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Thinking about Othello

An Interactive Study Guide. Thinking about Othello. Please click the mouse to continue. What’s in This Study Guide?. Home. Othello - Introduction. Othello was first performed in 1604. The play is set in 16 th century Venice and Cyprus.

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Thinking about Othello

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  1. An Interactive Study Guide Thinking about Othello Please click the mouse to continue.

  2. What’s in This Study Guide? Home

  3. Othello - Introduction • Othello was first performed in 1604. • The play is set in 16th century Venice and Cyprus. • Cyprus, a colony of Venice, is being attacked by the Turks. • The Moors were Moslem people of Northwest Africa. • Being dark-skinned, to Elizabethans, they were the same as blacks. • Othello is the only one of the four tragedies that is domestic, involving private action, as opposed to the universal implications of Hamlet, King Lear or Macbeth. Thomas Keene as Othello, 1884 Next Main Menu

  4. Othello – Sources • The plot of Othello is taken from an Italian story, Un Capitano Moro, written in 1565 by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinzio (aka Cinthio). • The original story is about a Moorish general who is deceived by his ensign into believing his wife is unfaithful. • Shakespeare added important minor characters, including Roderigo, Iago’s rich young dupe, and Brabantio, Desdemona’s grief-stricken father. • Shakespeare also compressed the action of the play into a few days and set it against the backdrop of military conflict. • He also developed the ensign, a minor villain in the original story, into the complex villain, Iago. • Shakespeare’s source for the Venetian-Turkish conflict is probably The History of the Turks by Richard Knolles, published in 1603. Back Next Main Menu

  5. Othello – The Text • First Quarto: Othello was first published in quarto format in 1622. • First Folio: Othello was also included in a collection of Shakespeare’s plays compiled by two of his associates, published in 1623. • The Folio version is longer, including several passages and wording changes that do not appear in the Quarto version. • Some scholars believe that the Quarto is an earlier version of the play, and the Folio represents Shakespeare’s revised version. • Quartos were also published in 1630, 1655, 1681, 1695, 1699 and 1705. Title page of the First Quarto, 1622 Back Next Main Menu

  6. The Great Chain of Being • Shakespeare’s audience believed in a great Chain of Being that determined the natural order of events. • The chain was a series of hierarchical links with God at the top. • The position of humans between the Angels and the Animals represented the struggle within humanity between base animal instincts and pure reason and spirituality. • Shakespeare uses this concept in Othello to emphasize Othello’s struggle between Desdemona’s pure love and the base passions of Iago. Back Main Menu

  7. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  8. Othello – Act I QuizClick the hand  for an answer. • Where does this play take place?  • Why does Iago hate Othello?  • Why is Roderigo jealous of Othello?  • Who is Brabantio, and what news do Iago and Roderigo bring him?  • What is Desdemona's response to Brabantio when he asks for her obedience as a daughter?  • Summarize Othello's explanation of how he won Desdemona's love.  Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  9. Where does this play take place? Click anywhere to show answer. The setting is 16th century Venice and Cyprus.   The island of Cyprus, which is under attack by the Turks,  was a colony of Venice at this time. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  10. Why does Iago hate Othello? Click anywhere to show answer. Othello appointed Cassio as his lieutenant, instead of Iago, despite the fact that Iago bribed  three city officials to get the position. Iago despises Cassio as a "theoretician" with no practical experience. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  11. Why is Roderigo jealous of Othello? Click anywhere to show answer. Othello has just married Desdemona, whom Roderigo loves.  Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him win Desdemona's affection. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  12. Who is Brabantio, and what news do Iago and Roderigo bring him? Click anywhere to show answer. Brabantio is Desdemona's father and a senator in Venice.  Roderigo and Iago awaken him in the middle of the night to inform him that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  13. What is Desdemona's response to Brabantio when he asks for her obedience as a daughter? Click anywhere to show answer. Desdemona says she has a "divided duty" between her husband and her father.  However, her first loyalty must be to her husband.  She points out to Brabantio that this is the same choice her mother made in choosing him before her father. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  14. Summarize Othello's explanation of how he won Desdemona's love. Click anywhere to show answer. Othello was often invited to Brabantio's home, where he related the exploits of his career.  Desdemona, having heard parts of his accounts, one day asked him to repeat the entire story to her. He related the events of his life from his boyhood to the present day, including many exciting and romantic events--"disastrous chances," "hairbreadth scapes," and being "sold to slavery," as well as his travels to strange and foreign lands. While listening to him speak, Desdemona was often reduced to tears while he spoke of "some distressful stroke that my youth suffered."  Ultimately, she fell in love with him because of the hardships he endured, and he with her because of the tenderness she showed him. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  15. Othello – Act II QuizClick the hand  for an answer. • Where does Act II, Scene 1, take place?  • What news does Othello bring regarding the Turks?  • How does Iago convince Roderigo that Cassio must be dishonored and "removed"?  • Explain how Iago engineered Cassio's disgrace.  Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  16. Where does Act II, Scene 1 take place? Click anywhere to show answer. Act II, Scene 1, takes place on the island of Cyprus, a colony of Venice at the time. At the beginning of the scene, Montano and a gentleman are discussing the terrible storm that they suspect may have harmed the Turkish fleet. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  17. What news does Othello bring regarding the Turks? Click anywhere to show answer. Othello announces that the Turkish fleet has been destroyed in the storm, and the war is over. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  18. How does Iago convince Roderigo that Cassio must be dishonored and "removed"? Click anywhere to show answer. Iago convinces Roderigo that Desdemona will eventually tire of the Moor (Othello) and look for another partner.  Cassio is the logical choice. His method of manipulation is to plant a detail in the mind of his victim, in this case when Cassio touches Desdemona's hand.  Iago will later use this technique on Othello. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  19. Explain how Iago engineered Cassio's disgrace. Click anywhere to show answer. Iago convinced Roderigo that Cassio would likely be Desdemona's next partner, and he could help "remove" Cassio by provoking a fight with him.  Iago then sets up a drinking party during the celebration of the Turkish defeat and makes sure that Cassio gets drunk.  When Roderigo attacks him, Cassio becomes enraged.  He even wounds Montano, who tries to break up the fight. When the alarum sounds and Othello arrives, Iago pretends to "reluctantly" relate the details of the incident.  Othello angrily strips Cassio of his rank as lieutenant. Already working on the next phase of his plot, Iago advises Cassio that he can win back his position by entreating Desdemona to plead his case with Othello. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  20. Othello – Act III QuizClick the hand  for an answer. • How does Iago skillfully reveal to Othello the notion that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio?  • According to Iago, when has Desdemona previously shown evidence that she is capable of deception?  • What's the importance of the handkerchief ("napkin") in Iago's plot?  • What does Othello order Iago to do regarding Cassio?   Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  21. How does Iago skillfully reveal to Othello the notion that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio? Click anywhere to show answer. Iago hints at Cassio's guilt and Desdemona's unfaithfulness without coming right out and accusing them directly, forcing Othello to drag the information out of him.  Because he seems reluctant to accuse Cassio and Desdemona directly, Othello never questions his information. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  22. According to Iago, when has Desdemona previously shown evidence that she is capable of deception? Click anywhere to show answer. Iago accurately points out that Desdemona deceived her father by marrying Othello secretly.  She also deceived Othello when she pretended to "shake and fear" while listening to his stories, but really was fascinated by his words. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  23. What's the importance of the handkerchief ("napkin") in Iago's plot? Click anywhere to show answer. The handkerchief was Desdemona's first gift from Othello. Othello dropped the handkerchief when Desdemona tried to wipe his brow.  Emilia, Iago’s wife, found the napkin and gave it to her husband, who had asked her several times to obtain it. Iago plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's chamber, and then tells Othello that he saw Cassio wipe his beard with it. The handkerchief will provide the "ocular proof" that Othello demands to prove Iago's charges against Desdemona. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  24. What does Othello order Iago to do regarding Cassio?Click anywhere to show answer. Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio within three days. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  25. Othello – Act IV QuizClick the hand  for an answer. • What trick does Iago use in Scene 1 to show Othello "proof" of Cassio's affair with Desdemona?  • Why did Othello strike Desdemona in public?  • Who is Lodovico and what message does he bring Othello?  • What does Iago try to persuade Roderigo to do at the end of Scene 2?  Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  26. What trick does Iago use in Scene 1 to show Othello "proof" of Cassio's affair with Desdemona?Click anywhere to show answer. Iago tells Othello to observe him while he talks to Cassio about Desdemona.  Meanwhile, Iago explains to the audience in an aside that he will question Cassio about Bianca, a prostitute who dotes on Cassio.  Othello hears Cassio's comments about Bianca and assumes he is making degrading comments about Desdemona. By chance, Bianca enters and returns Desdemona's handkerchief (that Iago placed in his chamber).  Iago later points out to Othello that Cassio gave the handkerchief to "his whore." Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  27. Why did Othello strike Desdemona in public? Click anywhere to show answer. Desdemona's innocent references to Cassio slowly build until Othello snaps and strikes her. She first talks to Lodovico about the rift between Cassio and Othello. Othello, pretending to read the letter from Venice, responds to her sarcastically.  Desdemona then mentions to Lodovico the love she bears Cassio, as Othello becomes increasingly angry.  Finally, she says she is "glad" when she finds out that Othello has been ordered to Venice, and Cassio will be in charge of Cyprus.  This last statement provokes Othello to strike her. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  28. Who is Lodovico and what message does he bring Othello? Click anywhere to show answer. Lodovico is an official from Venice and a kinsman of Brabantio.  He brings Othello a letter commanding him to return to Venice, leaving Cassio in charge of Cyprus in his place. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  29. What does Iago try to persuade Roderigo to do at the end of Scene 2? Click anywhere to show answer. Iago tries to persuade Roderigo to kill Cassio. He explains that Othello and Desdemona are planning to travel, leaving Cassio in charge of Cyprus.  If Cassio is "removed," they will not be able to leave. Iago plans to visit Cassio at Bianca's and see that he leaves between 12 and 1.  This will provide Roderigo with the opportunity to kill Cassio.  Iago says he will be nearby to help Roderigo. Roderigo demands "further reason" for killing Cassio before agreeing to Iago's plan and Iago agrees to supply it. Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  30. Othello – Act V QuizClick the hand  for an answer. • What happened to Roderigo after the fight with Cassio?  • How does Iago succeed in implicating Bianca in the attack on Cassio?  What is his motivation for doing so?  • Before he kills her, what news does Othello bring Desdemona about Cassio, and what is her reaction?  • Who finally reveals the truth about Iago and his evil plot against Desdemona and Othello?  • What happened to Brabantio?  • What is Iago's response when Othello asks him the reason for his evil acts?  Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  31. What happened to Roderigo after the fight with Cassio? Click anywhere to show answer. Roderigo is wounded in the fight by Cassio, and Cassio is wounded by Roderigo, or possibly by Iago in the darkness.  When Iago pretends to "discover" the fight with Lodovico and Gratiano, he takes advantage of the confusion to stab and kill Roderigo before he can talk. Before the fight, he explained in an aside that it didn't matter to him whether Cassio, Roderigo or both were killed in the fight he set up.  Any combination of events could be used to his advantage. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  32. How does Iago succeed in implicating Bianca in the attack on Cassio?  What is his motivation for doing so? Click anywhere to show answer. In the presence of Lodovico and Gratiano, Iago directly accuses Bianca of being involved in the attack. When Emilia enters, Iago tells her that Cassio was attacked by Roderigo, now dead, and "others."  Knowing that Cassio was with Bianca earlier, he asks Emilia to find out where Cassio had dinner that evening, and then implies that Bianca's reaction to this question is a guilty one. Iago tries to implicate Bianca in order to divert guilt away from himself.  Since Roderigo was his friend, suspicion might be aroused.  In doing so, Iago attempts to destroy yet one more innocent person. Some critics have theorized that Iago's attempt to implicate Bianca is really unnecessary, and is an example of his evil continuing at a pace that even he cannot control. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  33. Before he kills her, what news does Othello bring Desdemona about Cassio, and what is her reaction? Click anywhere to show answer. Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has confessed to their affair, and Iago has killed him. Desdemona's sympathy for Cassio enrages Othello further and provides the final impetus for him to murder her. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  34. Who finally reveals the truth about Iago and his evil plot against Desdemona and Othello? Click anywhere to show answer. Emilia realizes that her husband's "odious damned lie" about Desdemona has brought about her murder.  Ignoring her husband's command, Emilia refuses to be quiet in the play's final scene and admits she found Desdemona’s handkerchief and gave it to Iago.  When Othello realizes the truth, he lunges for Iago, but in the confusion, Iago kills Emilia and flees. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  35. What happened to Brabantio? Click anywhere to show answer. Gratiano (Desdemona's uncle) reports that Brabantio died of grief over his daughter's marriage to Othello.  Gratiano is relieved that Brabantio did not live long enough to hear of his daughter's murder. Othello Quizzes Next Question Main Menu

  36. What is Iago's response when Othello asks him the reason for his evil acts? Click anywhere to show answer. Iago refuses to answer Othello, providing no reason for his evil actions.  His last words in the play are: Demand me nothing.  What you know, you know.From this time forth I never will speak word. (V, 2) Othello Quizzes Main Menu

  37. Othello Quotes Main Menu

  38. Othello – Act I QuotesWho said it, and what is he/she talking about?Click the hand  for an answer. • I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor.  Put money in thy purse.  • Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall more command with years Than with your weapons.  • She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,And I loved her that she did pity themThis only is the witchcraft I have used.  • The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so; And will as tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are.  Othello Quotes Main Menu

  39. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor.  Put money in thy purse. Click anywhere to show answer. Iago is duping Roderigo into giving him more money.  He convinces Roderigo that he still has a chance to win Desdemona after she tires of Othello, but it will require more cash.  Roderigo foolishly believes Iago's lie and rushes off to sell his land. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  40. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall more command with years Than with your weapons. Click anywhere to show answer. Brabantio and his men arrive to arrest Othello, as Cassio and some of Othello’s men arrive to summon Othello to the Senate, where he is needed to help respond to the Turkish threat to Cyprus. As both sides draw swords, Othello diffuses the situation with a poetic image that demonstrates his ability to take control in a volatile situation. The first monosyllabic line of this quote also demonstrates that while Othello’s speech is simple and “rude,” it can also be beautiful, as well as effective. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  41. She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,And I loved her that she did pity themThis only is the witchcraft I have used. Click anywhere to show answer. This is the end of Othello’s speech defending himself from Brabantio’s accusation that he must have used drugs or magic to get Desdemona to fall in love with him. Othello explains that it was Brabantio who often invited him to his home and questioned him about his life. While Othello told the story of his life, Desdemona listened to the stories of his “passing strange” exploits and fell in love with him. Othello Quotes Main Menu

  42. The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so; And will as tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are. Click anywhere to show answer. Iago begins to formulate his plan to ruin Othello in a soliloquy at the end of Act I.  In this speech, he suspects Othello of having slept with his wife.  Although, he's not sure if it's true, he will assume it is.  He plans to convince Othello that the handsome Cassio is "too familiar" with Desdemona. In this quote, Iago notes that Othello's trusting nature will make it easier to deceive him and lead him by the nose, like a donkey. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  43. Othello – Act II QuotesWho said it, and what is he/she talking about?Click the hand  for an answer. • Tis monstrous.  Iago, who began't?  • ...I love thee;But never more be officer of mine.  • Our general's wife is now the general...Confess yourself freely to her.  • So will I turn her virtue into pitch,And out of her own goodness make the netThat shall enmesh them all.  Othello Quotes Main Menu

  44. ‘Tis monstrous.  Iago, who began't? Click anywhere to show answer. Othello is awakened by the alarum bell during the fight between Cassio and Roderigo.  He asks Iago to explain the cause of the disturbance. This quote has an interesting alternative meaning if the punctuation is removed: 'Tis monstrous Iago who began't. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  45. ...I love thee;But never more be officer of mine. Click anywhere to show answer. Othello dismisses Cassio as his lieutenant after Iago "reluctantly" relates the circumstances of the fight. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  46. Our general's wife is now the general...Confess yourself freely to her. Click anywhere to show answer. Because Desdemona has such a strong influence on her husband, Iago advises Cassio to enlist her help in order to be reinstated as lieutenant. This is, of course, part of Iago’s plan. When Desdemona pleads Cassio’s case to Othello, Iago will use her defense of Cassio as evidence of her infidelity. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  47. So will I turn her virtue into pitch,And out of her own goodness make the netThat shall enmesh them all. Click anywhere to show answer. In a soliloquy, Iago explains how he will use Desdemona's goodness against her.  He has advised Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede with Othello to reinstate him as lieutenant, knowing that Desdemona will pity him and try to help him.  Meanwhile, Iago will plant the suspicion in Othello's mind that Desdemona pleads for Cassio because she is attracted to him.  He plans to use Desdemona's inherent good nature to destroy all of them--Cassio, Desdemona, and Othello. Othello Quotes Main Menu

  48. Othello – Act III QuotesWho said it, and what is he/she talking about?Click the hand  for an answer. • Thou hast set me on the rackI swear 'tis better to be much abusedThan but to know't a little.  • O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mockThe meat it feeds on.  • I had rather be a toadAnd live upon the vapor of a dungeonThan keep a corner in the thing I love for others' uses.  • I am your own forever.  Othello Quotes Main Menu

  49. Thou hast set me on the rackI swear 'tis better to be much abusedThan but to know't a little. Click anywhere to show answer. Othello returns in the middle of Scene 3 and acknowledges that he is tortured by the partial information Iago has provided. He then demands that Iago show him proof of Desdemona's sin. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

  50. O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mockThe meat it feeds on. Click anywhere to show answer. In a famous metaphor, Iago warns Othello to beware of extreme jealousy. This is ironic, since jealousy is the prime motivation for Iago's actions in the play. Othello Quotes Next Question Main Menu

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