Characters
Young, rich, foolish and in love with Desdemona
Who is Roderigo?
To stir up the wrath of Desdemona’s father against Othello
Why do Iago and Roderigo go to Brabantio’s home?
He was passed over for promotion (in favour of Cassio)
What personal grievance does Iago have against “the Moor”?
"The thick-lips"
What does Roderigo call Othello?
Othello's Ensign
Who is Iago?
Gathers a group of armed men and sets off to find Othello
What does Brabantio do when he discovers that his daughter has gone?
By telling him that "your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs."
How did Iago stir up Brabantio’s anger against Othello?
"An old black ram", "thick-lips", “Have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you’ll have your nephews neigh to you[...]", "the devil", "a lascivious Moor", “an extravagant and wheeling stranger / Of here and everywhere.”
What evidence of racism and xenophobia is in Act 1, Scene 1?
Desdemona's father
Who is Brabantio?
He wanted to send him to Cyprus to fight
Why did the Duke send for Othello?
He was chosen as Othello's Lieutenant, in spite of the fact that he has no practical knowledge of battle
Why does Iago hate Cassio?
That she is torn between respect for him, and love for Othello - "My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty", "You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter", "I may profess due to the Moor my lord."
What does Desdemona say to her father in Act 1, Scene 3?
Who Iago refers to as "The Moor"
Who is Othello?
Using witchcraft and potions to manipulate Desdemona into marriage
What does Brabantio accuse Othello of?
He has been paying to help him get Desdemona, but has seen no results and suddenly finds out that Desdemona is married to Othello
Why was Roderigo angry with Iago in Act 1, Scene 1?
Describes his courtship of Desdemona in a dignified and persuasive speech "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used." And asks the Duke to send for Desdemona so that she may speak.
How does Othello counter the charge against him in Act 1, Scene 3?
One of Othello's chief Lieutenants
Who is Cassio?
To defend the island from the Turks
Why are Othello and his troops sailing for Cyprus?
He thinks Othello would win his daughter under the same circumstances, and tells Barbantio to make his best of the situation.
How does the Duke feel about Othello's marriage to Desdemona?
"Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee."
What does Brabantio say to Othello before he leaves?