Othello

What does Iago offer as his second point of proof?

He also said that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona.

What does Brabantio ask his daughter when she first enters? What is her response?

He asks her whom she shows loyalty to or obeys. She respects her father, but choose to show loyalty to her husband.

According to reports, where is the Turkish fleet headed?

The Turkish Fleet is headed to Cyprus or Rhodes. They are unsure which one they are headed for.

What does Othello say is so special about the missing handkerchief? Explain in detail.

The handkerchief was Othello's mother. She received it from an Egyptian who promised that if the husband would always love her. If she lost it the husband would loath her. The handkerchief was soaked in the hearts of embalmed virgins.

What is the news regarding the Turkish fleet?

They learned that the Turkish fleet did not make it through the storm. They were broken apart and could not form a battle.

Appearance vs. Reality

here's none so foul and foolish thereunto, But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do" (II.I.93). This quote shows that women, whether they are ugly or pretty, all put on the same act and do the same things.

Define SOLILOQUY.

A soliloquy is an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself, especially by a character in a play.

Appearance vs. Reality

"But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at: I am not what I am"(1.1.59-67) Iago is appearing that he likes Othello but in reality he does not like him. He knows that if he shows his true feelings that it will hurt him in the long run. He is appearing one way and feeling another.

Act 2 Good vs. Evil

"Cassio. You rogue! you rascal!... A knave teach me my duty! I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. Roderigo. Beat me! Cassio. Dost thou prate, rogue? [Striking RODERIGO] Montano. Nay, good lieutenant;; [Staying him] I pray you, sir, hold your hand. Cassio. Let me go, sir, Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. Montano. Come, come, you're drunk. Cassio. Drunk! [They fight]" (line 1281-1297) Roderigo, on the evil side of the dispute, is provoking Cassio into a brawl. Cassio has done nothing wrong, Iago and Roderigo are just trying to get him fired. Evil.

The Dangers of Isolation

"I am not merry; but I do beguile Desdemona is not in a comfortable state because she is isolated from Othello

Womanhood and Sexuality

"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." (126-127) "Do you perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience?" (526-527) "My life upon her faith! Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee: I prithee, let thy wife attend on her: And bring them after in the best advantage." (651-655) Iago believes that it's Brabantio's responsibility to know what Desdemona is doing at all times. The men think that a woman should only be loyal to one man. Othello feels that Desdemona cannot care for herself, and she needs Iago to be in charge of her while Othello is away.

Which line shows Othello's anger in reaction to Iago's story?

"I'll tear her all to pieces", demonstrates Othello's anger (2115).

The Dangers of Isolation

"If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black" Even though the Duke is standing up for Othello, he still has to point out that his actions are more than his skin color

Honor and Reputation

"Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, Do well thrive by them and when they have lined their coats Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul;" (1.i.50) "If you do find me foul in her report, The trust, the office I do hold of you, Not only take away, but let your sentence Even fall upon my life." (I.iii. 460-463) Conveys how people act differently in front of others especially those of higher rank in order to establish a false but better reputation. He puts his life on the line for his reputation an honor, that he is telling the truth and genuinely loves Desdemona.

Does Desdemona think of her husband as a jealous man? (Cite appropriate line as support.)

"Who he? I think the sun where he was born drew all such humors from him" (Shakespeare 31-32)

Cite at least one line which shows Desdemona's determination in helping Cassio be reinstated.

"Why, then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn.On Tuesday noon, or night, or Wednesday morn. I prithee name the time, but let it not Exceed three days. In faith, he's penitent, And yet his trespass, in our common reason (Save that, they say, the wars must make example Out of her best) is not, almost, a fault T' incur a private check. When shall he come? Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul What you would ask me that I should deny Or stand so mamm'ring on. What? Michael Cassio That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time, When I have spoke of you dispraisingly, Hath ta'en your part, to have so much to do To bring him in? Trust me, I could do much"

Act 2 Womanhood and Sexuality

"You rise to play and go to bed to work." (902) "She that was ever fair and never proud, Had tongue at will and yet was never loud, Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay, Fled from her wish and yet said 'Now I may,' She that being anger'd, her revenge being nigh, Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly, She that in wisdom never was so frail To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail;; She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind, See suitors following and not look behind, She was a wight, if ever such wight were,—" (936-946) "Cassio: She's a most exquisite lady. Iago: And, I'll warrant her, fun of game." (1152-1153) Iago believes that women are useless when they are awake, and are only useful when they go to bed. Men have very high expectations for how a woman should behave. For example, Iago thinks that women should be beautiful but not proud, speak well but know when to be quiet, and dress well but never be overdressed. The men only think of women as being useful for sex.

Good vs. Evil

"Your heart is burst, you have lost half of your soul; Even now, now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise, Awake the snorting citizens with the bell Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you" Iago is comparing the good of Desdemona to the apparent evil of Othello. He is saying that if Desdemona's father let her stay with Othello, she and her children would become evil too.

Explain what Emilia says about women who commit adultery. Cite at leasttwo significant lines and explain what each means.

"but for the whole world,—why, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for't." (Shakespeare 3103-3105) This quote describes what Emilia would have to earn in order to commit common adultery. "Yes, a dozen;; and as many to the vantage as would store the world they played for. But I do think it is their husbands' faults If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties, And pour our treasures into foreign laps, Or else break out in peevish jealousies," (Shakespeare 3114-3116) This discusses that adultery is not the wives fault, but the husband's fault because they do not provide them with what they need. Women treated poorly they should cheat on their husband

Why is Bianca angry when she enters? How does her presence in this scene help seal Iago's plan?

Bianca is angry when she enters because she thought Cassio was giving her the handkerchief to show his love. She then thinks that he has another mistress. This helps Iago's plan by having the story come back around about Cassio having the handkerchief. This allows Othello to see that Cassio is a player.

What warning does Brabantio have for his new son-in-law as they depart? Cite the line and explain its meaning.

Brabantio warns Othello by saying " 'Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee' " (Shakespeare 64). Brabantio is warning that Desdemona might deceive Othello like she did her father.

Honor and Reputation

CASSIO Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation (2.3.24) "As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition: oft got without merit, and lost without deserving: you have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser. What, man! there are ways to recover the general again: you are but now cast in his mood, a punishment more in policy than in malice, even so as one would beat his offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion: sue to him again, and he's yours." "I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so indiscreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil!" (2.iii.1420) You advise me well. Cassio is upset because his reputation is gone after stabbing Montano while under the influence. Iago says there are ways to recover. Cassio expresses how important reputation is in the eyes of others yet how false it can be and how easily one can ruin another's. Cassio thinks Iago has a great reputation BUT HE AIN'T GOT NONE.

Why does Cassio initially refuse to drink with Iago?

Cassio initially refuses to drink because he is on duty and Othello has urged him to not party too hard. • Knows that he is a bad drinker

Describe Cassio's conversation with Bianca. Use detail in your description.

Cassio sees Bianca as he was walking down the street. Bianca is Cassio's girlfriend. Cassio asks Bianca to copy the handkerchief and she thinks it is form another mistress. Cassio assures her that this is not true and that he found it in his bedroom. Cassio and Bianca also discuss getting together again because they have not seen each other in a while.

How does Cassio feel about Bianca?

Cassio will never marry her because she is a prostitute , and that would bring down his reputation. He knows that she loves him but it would ruin his reputation. He also wants to get rid of her.

What does Desdemona ask of Iago?

Desdemona asks Iago if she really is a prostitute like Othello says. She then asks what she can do to win back her husband and if Iago can help the situation.,Wants Iago to talk to Othello to figure out what is going on

Brabantio again accuses Othello of witchcraft. Othello, however, explains the "whole course of love" between himself and Desdemona. According to his monologue (starting with line 149), how did their relationship develop?

Desdemona liked to listen to Othello's stories and she wanted to help him in his brave adventures. Othello enjoyed having someone listen and pity him and his life.

How does Desdemona attempt to change the subject from that of the handkerchief?

Desdemona questions Othello about Cassio, which infuriates him further.

What is Desdemona's response throughout the conversation?

Desdemona say that she wants to not make the same mistakes as the women Emilia has told her about. She wants to be the opposite of all the women and live up to Othello's standards of a good wife. Saying the opposite of what Emilia is saying.

Does Emilia know what Iago plans to do with the handkerchief? Why does she give it to him?

Emilia does not know what Iago plans to do with the handkerchief. She gives it to because she knows he has been asking for it and she wanted to make him happy.

What does Emilia say about Desdemona as a wife?

Emilia says that Desdemona is a faithful and honest wife that would never cheat on her husband.

What does Emilia say to Cassio?

Emilia says that Othello and Desdemona are having the conversation about Cassio's firing right now. Othello feels bad for Cassio but there is nothing he can do because Montano is a respected gentleman in Cyprus.

Look at Othello's soliloquy which starts at line 299 with "This fellow's of exceeding honesty." What reasons (insecurities in himself) does he begin to acknowledge may cause Desdemona to be unfaithful?

He states that Desdemona is unfaithful to him because he is black, old, and he lacks proper manners. He uses the details to convince himself that Desdemona is not in love with them.

What is Iago's perception of all married men?

He thinks that all married men have been cheated on by their wives during their marriage. No woman is truthful to their husbands.

Iago says (in line 54) "My medicine work! Thus credulous fools are caught." This line points to one of Othello's TRAGIC FLAWS. List at least 3 tragic flaws Othello seems to have.

He trusts everyone and does not know who to believe,He cannot tell his friends from his enemies.,He has jealousy problems with Desdemona hanging out with other men.

Describe the conversation between Iago and Cassio that Othello overhears.

Iago and Cassio are talking about how he does not like Bianca, but Othello thinks they are talking about Desdemona. This causes him to become angry and crazy about the apparent revelations.

Take a look at Iago and Montano's conversation. What is it about?

Iago and Montano's conversation is about Cassio's drinking problem and how it could affect his work for Othello.

What does Iago say about his own wife in this scene?

Iago makes fun of Emilia. He says she talks too much and thinks that women are annoying in general. • Lazy life except in the bedroom • Does not like women

Roderigo wants to go home to Venice. How does Iago convince him to stay? How has Roderigo's presence been beneficial for Iago already?

Iago convinces him to stay by saying that he still has a chance to get Desdemona now that Cassio is out of the picture. Roderigo's presence has given Iago the money he needs and has gotten Cassio out the position he wants. • Roderigo has already invested time and $ in the adventure

Since Othello must leave within the hour, who will be left in charge of Desdemona in the meantime?

Iago is left in charge of Desdemona in the meantime.

Why does Iago kneel down with Othello? What promise is made?

Iago kneels down with Othello so that he convince Othello that he will help him seek revenge for Desdemona. Othello then promises that Iago will become his lieutenant.,Cassio killed in 3 days

How does Iago plan to "help" Cassio in regards to the meeting with Desdemona?

Iago plans to help Cassio by having him meet with Emilia so she can convince Desdemona to help Cassio. Iago is also going to help by keeping the Moor away.

How does Iago attempt to convince Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio? Explain his "evidence." Does Roderigo believe Iago's theory?

Iago plots to use Cassio's hand holding and kissing to frame Cassio for an affair with Desdemona. Iago explains that Cassio is younger and better looking than other men. Roderigo does not believe Iago at first, but then realizes that Iago could be correct. Roderigo then plans to confront Cassio about the matter.

Why does Iago repeat "put money in thy purse" so many times?

Iago repeats "put money in thy purse" so many times because he wants to emphasize the importance of money to Roderigo. Iago believes that Roderigo's money will attract Desdemona after she does not love Othello anymore.

What does Iago say he has heard Cassio talk about?

Iago says he has heard Cassio discuss his affair with Desdemona.

Why does Iago say he would rather not share his thoughts with Othello?

Iago says he would rather not share his thoughts because it might upset Othello. Iago "loves" Othello and does not wish to hurt him. Secretly this is Iago's way of making Othello ask for answer an fall into his plan.

Iago offers "proof" of Cassio and Desdemona's affair. Describe what Iago says he has heard and witnessed.

Iago says that he heard Cassio muttering and trying to kiss Desdemona in his sleep. He also heard him say that it was the Moors fault that they could not get married.

What does Iago's soliloquy at the end of this scene reveal to us?

Iago soliloquy at the end reveals that he believes that Othello has slept with his wife Emilia. He then wants to seek revenge by sleeping with Desdemona. He will continue on with his previous plan by framing Cassio.

Briefly describe what Iago's soliloquy on pg. 103 reveals.

Iago soliloquy in the end discusses the plan. He wants Cassio to start hanging out with Desdemona so it seems like he and Desdemona are having an affair. This will then create distrust between Othello and Desdemona. He will use the chance to gain power over Othello and the rest of his army.

Why does Iago tell Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio? How will this fight supposedly benefit Roderigo? How might it benefit Iago?

Iago tells Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio because Iago wants to use this fake plan to get rid of Cassio. This fight will supposedly benefit Roderigo because Cassio will be out of the picture and then Desdemona will love him. The fight will benefit Iago by showing Cassio's disloyalty.

How does Iago use flattery with Roderigo?

Iago uses flattery, such as stating how smart, determined, and courageous, to complement Roderigo on his points. Iago uses this to manipulate Roderigo into not being angry with him.,Impressed that Roderigo can stand up to him

What words in Iago's monologue indicate his "regret" in getting Cassio in trouble? Cite the lines below.

Iago uses the word "offence" to convey his displeasure in announcing the brawl to Othello (Shakespeare 1371). • Rather have my tongue cut form my mouth than do offence to Michael Cassio

Look at Iago's final short soliloquy. He reveals that he will use his wife Emilia for what purpose? What is his plan that will make the Moor "jump"?

Iago will uses his wife to convince Desdemona that Cassio needs help and that she should change Othello's mind. He will make Othello jump by catching Cassio soliciting Desdemona.

Iago and Cassio stay to converse at the end of this scene. What is Iago's advice to Cassio?

Iago's advice to Cassio is to become friends with Desdemona and use her good word in order to get his position back form Othello.

What is the Duke's decision?

In the end the Duke does not care whether or not Desdemona goes with Othello or not with Othello. He is only worried about the war on Cyprus.

Translate into modern, simple English the following lines by Othello, Line 121 - "Think my lord..." through line 133 - "Show me thy thought."

In the lines 121-133 Othello is realizing that Iago is hiding something. He questions him further about why Cassio left guiltily. He is realizing that Iago is inferring that there is a connection between Desdemona and Cassio. Othello wants to know more about the connection and what Iago knows.

According to Iago, how will killing Cassio benefit Roderigo?

Killing Cassio will benefit Roderigo by having Desdemona and Othello stay longer rather than traveling to Mauritania. This will allow Roderigo to spend more time with Desdemona and maybe earn her love.

Who is Lodovico? What news does he bring from Venice?

Lodovico is a Venetian gentleman and a kinsman to Brabantio. He is a cousin to Desdemona. The letter says that they want to appoint Cassio as governor in place of Othello.

Why is Lodovico shocked at the end of this scene?

Lodovico is shocked as the end of the scene because Othello hits Desdemona. Othello was also every emotional and frustrated. Lodovico had heard story of Othello and was surprised by his violent nature towards everyone.

Who is Montano?

Montano is an official in Cyprus.

What does Othello command Iago to do?

Othello commands Iago to destroy Cassio because he has betrayed him.

Desdemona wants to go to Cyprus with her new husband. How does Othello convince the men there that his wife should be allowed to go with him? (Your complete answer should be a modern translation of lines 295-309.)

Othello convinces the men there that his wife should be allowed to go with him because they love each other. He does not think that being in love will blind him from the duty he has to fulfill. He wants Desdemona there because she wants to be there.

What does Othello immediately do when he finds out Cassio instigated the brawl?

Othello immediately reprimands Cassio by removing him his position as lieutenant.

What are the murder plans?

Othello is going to strangle Desdemona in her bed while she is sleeping. Iago is going to kill Cassio

While talking to Iago, Othello says "Farewell" to several things. To what is he saying farewell, and what does he mean by this?

Othello is saying "farewell" to all things that use to make him happy. Now that he believes Desdemona is having an affair he thinks his life is over. He will no longer be able to do his job properly and will lack the ambition that he had before.

Othello threatens to kill Iago. Why?

Othello threatens to kill Iago because Othello thinks Iago is supplying him with inaccurate information about his wife. He wants to kill Iago because he so hurt by that thought of Desdemona betraying him.

Describe the conversation between Othello and Desdemona.

Othello tries to accuse Desdemona of being a prostitute, but she continually rejects what Othello says because she knows nothing of her pretend affair with Cassio. Desdemona is shocked that Othello would accuse her of such a crime, and continually tells him that he is false. Othello will not believe Desdemona because Iago has told him that she will do this.,Desdemona cannot figure out what he is talking about

The last time we saw Roderigo, Iago convinced him to stay in Cyprus. Why is he angry with Iago now? Be specific.

Roderigo is angry with Iago because Iago's plan has not worked for Desdemona. Roderigo continually tries to meet with Iago, but Iago is always running away or finding a way to excuse himself from the conversation. Roderigo also believes that the jewel that he gave supposedly gave to Desdemona were taken by Iago and not actually given to Desdemona.

What does Roderigo say he wants to do now that his "love" has married another? What does Iago advise him to do instead? Be detailed in your explanation.

Roderigo said that he wants to drown himself now that Desdemona has married Othello. Roderigo is so upset by the marriage that he would rather commit suicide. Iago thinks this ridiculous and tell Roderigo that Desdemona will stop loving Othello eventually. He advised him to gather as much money as he can so when the time is right he will be prepared.

So far, how do you suppose Shakespeare wants us to feel about Iago? Explain your opinion of him.

Shakespeare wants us to not like Iago because he is greedy, manipulative, and rude. He uses people to get what he wants by abusing. He then talks badly about other people. • Iago is a villain

In line 184, Desdemona says, "Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind." What monster is she referring to?

She is referring to jealousy as the monster.

What does the Herald in this short scene proclaim?

The Herald proclaims that there will be a celebration of Othello and Desdemona's wedding and the destroying of the Turks.

What are some important facts revealed to us during Iago's soliloquy at the end of this scene?

There are many important facts revealed to us during Iago's soliloquy at the end of the scene. During the scene readers learn that Iago hates Othello and is scheming a plan to get revenge. He believes that by manipulating Desdemona he will be able to hurt Othello. He plans to make it look like Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. He will take Roderigo's money. • Tell Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair • Cassio fits the description

Why are there musicians in this scene?

There are musicians in the scene for the celebration of Othello's and Desdemona's wedding.,

How can we tell when Cassio is drunk?

We tell when Cassio is drunk when he starts to insist that he is not drunk and continually says weird things.

The clown in this scene is supposed to provide some "comic relief" for the audience. For instance, look at his reference to Naples—what does he mean? Why does the clown pay the musicians?

When the clown says this he is referring to Naples as a place where people contract syphilis, which eats away at ones nose.,Pays them to go away