Act I
Iago is able to manipulate THIS CHARACTER into giving him money and jewels by promising he will help him win over Desdemona's love.
Who is ... Roderigo?
After arriving in Cyprus, the Venetians realize that they do not have to fight the Turks because of THIS reason.
What is ... The Turkish fleet was destroyed by a storm?
In order to subtly provoke jealousy in Othello when talking to him, Iago refers to THIS person as he casually mentions: "that he would steal away so guilty-like, seeing you coming" (III.3.38-39).
Who is ... Cassio?
In Act III, Scene 4, a clown engages Desdemona in wordplay with the use of a pun on the word "lie." This component of Shakespeare's tragedies is called ...
What is comic relief?
Iago does not care which of THESE TWO characters kills the other and states: "Every way makes my gain" (V.1.14).
Who are ... Cassio and Roderigo?
Iago thinks Cassio does not deserve to be Othello's lieutenant BECAUSE ...
What is ... Cassio has more academic knowledge than real experience on the battlefield?
As the women arrive at the sea-port in Cyprus, Iago observes THIS characteristic in Cassio and plans to exploit it to fulfill his vengeful scheme.
What is ... Iago observes Cassio's flirtatious manners with women as he greets Desdemona?
When Iago tells Othello, "I know our country disposition well; in Venice they do let heaven see the pranks they dare not show their husbands" (III.3.201-03), he is exploiting THIS aspect of Othello's character.
What is ... Othello's trusting nature and status as a foreigner who may be unfamiliar with the culture and, therefore, likely to believe seemingly friendly advice?
Iago’s scheme results in Othello observing THESE TWO characters so that Othello's "jealousy must construe / . . . smiles, gestures and light behavior, / Quite in the wrong" (IV.1.100-103).
Who are ... Cassio and Bianca?
After an important character is discovered injured by the authorities, Iago imputes blame on THIS character when stating: "Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash / To be party in this injury" (V.1.85-86).
Who is ... Bianca?
Brabantio thinks THIS is why Desdemona fell in love with Othello.
What is ... magic through the use of "foul charms" (I.2.73) or "witchcraft" (I.3.63)?
In describing Cassio as "no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming" (II.1.240-42), Iago reveals THIS aspect of his personality.
What is ... hypocrisy?
The following statement by Othello reveals THIS component of tragedy . "This honest creature doubtless / Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds" (III.3.242-43).
What is ... the tragic flaw (hamartia) OR dramatic irony?
In Act IV, Othello loses the respect of his superiors after he does THIS.
What is ... Othello strikes Desdemona for no apparent reason?
Unlike what happened to Francesca in Dante's "Inferno," Othello offers Desdemona THIS before he kills her, stating: "Well, do it, and be brief; ... I would not kill thy unprepared spirit (V.2.30-32).
What is: give her the opportunity to confess her sins.
The court's address of Othello as the "valiant Moor" (I.3.46) shows THIS CHARACTERISTIC of a tragic hero.
What is the tragic figure is of high moral and/or social status?
THIS character says "I'll do it; but it dislikes me" (II.3.48) in regard to THIS activity.
Who is ... Cassio as he agrees to drink alcohol with the other young men?
In anger, Othello demands proof of Iago's insinuations when he orders him to "give me the ocular proof . . . [or] answer my waked wrath!" (III.3.360-63). This demand will ultimately be met in the form of ...
What is ... the handkerchief?
THIS character unknowingly is speaking about Iago when stating: "The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave, / Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow" (IV.2.140-41).
Who is ... Emilia?
Othello is speaking about THIS character whom he learns is not dead when he tells Emilia, "Then murder's out of tune, / and sweet revenge grows harsh" (V.2.114-15).
Who is ... Cassio?
Desdemona states that she owes her duty to THIS PERSON rather than WHOM?
What is Desdemona pledges her duty to her husband, Othello, over her father?
After Cassio is fired for his irresponsible actions, he is most concerned about THIS aspect of his life.
What is ... his reputation?
Othello makes two decisions in Act III of the play. He decides that both Cassio and Desdemona must die and ...
What is ... he makes Iago his lieutenant?
"Within these three days let me hear you say that Cassio's not alive. ... [and] furnish me with some swift means of death for the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant." (III.3.472-79).
Sensing her coming death, Desdemona's "Willow Song" acts as THIS literary component.
What is ... foreshadowing?
After Cassio reveals that Iago told him he intentionally put the handkerchief in Cassio's chamber for a "special purpose" (V.2.321), Othello groans, "O fool! Fool! Fool!" (V.2.323), which reveals THIS aspect of the tragic hero cycle.
What is ... recognition or acceptance of his own responsibility for his tragic downfall?