| What is roderigo complaining about in the opening scene? what does he mean when he says, ” i take it much unkindly that thou iago, who hast had my purse as if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this!”? (p. 24/25) | Roderigo is paying iago to keep him informed about desdemona, who ran away with othello, and is angered that he wasn’t told this earlier. |
| Why does iago say he hates othello so much, and what does he mean when he says: “in following him, i follow but myself.” (p. 26, line 58) | He didn’t get the promotion. |
| Why does iago think that he should have been promoted? why is cassio not qualified? | Iago was next in line. cassio has never been in battle. |
| What do iago and roderigo hope to accomplish by shouting insulting remarks about othello and desdemona under brabantios window? | to anger barbantio and go stop them. |
| what is roderigo previous relationship with barbantio and desdemona? | he has asked for his daughters hand in marriage (stalker) |
| what is barbantios reaction to othello a marriage to desdemona? | horrified and believes that there is a spell on her |
| what are othello and iago talking about at the opening of this scene? (p. 36/37-38/39) | iago is ratting on roderigo and what he said to barbantio who is also heading to see him. |
| when iago warns othello that barbantio is “much-loved” and may try to seperate him and desdemona, what is othellos answer and what does it suggest about what othello values? | his royalty, his clear conscience, and his service to venice. |
| what does othello mean when he says: “my parts, my title, and my perfect soul/ shall manifest me rightly?” what has iago suggested before he says this? | his character, his title, and his clear conscience will testify for him. |
| why has the duke sent for othello? what danger is cyprus facing? | turkish fleet is heading for cyprus |
| according to barbantio, how has othello seduced his daughter? | with a magic spell |
| in response to barbantios accusation, othello explains how desdemona originally fell in love with him. how did it happen and what part did desdemona play in the beginning of the relationship? | othello told desdemona stories of his past and she fell in love with him. when she did her chores she would do them quickly then come to him |
| what is the dukes reply to othello she story? | that the relationship had nothing to do with casting a spell |
| brabantio asks desdemona where her loyalty lies. what is her response? | first it lied with her father, but now it lies with othello |
| after hearing his daughters side of the story, what does brabantio say to othello and desdemona? why does he say that he is glad he has no other child? | he says that it’s okay for them to be married, but he will disown desdemona. he thinks another child would do the same thing. |
| what is othellos concern about desdemona? what solution is not acceptable? what is the plan that is finally agreed upon? | where she will stay while othello is gone for battle, desdemona ends up going with her |
| what warning does brabantio give to othello? | that she deceived him and might deceive othello. |
| what is the point of iagos “virtue, a fig” speech? what is his advice to roderigo? | that men have control of what they do |
| at the end of this scene, iago gives a second reason for hating othello; what is this reason? what is iago plotting against othello/cassio? | that a rumor was passed around that othello slept with his wife, and that cassio slept with his wife |
Othello Act I
July 14, 2019