Jealousy

• What does Iago warn Othello about in Act 3, Scene 3?

  He warns Othello to beware of jealousy, describing it as a "green-eyed monster."
• How does jealousy influence the characters' actions in Othello?

  Jealousy drives most characters' actions throughout the play.
• What motivates Iago's revenge plot against Othello?

  Iago's revenge is motivated by jealousy towards Cassio and the suspicion that Othello slept with his wife.
• What tragic event does sexual jealousy lead to in the play?

  Sexual jealousy leads Othello to kill Desdemona.
• How does Shakespeare portray jealousy in relation to societal influences?

  Shakespeare suggests that jealousy is a symptom of societal and institutional pressures.
• What insecurity contributes to Othello's jealous disposition?

  Othello's insecurity about his race and outsider status contributes to his jealousy.
• How does Shakespeare connect sexual jealousy to patriarchal societies?

  Shakespeare illustrates that sexual jealousy is endemic in patriarchal societies that preach ownership of women's sexuality by men.
• How does Othello's conversion to Christianity affect his place in Venetian society?

  Othello's conversion allows him to fit into Venetian society, suggesting that deviating from Christian teachings is fatal.
• What inner struggle does Othello face regarding his wife's faithfulness?

  Othello's perception of Desdemona's faithfulness is manipulated by Iago, leading to his inner turmoil.
• What does Othello's exclamation about being a toad signify?

  It signifies Othello's inner struggle and the torment of his conscience regarding his love for Desdemona.
• What does Desdemona notice about Othello's behavior in Act 5, Scene 2?

  Desdemona notices that Othello's demeanor has changed and that he is troubled.
• How does Shakespeare depict the stereotype of African men in Othello?

  Shakespeare draws on the stereotype that African men are inherently and extremely jealous.
• What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?

  The handkerchief symbolizes the transition from love to jealousy and represents trust and loyalty in marriage.
• What magical qualities does Othello attribute to the handkerchief?

  Othello believes that if Desdemona loses the handkerchief, it will lead to her unfaithfulness.
• How does Iago manipulate the handkerchief to his advantage?

  Iago uses the handkerchief to position Desdemona as an adulterer by making Othello believe she has lost it.
• What does Othello's reaction to the handkerchief reveal about his character?

  Othello's reaction shows his growing rage and jealousy, leading to his tragic downfall.
• How does the narrative structure surrounding the handkerchief affect the characters' fates?

  The handkerchief's introduction, loss, and recovery dictate the characters' fates, leading to death for Desdemona and Emilia, and grief for Othello.

  
• What does Othello's demeanor change towards Desdemona signify?

  Othello's change in demeanor signifies his rising suspicions and jealousy influenced by Iago's manipulation.
• How does Iago's manipulation of language affect Othello's perception of Desdemona?

  Iago's manipulation leads Othello to misinterpret Desdemona's actions and words as deceitful.
• What does Desdemona's attempt to bind Othello's head with the handkerchief symbolize?

  It symbolizes her care for Othello but is misinterpreted as an act of deceit by him.
• How does Othello's rejection of Desdemona's affections contribute to their marital downfall?

  Othello's rejection of Desdemona's affections signifies his growing mistrust and jealousy, leading to the collapse of their marriage.

  
• Why does Desdemona dismiss Othello's pain in his forehead?

  She may be genuinely concerned for him or attempting to console him.
• How do Iago's words influence the audience's perception of Desdemona?

  They cause the audience to question her intentions.
• What does Desdemona attempt to do with the handkerchief in Act 3, Scene 3?

  She tries to 'bind' Othello's head with it.
• How might Othello perceive Desdemona's action of using the handkerchief?

  He may see it as an insulting act or a sign of her disapproval.
• What does the handkerchief symbolize for Othello?

  It symbolizes his love and a parental keepsake.
• What does Othello's rejection of the handkerchief signify in their relationship?

  It marks the beginning of the downfall of their marriage.
• What does the falling of the handkerchief from Desdemona's hands imply?


  It suggests the gradual loss of love between Othello and Desdemona.
• How does Othello's perception of Desdemona change after speaking with Iago?

  He becomes shocked and angry at the evidence of her infidelity.
• What evidence does Iago provide to Othello regarding Desdemona's infidelity?


  He claims to have seen Cassio wipe his beard with the handkerchief.
• What does Othello's failure to remember Desdemona using the handkerchief indicate?

  It shows his growing distrust and jealousy towards her.
• How does Iago exploit Othello's distrust of Desdemona?

  He manipulates Othello into switching his loyalties towards him.
• What psychological justification does Othello use to view Desdemona as a villain?

  He convinces himself that she has lost the handkerchief, justifying his jealousy.
• How does Othello perceive the loss of the handkerchief in relation to their love?

  He sees it as a violation of the terms of their love.
• What does Desdemona's lack of assertiveness lead Othello to believe?


  It makes her appear guilty in his eyes.
• How does Desdemona's perception of Othello differ from reality?

  She believes he is incapable of feeling jealousy.
• How does Shakespeare create tension in the play regarding Othello's jealousy?

  By involving Desdemona, Cassio, and Othello in the action after Othello obtains ocular proof.
• What does Desdemona's response to Othello's indirect statements reveal?


  She does not realize the dark undertone of his words.
• How does Othello's speech change throughout the play?

  His speech becomes more violent and reveals his insecurities and jealousy.
• What does Othello's assertion of his 'perfect soul' signify?

  It indicates his confidence and self-worth at the beginning of the play.