Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Veniceby William Shakespeare
Study GuideHonors World Literature
Act I, Scene i
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
’Sblood – an oath (originally “God’s blood!”)
Certes – for certain
complement – a form
daws – crows
Forsooth – indeed
knave – a rascal; wretched fellow
lascivious – sexually overactive
naught – nothing
obsequious – full of flattery
ruffians – hoodlums
saucy – showing a lack of respect
suit – an appeal
Tush – an expression of contempt
wheeling – freewheeling, rootless
Zounds – an oath (“God’s wounds!”)
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary:
Othello begins in the city of Venice, at night; Roderigo is having a discussion with Iago, who is bitter at being passed up as Othello’s lieutenant. Though Iago had greater practice in battle and in military matters, Cassio, a man of strategy but of little experience, was named lieutenant by Othello. Iago says that he only serves Othello to further himself, and makes shows of his allegiance only for his own gain; he is playing false, and admits that his nature is not at all what it seems. Iago is aware that the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian nobleman of some stature, has run off with Othello, the black warrior of the Moors. Desdemona is Brabantio’s daughter, and Brabantio, and many others, know nothing of this coupling;
Iago decides to enlist Roderigo, who lusts after Desdemona, and awaken Brabantio with screams that his daughter is gone.
At first, Brabantio dismisses these cries in the dark; but when he realizes his daughter is not there, he gives the news some credence. Roderigo is the one speaking most to Brabantio, but Iago is there too, hidden, yelling unsavory things about Othello and his intentions toward Desdemona. Brabantio panics, and calls for people to try and find his daughter; Iago leaves, not wanting anyone to find out that he betrayed his own leader, and Brabantio begins to search for his daughter.
1. From Roderigo’s first speech it appears that he paid Iago for something. Can you tell what it was?
2. Iago says he hates Othello. For what reason?
3. What does Iago say of Cassio? Does this make sense to you?
4. What two kinds of followers are there, according to Iago?
5. Shortly after this, Iago speaks about appearance and reality. He concludes, “I am not what I am.” State what preceded that line and explain it.
6. How do Iago and Roderigo stir up trouble? What type of language do they employ?
7. What is Brabantio’s reaction?
8. What does Brabantio say that this situation reminds him of?
9. Why does Iago make sure he leaves before Brabantio comes out of the house?
10. Earlier Brabantio has told Roderigo that there is no way that Othello is suitable Desdemona. What does he say to Roderigo after finding out about her and Othello?
Act I, Scene ii
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
consuls – military officials
heat – urgency
stuff – an essential part
yond – yonder
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary:Iago has now joined Othello, and has told Othello about Roderigo’s betrayal of the news of his marriage to Brabantio’s daughter. He tells Othello that Brabantiois upset, and will probably try to tear Desdemona from him. Cassio comes at last, as do Roderigo and Brabantio; Iago threatens Roderigo with violence, again making a false show of his loyalty to Othello. Brabantio is very angry, swearing that Othello must have bewitched his daughter, and that the state will not decide for him in this case. Othello says that the Duke must hear him, and decide in his favor, or else all is far from right in Venice.
1. Why does Iago say he wishes to kill Roderigo? What reason does he give for not killing him?
2. What is Othello’s response?
3. Why is Othello not worried about Brabantio’s wrath?
4. Iago tells Othello that Brabantio and his friends are coming, and it is best if Othello goes into the house. What is Othello’s response?
5. The lights turn out to be carried by Cassio. What message does he bring?
6. As Othello is about to leave for the Senate, Brabantio and his supporters show up and draw their swords. How would you describe Othello when he responds?
7. Of what does Brabantio accuse Othello?
8. Brabantio wishes to arrest Othello and hold him in jail until he can be brought to court. What forces him to change his plans?
9. What is Brabantio’s new plan?
Act I, Scene iii
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
affects – impulses
aught – anything
beguile – to rob
betimes – early
bootless – useless
breach – a space between safe places
comply – to satisfy
conjuration – a spell
consecrate – to dedicate to
dearest – most valuable
defunct – extinguished
direction – instructions
disports – entertainments
disproportion’d – inconsistent
equivocal – the same
fond – stupid
frank – obvious
hitherto – therefore
imminent – about to be
knavery – mischief
overt – obvious
pith – strength
preposterously – ridiculously prithee – pray thee scant – to give little
attention to straight – rightaway visage – the face vouch – to swear
wrought – made a change
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary: Military conflict is challenging the Venetian stronghold of Cyprus; there are reports that Turkish ships are heading toward the island, which means some defense will be necessary. Brabantio and Othello enter the assembled Venetian leaders, who are discussing this military matter, and Brabantio announces his grievance against Othello for marrying his daughter. Othello addresses the company, admitting that he did marry Desdemona, but wooed her with stories, and did her no wrongs. Desdemona comes to speak, and she confirms Othello’s words; Brabantio’s grievance is denied, and Desdemona will indeed stay with Othello. However, Othello is called away to Cyprus, to help with the conflict there; he begs that Desdemona be able to go with him, since they have been married for so little time. Othello and Desdemona win their appeal, and Desdemona is to stay with Iago, until she can come to Cyprus and meet Othello there.
Roderigo is upset that Desdemona and Othello’s union was allowed to stand, since he lusts after Desdemona. But Iago assures him that the match will not last long, and at any time, Desdemona could come rushing to him. Iago wants to break up the couple, using Roderigo as his pawn, out of malice and his wicked ability to do so.
1. About what are the Duke and Senators concerned?
2. By what adjective do the Senators and the Duke refer to Othello? What does this indicate?
3. Why is Brabantio convinced Othello used drugs and spells on Desdemona?
4. How does the Senate react to Brabantio’s charges against Othello? What does the Duke say?
5. What is the tone of Othello’s response? What does this say about his temperament?
6. How did Brabantio misread Desdemona’s actions toward Othello?
7. The Duke tells Brabantio that his (Brabantio’s) saying that Othello used drugs as charms on his daughter is not proof of it. Then a Senator asks Othello if it is true. What is Othello’s response?
8. How did Othello win Desdemona’s love?
9. The Duke says his daughter, too, would have fallen in love with Othello after hearing
him speak. What is Brabantio’s response?
10. Desdemona speaks truthfully before the group, and Brabantio is convinced she married of her own free will. The Duke then gives Brabantio advice. What is Brabantio’s mood at this point?
11. What is Desdemona’s request of the Duke?
12. Why do you suppose Brabantio says to Othello “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
13. Everyone leaves and Roderigo tells Iago he is going to drown himself. What is Iago’sresponse? What is Iago’s view of human nature and of love?
14. After Iago tells Roderigo to make a great deal of money and plan on getting Desdemona back, Roderigo leaves and we see into Iago’s thoughts in his soliloquy. In this soliloquy, what seems to be his opinion of Roderigo? What is a reason he hates the Moor? What plan has he formulated? What does it say about Iago’s character?
Act II, Scene i
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
allowance – the ability
bark – a boat
citadel – a fort
contention – a battle
disclose – to make known
ensteep’d – submerged
xpectancy – an expectation
fie – an exclamation of contempt footing – arrival
list – to listen
pate – a head
peradventure – perhaps
prologue – the beginning
voluble – talkative
wight – a person
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary:A terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach. This might mean that the Turkish attack will not happen; but it also bodes badly for Othello’s ship. A messenger enters, and confirms that the Turkish fleet was broken apart by the storm, and that Cassio has arrived, though Othello is still at sea. They spot a ship coming forth; but Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia are on it, not Othello. Cassio greets them all, especially praising Desdemona; somehow, Iago and Desdemona enter into an argument about what women are, and Iago shows how little praise he believes women deserve. Othello arrives at last, and is very glad to see his wife arrived, much earlier than expected; he and Desdemona make public signs of their love, and then depart. Iago speaks to Roderigo, convincing him that Desdemona will stray from Othello, as she has already done with Cassio. He convinces Roderigo to attack Cassio that night, as he plans to visit mischief on both Othello and Cassio.
1. What news do we get of the Turkish fleet?
2. At this point what is Cassio’s hope?
3. Although they all seem to be enjoying themselves on the dock with Iago’s cynical comments on women, we see that Iago’s fierce mood has not abated. What does he observe, and what does he conclude?
4. It is clear that Iago views Othello as “different” and thinks that eventually Desdemona will too. Why does he think Desdemona will lose her love for Othello?
5. Some critics make the point that Othello is an outsider; and certainly, Brabantio, Iago, and others see him as that. To be an outsider, though, one must feel apart from society. In your opinion, does Othello feel like an outsider?
6. Iago tells Roderigo that because of Cassio’s youth and good looks, Desdemona will look to Cassio when she gets tired of Othello. Is Iago saying all this just to ensnare Roderigo, or do you think he believes that Desdemona will be unfaithful to Othello?
7. Iago accuses Cassio of putting on a false appearance to gain his own ends. Why is this accusation an example of irony?
8. In Iago’s soliloquy at the end of this scene we again see into his mind and, unlike the times he speaks with others, he has no reason to lie. In this soliloquy what does he believe about
a) Cassio and Desdemona
b) Othello and Desdemona
c) his own feelings for Desdemona
d) his suspicions of the Moor? How does he plan to discredit Cassio?
Act II, Scene ii
Vocabularytidings – news mere – total perdition – destruction
Summary: Othello’s herald enters, to proclaim that the Turks are not going to attack, all should be joyful, and Othello is celebrating the happiness of his recent marriage.
[no questions]
Act II, Scene iii
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
affined – swayed by favoritism
approved – proved guilty
barbarous – savage
billeted – lodged
brace – a pair
caroused – drunk
cashiered – dismissed
collied – muddied
cudgelled – beaten
dilatory – slow-moving
entreats – begs
hazard – to risk
ingraft – inborn
jump – right away
odds – an argument
pitch – sticky tar
prate – babble
task – a test
warrant – guarantee
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary: Iago and Cassio are on the watch together; Iago gets Cassio to drink a bit, knowing that he cannot hold his liquor at all. Iago also tries to get Cassio’s feelings about Desdemona, and make her seem tempting to him; but his intentions are innocent and friendly, so this approach fails. Cassio leaves for a bit, and Iago says that he intends to get Cassio drunk, that will hopefully cause a quarrel between Cassio and Roderigo, who has been stirred up against Cassio. Iago wants to see Cassio discredited through this, so that he might take Cassio’s place. Montano and others come, and Iago entertains them with small talk and song; soon, Cassio is drunk, and Roderigo has approached. Cassio fights offstage with Roderigo, and comes forth, chasing him; Montano tries to hinder Cassio, but Cassio just ends up injuring him. All the noise wakes Othello, who comes down to figure out what has happened. Montano tells what he knows of it all, and Iago fills in the rest...making sure to fictionalize his part in it all, too. Cassio is stripped of his rank, and all leave Cassio and Iago alone.
Cassio laments that he has lost his reputation, which is very dear to him. Iago tries to convince him that a reputation means little; and, if he talks to Desdemona, maybe he can get her to vouch for him with Othello. This will help Iago get the impression across that Desdemona and Cassio are together, which will make Othello very angry if it works. Iago then gives a soliloquy about knowing that Desdemona will speak for Cassio, and that he will be able to turn that against them both.
1. What is Othello’s opinion of Iago?
2. Why is Cassio reluctant to have a drink? Why does he finally agree?
3. How does the clever Iago, in one breath, praise and condemn Cassio to Montano?
4. Iago tells Roderigo to provoke Cassio, and he does. Then, as Montano and Cassio fight,Roderigo rings the alarm bell. Othello, very angrily, orders them to stop. What does Othello say to Iago?
5. After not getting a straight answer from anyone, Othello says, “My blood begins my safer guides to rule, /And passion, having my best judgment collied, /Assays to lead the way.” What is Othello’s point and then what does he threaten?
6. How is this a departure from his earlier temperament, and what makes it ominous? What literary device is used?
7. Reluctantly, Iago tells Othello what happened. How is Othello’s reaction all that Iago had hoped for?
8. What advice does Iago give Cassio?
9. Once again, Iago’s soliloquy gives us a glimpse into his plans. He concludes, “So will I turn her virtue into pitch, /And out of her own goodness make the net /That shall enmesh them all.” What is he saying, and how does he plan to accomplish this?
10. In Roderigo’s speech, do you find him to be pitiable, comical, or something else? Explain.
11. What are the next two moves Iago plans?
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Act III, Scene i
Vocabularymean – the meansquillets – wisecracks
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary: The third act begins with a little bit of comic relief; a clown is mincing words with a few musicians, then has a little wordplay with Cassio, who bids the clown to go and see if Desdemona will speak with him. Iago enters, and Cassio tells him that he means to speak to Desdemona, so that she may clear things up with Othello. Emilia comes out, and bids Cassio to come in and speak with Desdemona about his tarnished reputation.
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
1. Why does Cassio pay money to the clown to find Emilia?
2. What does Emilia tell Cassio?
3. At this point, how could Cassio upset Iago’s devious plan?
Act III, Scene ii & Scene iii
Vocabulary
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
aspics’ – venomous snakes’
avaunt – begone
clime – climate
government – self-restraint
grosser – larger
haggard – untrainable
haply – perhaps
jesses – leashes
nice – minor, insignificant
poise – importance
politic – appropriate
purse – to draw together
ruminate – to think
shrift – confession
sith – since
solicitor – a lawyer
strangeness – unfriendliness vehement – emotional
Modern Language version:Othello Study Guide page 1
Summary: Othello gives Iago some letters that need to be delivered back to Venice, which Iago is in turn supposed to give to a ship’s pilot who is sailing back to Venice.
Desdemona decides that she wants to advocate for Cassio. She tells Emilia so, and that she believes Cassio is a good person, and has been wronged in this case; she pledges to do everything she can to persuade her husband to take Cassio back. Cassio speaks with her briefly, but leaves just as Othello enters because he does not wish for a confrontation. Iago seizes on this opportunity to play on Othello’s insecurities, and make Cassio’s exit seem guilty and incriminating. Othello then speaks to Desdemona, and Desdemona expresses her concern for Cassio; she is persistent in his suit, which Othello is not too pleased about. Othello says he will humor her, and the subject is dropped for a while.