Act 1
Why was Rodrigo angry at the beginning of the play?
He did not get to marry Desdamona.
How do you think Othello will feel if Iago’s plan succeeds?
He will be confused and sad that he fell for it.
What proof does Iago give Othello about Cassio and Desdamona?
He says that he woke up to Cassio calling Desdamona’s name in his sleep.
What was the purpose of killing Rodreigo?
Rodrigos death would prevent anyone from ever learning of Iago's lies.
Why were Othello’s final words important ?
He confessed to killing his innocent wife and said that he will punish himself for his unforgivable act.
Why does Iago include Roderigo in his plans?
Because he knows Roderigo wants Desdamona and would do anything to have her.
What can you infer about Iago and Emillia’s relationship?
Based on their constant arguing and the comparison to Desdamona and Othello’s relationship we can infer they don’t have a great relationship.
How does Desdamona’s “betrayal” affect Othello ?
He went from doing anything for Desdamona and would die for her, to wanting to kill her and Cassio.
What is the importance of Lodovico being there when Othello hits Desdamona?
It gives Iago the chance to manipulate the situation even more. He tells Lodovico that Othello has been going crazy and acting irrational and if people found out they would not want him as high up in the rank as he is.
What makes Desdamona’s final gesture so important?
It’s so important because she was faithful until the end which creates some irony because she was believed to have been unfaithful.
What made Brabantio’s perspective change about Othello and Desdamona’s marriage?
When Desdamona tells her father that she is grateful for everything he’s done for her, but must be dedicated to her husband like her mother is to him, his change shifts not completely but enough to where he says they can stay married but she is no longer his daughter.
What does the discussion between Desdemona and Emilia tell us about their relationship?
They definitely have a more friendly relationship, Desdemona treats Emilia more as an equal than a servant.
How does Iago use Othello’s racial differences against him?
He uses them to convince other characters to turn against Othello.
What advice does Iago give Othello about his cheating wife?
He told him to protect his reputation and don't act crazy.
Why was Emilia's death important?
Because it proved that Iago was guilty and Desdemona was telling the truth.
What advice does Brabantio give to Othello?
“She has deceived her father, and may thee”
What emotion seems to be governing Iago’s thoughts and actions?
The emotions that are governing Iago's thoughts and actions are revenge, evil and jealousy.
What responses do Iago and Othello have to seeing Cassio leave Desdemona?
Iago persuades Othello that he and Cassio are having an affair since Cassio is departing so guiltily.
What are Lodovico's orders for Othello?
Othello must sail to Turkey and conquer the Kingdom.
How does guilt and grief lead to extreme actions ?
Just like in Othello, when Othello kills Desdamona and finds out that she was innocent his grief and guilt is too much to bear that he turns to killing himself. In my opinion this is one of the most extreme actions he could have taken.
How does race play a big part in Act 1?
Not many people agree with interracial couples and that is the first conflict of the story.
How does revenge drive people to do unforgivable things?
People get so upset the need for revenge blinds them and makes them do unspeakable things.
How does jealousy cloud people’s judgment?
Just like in Othello, when Iago tells Othello Desdamona has cheated with Cassio he instantly gets jealous and doesn’t even ask for her side of the story. People often let jealousy and rage take over; they do not think straight and Othello is a great example of this.
How does false perception lead to sadness?
Even the most innocent things can be perceived wrong and just like in Othello he believed his wife to be cheating when it was false and was left with sadness that led him to kill himself.
Why is the final act of the play so important ?
At the end of the play everything comes together and Othello realizes he is wrong. Many people die for nothing and in the end Iago is left standing.