Key Moments

• What is Iago's intention when he says, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him"?

  To manipulate Othello for his own gain
• How does Iago feel about Cassio being chosen as lieutenant?

  He feels angry and jealous
• What character traits does Iago exhibit in Act 1, Scene 1?

  • Manipulative
  • Cunning
  • Clever
  • Deceitful
• What role does Iago play in the narrative of Othello?

  He is the villain and puppet master
• How does Iago plan to ruin Othello and Cassio?

  Through deceit and manipulation
• What does Iago do to Cassio to cause him to lose his position?

  He sets him up to look drunk
• How does Iago frame Desdemona in his plan?

  He suggests she has an affair with Cassio
• What accusation does Brabantio make against Othello?

  That he used witchcraft to win Desdemona
• How does Othello defend himself in the senate chamber?

  By explaining how he won Desdemona's love
• What does Desdemona's willingness to speak in the senate signify?

  • Equality in their relationship
  • Mutual respect and love
  • Progressiveness for the time period
• What societal norms are challenged by Othello and Desdemona's relationship?

  Gender roles and racial class differences
• How does Othello's character develop throughout the play?

  He becomes increasingly jealous and mistrustful
• What affectionate terms do Othello and Desdemona use for each other?

  "O my fair warrior!" and "My dear Othello!"
• How does Iago describe Emilia in his dialogue?

  As an old nag who complains too much
• What are the key differences between Othello and Iago's relationships with their wives?

  • Othello and Desdemona: Affectionate and equal
  • Iago and Emilia: Dismissive and misogynistic
• What does Iago plan to do to provoke Cassio?

  Get him to drink more alcohol
• What is the outcome of Iago's manipulation of Cassio?

  Cassio loses his rank due to a fight
• How does jealousy manifest in Othello's character?

  It leads to his tragic downfall
• What does the handkerchief symbolize in the play?

  The marriage and relationship between Othello and Desdemona
• What does Othello believe will happen if he loses the handkerchief?

  There will be bad consequences
• How does Othello's perception of Desdemona change throughout the play?

  He becomes increasingly suspicious and violent
• What violent thoughts does Othello express in Act 4, Scene 1?

  He wants to kill Desdemona
• How does Iago influence Othello's decision to kill Desdemona?

  By feeding him false information about her fidelity
• What does Othello's realization of his actions signify at the end of the play?

  His tragic understanding of his mistakes
• What does Othello mean when he says, "I have no wife"?

  He realizes he has killed Desdemona
• What does Othello's statement about the eclipse symbolize?

  His world is ending as he knows it
• What are the main themes explored in Othello?

  • Jealousy
  • Manipulation
  • Racism
  • Gender roles
  • Tragedy