he "held back" from doing to Roderigo, to make himself seem restrained and honorable
killing/murdering him
This theme describes the contrast between the false image created by prejudice/manipulation and Othello's real character
Deception vs reality
This is the effect on the audience created by wathcing Iago manipulate everyone while Othello remains unaware
Tension/fear
Othello promoted this man to lieutenant instead of Iago, sparking Iago's resentment
Cassio
Othello uses this witty metaphor involving weather to disarm Brabantio's men without violence
"Put away your swords, they'll get rusty in the dew"
This is what Brabantio decides to do at the end of Scene 2, instead of settling things in the street.
Bring his accusation to the Duke/Senate
This device, where the audience knows something characters dont, runs throughout the Act 1 because of Iago's true nature
Dramatic Irony
Othello's high social position and admirable qualities (courage, honesty, loyalty) fulfill this requirement of the tragic hero archetype
High status/nobility
Moorish general
Brabantio accuses Othello of this supernatural act, refusing to believe Desdemona could love him genuienly
Witchcraft/enchantment
This is the reason Iago gives Roderigo for hating Othello at the very start of Scene 1
Being passed over for promotion (Cassio becoming lieutenant instead of Iago)
Shakespeare pairs "daughter" with this word in Iago's wake-up call to Brabantio, reflecting the patriarchal view of women as property
"Money bags"
This insecurity , stemming from Othello's status as a Moor in white Venetian society, is what allows Iago's manipulation to eventually succeed
Sense of not belonging/ racial insecurity