Characters & Motivations
Who is Iago?
He is a manipulative ensign vows revenge against Othello for promoting Michael Cassio over him.
Iago and Roderigo awaken Brabantio in the middle of the night to inform him about what?
They informed that Desdemona, Brabantio's daughter, has secretly married Othello.
Who has said this quote: "An old black ram is tupping your white ewe"?
Iago, who uses this animal metaphor to wake up Brabantio.
Why does Brabantio and Iago frequently refer to Othello as "the Moor" rather than his actual name?
They refer to him as that to reduce him to a racial outsider.
What is the Venetian Senate?
This governing body of Venice meets late at night to address the urgent threat of a Turkish invasion.
Who is Roderigo?
He is a wealthy Venetian nobleman spends his money on Iago in hopes of winning Desdemona's hand.
What did Brabantio accuse Othello for?
Brabantio believes Othello must have used witchcraft, black magic, and drugs to make Desdemona fall in love with him.
Who has said this line: "She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd, and I loved her that she did pity them"?
Othello explains how he won Desdemona's heart.
What did Iago meant when he said "Put money in thy purse"?
Iago repeatedly tells that to Roderigo as a manipulation tactic to spend his money in order for him to win Desdemona's love.
Who is the Duke of Venice?
The military leader receives conflicting reports about how many ships are in the Turkish fleet
Who is Brabantio?
He is a Venetian Senator and father to Desdemona accuses Othello of using witchcraft to win his daughter.
Why did the Duke of Venice summon Othello late at night?
To discuss an urgent military threat from the Ottoman Empire (Turks) heading toward Cyprus.
Who said this line: "My downright violence and storm of fortunes may trumpet to the world my heart's subdued even to the very quality of my lord"?
Desdemona requests to go to Cyprus with Othello.
Who is Michael Cassio?
He is the one who Othello chooses to be his lieutenant, despite his lack of practical battle experience.
What is Desdemona's "divided duty"?
Desdemona explains to her father that her loyalty must now be divided, comparing her situation to how her mother chose Brabantio over her own father
Who said this line: "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black"?
The Duke of Venice, dismissing Brabantio's racial prejudice.
In Iago's closing soliloquy, what did he meant when he said "the world's light"?
He describes his plan as a "monstrous birth" that must be brought to this place.
What was Iago's plan at the end of Act 1?
Iago devises a plan to get his revenge on Othello by convincing him that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona.
Who has said this line: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see she has deceived her father, and may thee"?
Brabantio gives Othello this chilling warning before leaving the Senate council chamber.
In Iago's closing soliloquy, what did he meant when he said "the world's light"?
He describes his plan as a "monstrous birth" that must be brought to this place.