Othello Plot ALL Acts

How was Desdemona faithful to Othello until the end?

He took that fall for Othello, claiming that she killed herself, not Othello.

What was Lodovico's reaction to Othello's behaviot towards Desdemona? How did Iago later explain Othello's behavior to Lodovico?

He was shocked, saying that Othello's behavior would not be believed in Venice; Iago says that Lodovico should observe Othello himself.

He was shocked, saying that Othello's behavior would not be believed in Venice; Iago says that Lodovico should observe Othello himself.

He was still looking for truth and proof; Emilia claimed that Desdemona was innocent.

Why does Roderigo decide to leave Venice?

He's spent all his money, and is no closer to being happy.

What is Iago's plan for Cassio?

His plan is to kill Cassio and have Roderigo do it for him.

Translate "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."

I'm honest and take things literally, so I thought you had literally suffered bodily injury, which is much worse than losing your reputation. Reputation is empty and stupid. People get good reputations who don't deserve them, and people who do deserve them lose them unfairly. You haven't lost your reputation unless you consider yourself to have lost it.

Summarize Act 4

Iago and Othello talk about Desdemona's affair, to where Othello gets so upset he has an epileptic fit. Iago tells him to hide, while he talks to Cassio. He asks Cassio about when he and Bianca are going to get married, which Othello takes as him bragging about sleeping with Desdemona. Bianca then comes up and gives Cassio the handkerchief, which makes Othello angrier. Iago and Othello make plans to murder Cassio and Desdemona. Lodovico arrives with letters from the Duke removing Othello from command, putting Cassio in his position. This makes Othello upset, to which he hits Desdemona. Othello accuses Emilia of helping Desdemona cheat, and calls Desdemona a wh0re. Roderigo complains about Iago taking his jewels promising to give them to Desdemona, but he is no closer to sleeping with her. Iago regains trust by saying the best way to sleep with Desdemona is to kill Cassio and Roderigo agrees.

Summarize Act I

Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello and Desdemona's secret marriage. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and is upset Iago didn't tell him beforehand. Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello because he passed him up for a promotion. They agree to go to Brabantio and tell him his daughter has run away. They go to Brabantio's house and yell outside his window that Desdemona has run off with a black man. Brabantio realizes she is not home and sends a hoard of men to search for her. Brabantio finds Othello and says that he is arresting him for using witchcraft for using witchcraft to make Desdemona fall in love with him. They go see the Duke, and Desdemona comes in and says that she loves Othello and there was no witchcraft involved. The Duke sends Othello to defend Cyprus. Othello tells Iago to bring Desdemona to Cyprus. Iago tells Roderigo to sell his stuff and follow him to Cyprus, where he can have the opportunity to get with Desdemona. In an aside, Iago says that he hates Othello because he is sleeping with his wife, and wants to see revenge by making Othello think that Desdemona is sleeping with Cassio.

Summarize Act 5

Iago and Roderigo wait for Cassio as he leaves Bianca's apartment. Roderigo attacks Cassio, but his sword does not pierce his coat. Cassio stabs Roderigo and runs away. Roderigo and Cassio are yelling in pain, so Lodovico and Gratiano come to assist them. Iago stabs Roderigo and kills him. Othello tells Desdemona to pray and prepare for her death, and refuses to listen to her while she swears she hasn't done anything and smothers her with a pillow. Emilia comes to tell him about the attack on Cassio and sees Desdemona. Othello admits to killing her. She wakes up for a moment and claims she killed herself. No one really knows how that happened. Emilia argues with Othello about whether Othello cheated on him, and Othello tells her that it was Iago who told him. Emilia confesses to everything Iago says was made up. Iago stabs Emilia, and she dies. The other men arrest Othello and bring back Iago after he runs away. Othello stabs himself and kills himself. Iago is taken away to be tortured, while Cassio becomes Governor of Cyprus.

What is revealed through the lines "The thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards, And nothing can or shall content my soul Till I am evened with him, wife for wife."

Iago believes Emilia is cheating with Cassio, and will never be satisfied until he gets even with him.

What is Iago's view on reputation?

Iago views reputation as empty and useless, being given and taken away unfairly.

What are Iago's views of women?

Iago views women as inherently less than men, and should just shut up and look good. He only sees their merits when they're doing housewife duties or are in the bedroom.

What is the significance of words such as "lout", "wight", and "auld" in Iago's song?

Iago wants the world to view Cassio as an unpleasant, unfortunate man, but Cassio is so drunk he just views it a a splendid song instead of realizing Iago is trying to bring him down.

Why is it important that Gratiano and Lodovico show up at the fight?

Iago would have killed Cassio

Why did Iago tell Roderigo to kill Cassio? Why did Roderigo consent to think about it?

If Roderigo kills Cassio would make things simpler because Iago can keep his hands clean. Roderigo agrees because Iago convinces him that if he kills Cassio, he will be able to have Desdemona.

Iago feels it would benefit him if Cassio manages to kill Roderigo. Why would that benefit him?

If Roderigo was dead Iago would never have to pay him back for all the stolen jewelry and money.

In what order is the handkerchief distributed?

Othello --> Emilia --> Iago --> Cassio --> Bianca

What is revealed about Othello's and Desdemona's relationship that contrasts with Iago and Emilia's?

Othello and Desdemona show love for each other, valuing each other as people, as opposed to Iago who shows no affection towards his wife, just using her as a tool to get his way. Ex. "O my fair warrior!" "My dear Othello!"

Why does Iago say, "No; Heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul!"

Othello is telling Desdemona to pray so when he kills her she goes to heaven.

Why does Iago hate Othello?

Othello passed him up for a promotion

How does Montano view Othello?

he hopes for him to be alive because he is a good soldier

To whom does Desdemona turn to for help after Othello calls her a strumpet?

"Honest" Iago

What are Othello's insecurities?

- he is black - he's getting old - he doesn't speak well

In what order do they die?

1) Roderigo 2) Desdemona 3) Emilia 4) Othello

What does Brabantio's monologue show about his views of Desdemona and Othello?

Brabantio's monologue shoes how he views her daughter as a beautiful, young, innocent, virgin, and he must have used witchcraft or drugs to get with him, a black man

What are the two reasons that Iago wants Cassio dead?

1. Cassio is a better person than Iago which makes him feel uncomfortable. 2. Cassio could figure out and unfold Iago's devious plan.

What does Brabantio warn Othello about?

Desdemona will deceive him

When Iago kills Roderigo why does he say,"O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!"?

At his last seconds alive he finally figures out Iago's plan

What is the name of Desdemona's mother maid?

Barbary (Barbary horse)

Why does Iago use Bianca as an easy target to make it seem as if she tried to kill Cassio?

Bianca is pale and flustered making her seem guilty.

Who can't mourn Desdemona's death?

Brabantio

What happens during Desdemona's appearance in Act 1, Scene 3?

Brabantio asks where her loyalties lie. Desdemona says she loved her father, but is acting like her mother and must love her husband more than her father, which upsets Brabantio.

How does Brabantio view his daughter?

Brabantio believes that he still needs to protect her

Who comes to find Othello and why?

Cassio, the Duke and Senate sent for him

What does Iago say in his monologue beginning with "Lay thy finger thus..."

Desdemona fell in love with Othello over bragging and stories, but she will not be in love with him once she gets bored of sex with him. Then, she'll turn to Cassio.

What is Desdemona's purpose in her monologue to Cassio?

Desdemona says that he is not doing her a favor by reinstating Cassio, but is instead doing himself a favor

What do Brabantio, Othello, and Desdemona all agree on?

Desdemona should not stay with Brabantio while Othello is away fighting

What is the significance of Emilia calling Othello The Moor?

Emilia had always referred to Othello as "my lord", but is now referring to him as "The Moor" as Othello downfalls, showing how he has lost his previously high reputation

How do Iago's views on women affect his relationship with his wife?

Emilia is devoted to Iago, but Iago is using Emilia to get what he wants, with no love towards her.

Who told the truth about Iago?

Emilia told what she had figured out about the situation on her deathbed; Iago confessed out of self-admiration and guilt; and letters were found in Roderigo's pockets pertaining to and supporting the accusations against Iago.

According to the Herald, what is Othello's proclamation?

Everyone should rejoice for both the Turks having drowned and his wedding.

How might Cassio "offend the isle"?

He is very drunk and doesn't want to get away from himself.

What did Iago do after he wounded Cassio?

He left, but he returned later to "help" Cassio and finish off Roderigo who had been identified as one of the attackers.

T/F: Brabantio recognizes Roderigo as soon as Roderigo calls to him

False

How did Iago trick Othello into thinking Cassio was gloating and bragging about his affair with Desdemona?

He said he would ask Cassio about his affair with Desdemona, but instead of questioning Cassio about Desdemona, he asks about his relationship with Bianca; Othello overheard and was filled with rage and jealousy.

What does Iago say about jealousy being a green-eyed metaphor?

He says that a man who knows for sure his wife is being unfaithful can live happily, because he can stop loving her, but a man who loves his wife but is suspicious is tortured.

What are the Duke's directions to Othello?

He sends Othello to Cyprus, apologizing for having to spend his wedding night preparing for battle.

What are Iago's thoughts on revealing one's thoughts?

He believes revealing your thoughts is foolish, and makes one lose everything they have worked for.

How does Iago react to Roderigo's decision to leave Venice?

He calls him impatient, and that he needs to stay so the plan has time to work.

How does Othello respond to Brabantio wanting to divorce him and Desdemona?

He defends his relationship, saying he loves Desdemona and wouldn't have given up his bachelor freedom for less He also says that he doesn't care what Brabantio says because his high status will protect him from any of his complaints.

What reason does Cassio provide for turning down Iago's request?

He has "poor and unhappy brains for drinking"

Why does Iago believe himself to be honest?

He is honest to the audience, tells us how he is manipulative and is open about his bad intentions.

How does Iago's view on reputation compare with his philosophy of service?

Iago believes that nothing is fair, and people who don't deserve things get what they want, and people who do deserve them do. In Scene One, he says that devoted servants are overlooked for those who are more likeable. In Scene Two, he says people who don't deserve a good reputation have them and people who do get them taken away.

What is Iago's philosophy of service?

Iago believes the most devoted servants are often overlooked in favor of who is more likeable.

What plan does Iago make in his soliloquy at the end of Act 1, Scene 3?

Iago decides that he'll take Cassio out while he's at it, saying that he will tell Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona.

Why does Iago choose to leave Roderigo once they awaken Brabantio?

Iago doesn't think this will look good to Othello

What impression of Othello does the reader get based on Iago's comments?

Iago gives the reader a negative impression of Othello, making him feel like a criminal for stealing away Desdemona, an impressionable young girl, through deception

What saves Cassio from dying during the fight?

Iago hits a spot on his body that is not fatal.

What is Iago saying about Othello when he says "I think thou dost. And for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty and weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath, therefore these stops of thine fright me the more. For such things in a false disloyal knave are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just they are close dilations, working from the heart, that passion cannot rule."

Iago is saying that he believes Othello is full of love and honesty towards him. Since he always carefully before he speaks, he is worried that he is hesitating. Since he is so honest, the reactions imply his thoughts are coming from the heart which cannot be clouded by emotion.

After Iago lied and told Othello that Cassio confessed going to bedwith Desdemona, what advice does he give Othello?

Iago orders Othello to hide nearby and observe Cassio's face during their conversation. Iago explains that he will make Cassio retell the story of where, when, how, and how often he has slept with Desdemona, and when he intends to do so again.

How does Iago present himself to Othello?

Iago presents himself as someone who is on his side, trying to protect him from the rage of Brabantio. He leaves out the fact that he was the one who told Brabantio about their marriage.

What do Roderigo and Iago discuss in Act 1, Scene 3?

Iago says he needs to cool his passion with reason, Roderigo says that he's gonna kill himself because he can't have Desdemona, but then decides he's gonna sell all his land instead.

What do Iago and Montano have a conversation about?

Iago slanders Cassio, saying that he is a good soldier, but has a terrible drinking problem and may be derelict in the responsibilities Othello has given him.

Summarize Act 3

Iago tells Cassio the best way to get his position back is to talk to Desdemona and get her on his side. Cassio listens, and talks to Desdemona alone. When Othello and Iago come up to them, Cassio leaves, as he is not ready to face Othello personally, which Iago uses to plant the seed that he cannot be trusted as he left as soon as Othello came near. Desdemona tells Othello that he should forgive Cassio. Iago plants more seeds in Othello's mind about Desdemona & Cassio's affair. Even with no evidence, Othello begins to believe him. Othello tells Desdemona he has a headache, and she wraps her head with the handkerchief, to which Othello pushes it away, making her drop it. Emilia picks up the handkerchief and gives it to Iago because he has been asking her to steal it. Iago tells Othello that Cassio has been talking about Desdemona in her sleep and wiped his beard with the handkerchief. Iago and Othello agree to kill them both. Othello confronts Desdemona about the handkerchief, andc she changes the subject to giving Cassio his position back, which makes Othello even more angry. Cassio comes to Desdemona again for help. Bianca comes to Cassio and asks why he hasn't visited her recently. He gives her the handkerchief and asks her to copy the embroidery.

How has Iago's tone changed from Act 1, Scene 1 to Act 1, Scene 2?

In Scene 1, Iago is angry, plotting to get revenge on Othello. In Scene 2, Iago acts loyal and respectful to protect Othello.

How does the word "lechery" affect the tone and purpose of Iago and Roderigo's conversation?

It describes their relationship as dirty and lustful, only existing because they are unable to control themselves sexually.

What does Othello say about Desdemona's hand?

It is moist, which means she is fertile with a generous heart, and needs discipline, then says "It used to be that people's hearts controlled whether they gave someone their hand in marriage, but now people give away their hands without consulting their hearts"

How did Bianca's return with the handkerchief help Iago?

It made things appear to Othello as though all Iago had said was true; that Desdemona had given it to Cassio, and that Cassio had in turn given it to a prostitute.

Explain the quote "I swear 'tis better to be much abused than but to know't a little."

It's better to feel betrayed than to be oblivious

Translate "Come, my dear love, The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue: That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you. Good night."

Let's go have sex!

How does Emilia view men?

Men are "all but stomachs", and women are "all but food" They get what they want and then throw women back up

Translate "Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger. Your officer Iago can inform you, while I spare speech, which something now offends me, of all that I do know. Nor know I aught by me that's said or done amiss this night, unless self-charity be sometimes a vice, and to defend ourselves it be a sin when violence assails us."

Noble Othelo, I am injured. I'm going to save my energy by not speaking, Iago can tell you everything I want to. I don't know what I did wrong, unless it's wrong to take care of yourself and defend yourself when someone else attacks you/

What happed to Othello, Iago, and Cassio?

Othello stabbed himself, Iago was stabbed and then was put in jail, his fate left to be determined by Cassio; Cassio was appointed "Lord Governor".

How would Iago gain from Roderigo's death? Cassio's?

Rodergio's death would prevent anyone from ever learning of Iago's lies. Killing Cassio would further improve Iago's standing in Othello's mind.

What happened when Cassio and Roderigo fought?

Roderigo was wounded by Cassio; Cassio was wounded from behind by Iago.

Why does Emilia repeat the phrase "My husband" three times?

She is finally putting together that her husband is behind all of this chaos.

How does Desdemona fulfill her promise to Cassio in her conversation with Othello?

She keeps asking Othello about Cassio, even after he gives her answers, to the point that it annoys him

Why was Bianca angry with Cassio?

She loved him and thought that some other woman had given him the handkerchief as a gift.

Before Desdemona dies, she tells Emilia she killed herself. Why?

She loves Othello and does not want him to get in trouble.

What does Desdemona promise Cassio?

She promises Cassio that she will do everything she can to get him reinstated

How does Roderigo respond to Iago's monologue?

She responds that he can't believe she would turn to Cassio, as she is a good woman.

What was Emilia's reaction when Othello told her that Iago had revealed Desdemona's affair with Cassio to him?

She was shocked and amazed; she couldn't believe that her husband was capable of something this evil.

Why did Othello hit Desdemona?

She, in his eyes, had openly admitted to her love for Cassio; he was enraged.

What does Emilia plan to do with the handkerchief? Why does she do this?

Since Othello asked for her to steal it, she was going to have the embroidery copied to give to him, then return it to Desdemona. She is confused about what she is going to do with it, but is willing to do anything to make him happy.

Summarize Act II

The Turks have been drowned. Othello throws a feast to celebrate the end of the war and the beginning of his marriage. Iago gets Cassio drunk and tells Roderigo to pick a fight with him. Cassio pulls a sword on Roderigo. Montano tries to stop it, but Cassio fights with him and injures him. Othello comes out and removes Cassio from his job for being drunk and ill behaved.

What does Desdemona's handkerchief symbolize?

To Desdemona, the handkerchief represents Othello's love. To Iago, the handkerchief represents Desdemona's faith. To Othello, the handkerchief represents marital fidelity.

What is the news the Duke and Senators are discussing?

The Turkish fleet is coming for Cyprus

What is the irony of Brabantio's news?

The man who the Duke is upset stole Brabantio's daughter from him, is the same man who is the Duke's current leader, as the General.

What do the Duke and Senators discuss in Act 1, Scene 3?

They are discussing conflicting reports of the war with the Turks over Cyprus, when they are interrupted by a messenger that says the Turks are actually headed for Cyprus and need help from Venice.

What do Iago and Othello plan at the end of Act 3, Scene 3?

They plan to kill Cassio and Desdemona.

Iago calls Othello all of the following insults (Venetian, Arithmetician, lady's man, inexperienced) EXCEPT

Venetian

What does Iago mean by "Knavery's plain face is never seen till used"

Villainy isn't recognized until the work is done

Translate "What an eye she has! Methinks it sounds a parley to provocation."

What nice eyes she has! Looks like an invitation for sex.

Our bodies are __________, to which our wills are ______________.

gardens, gardeners

What is Othello's hamartia?

gullibility

What does Iago compare jealousy to?

a green-eyed monster

tempest

a violent, windy storm

What does Iago encourage Cassio to do?

apologize to Desdemona, asking for Othello's pardon

According to Othello, it's better to "___________ than ____________".

be much abused, to know't a little

How does Iago describe Othello and Desdemona's relationship?

captive, dirty

What is the Clown's purpose?

comedic relief/foreshadowing

Which of the following (thou hast enchanted her, abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals, practiced on her with foul charms, commanded her with sooty delights) is not an accusation Brabantio makes of Othello referencing his relationship with Desdemona?

commanded her with sooty delights

What is the setting of the opening scene?

on a street in Venice

Iago says Emilia is not

quiet

What characterization of Cassio does Iago provide?

rash and short-tempered

What do we have, according to Iago, to "cool our raging motions, our carnal strings, our unbitted lusts"

reason

All of the following (lascivious Moor, common hire, black ram, ruffian) are terms used to describe Othello EXCEPT

ruffian

"The desperate __________ hath so banged the Turks, that their designment halts."

tempest