Plot Basics
Iago's Schemes
Desdemona & Emilia
Othello's Downfall
Characters & Relationships
200
What pattern in embroidered on the handkerchief?

Strawberries

200

What personal grievance does Iago claim motivates his revenge against Othello?

Being passed over for promotion and/or there's a rumor he slept with Emilia

200

Which character does Desdemona turn for comfort when Othello mistreats her?

Emilia

200

What does Othello do to Desdemona that shocks Lodovico?

Hits her

200

Why does Roderigo wake Brabantio in the middle of the night?

To tell him Desdemona has eloped with Othello

400

What rank does Cassio hold before Othello strips it from him?

Lieutenant 

400

What does Iago pressure Cassio into doing to ruin his reputation?

Drinking heavily

400

What object, given by Othello to Desdemona, becomes crucial evidence in the play?

The handkerchief

400

What type of proof does Othello demand before believing Desdemona is unfaithful?

Ocular proof

400

Which compliment that people give Iago is actually inaccurate?

Honest

600

What important mission does the Duke assign to Othello early in the play?

Defending Cyprus against the Turkish invasion

600

After Emilia picks up Desdemona's handkerchief and gives it to Iago, what does he plan to do with it?

Plant it in Cassio's lodging/use it as false evidence

600

What does Desdemona mean when she tells Emilia that Othello is "not my lord"?

He's not acting like himself

600

What fears or insecurities does Othello express about himself?

His age, race, or lack of social refinement

600

Who is Bianca, and what role does she play in the story?

Cassio's lover/a courtesan

800

Which character almost kills Roderigo near the end of the play, but doesn't - which is why Iago finishes him off?

Cassio

800

What does Brabantio accuse Othello of having done?

casting spells on Desdemona

800

How does Emilia's view of marriage differ from Desdemona's?

Emilia is more pragmatic/cynical while Desdemona is idealistic and loyal

800

What does Othello mean when he compares Desdemona's life to a light he cannot relight?

Once extinguished, he cannot bring her back to life

800

Who does Cassio unknowingly talk about while Othello watches him with Iago?

Bianca (Othello thinks it's Desdemona)

1000

What ultimately happens to Iago at the end of the play?

He get arrested and will be tortured

1000

What metaphor does Iago use to describe jealousy to Othello?

A green-eyed monster

1000

Why are Roderigo and Iago arguing when the play begins?


Roderigo paid Iago to help him woo Desdemona, but it hasn't worked.

1000

What does Othello realize in the moments before his death?

That he was manipulated and killed an innocent woman

1000

Which character openly and directly confronts Iago about dishonesty in Act 5?

Emilia