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Questions and Answers
Who is being accused of practicing foul charms and abusing delicate youth?
The accused is being Othello.
Where does the Duke suggest the accused should go to await trial?
The Duke suggests the accused should go to prison.
What does the Duke want the accused to do in response to the charges?
The Duke wants the accused to obey and go to prison.
Why does the Duke express concern about the accused's actions affecting the state?
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What news is being discussed by the Duke, Senators, and Officers?
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What does the Duke accuse the individual of practicing?
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How does the Duke describe the accused's actions in relation to the world?
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What does the Duke's statement 'Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesmen be' imply?
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Where does the Duke suggest the accused should be taken in response to the charges?
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What is the accused's response to the Duke's orders?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Othello
- The play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, starts with a dramatic scene in Venice, where Iago, a soldier, expresses his hatred for his commander, Othello, a Moor.
- Iago's motivation is that Othello has promoted Cassio, not Iago, to be his lieutenant.
The Elopement of Othello and Desdemona
- Iago informs Brabantio, Desdemona's father, that Othello and Desdemona have eloped.
- Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching Desdemona before the Venetian Senate.
The Senate's Decision
- The Senators wish to send Othello to Cyprus, which is under threat from Turkey.
- Desdemona is brought before the Senate, where she expresses her love for Othello, and the marriage is accepted.
- The Senate agrees to let Desdemona join Othello in Cyprus.
Iago's Plot in Cyprus
- In Cyprus, Iago continues to plot against Othello and Cassio.
- Iago lures Cassio into a drunken fight, causing Cassio to lose his new rank.
- Cassio, at Iago's urging, begs Desdemona to intervene.
- Iago uses misinterpreted conversations, insinuations, and a lost handkerchief to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers.
Othello's Downfall
- Othello becomes mad with jealousy and eventually smothers Desdemona on their marriage bed.
- Othello later learns of Iago's treachery and kills himself.
Key Characters
- Othello: a Moor and the commander of the Venetian army
- Iago: a soldier and Othello's ensign
- Desdemona: Othello's wife and Brabantio's daughter
- Cassio: Othello's second-in-command
- Brabantio: Desdemona's father and a senator### Characters and Their Relationships
- Othello: a Moorish general in the Venetian army
- Desdemona: a Venetian lady, Othello's wife
- Brabantio: a Venetian senator, father to Desdemona
- Iago: Othello's standard-bearer, or "ancient", and Desdemona's attendant
- Cassio: Othello's second-in-command, or lieutenant
- Roderigo: a Venetian gentleman, in love with Desdemona
- Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant
- Montano: an official in Cyprus
- Bianca: a woman in Cyprus, in love with Cassio
- Duke of Venice: the ruler of Venice
- Venetian senators: advisors to the Duke
Act 1, Scene 1
- The scene opens with Roderigo and Iago conversing
- Roderigo is upset that Desdemona has eloped with Othello
- Iago expresses his discontent with Othello for promoting Cassio to lieutenant over him
- Iago plans to deceive Othello and Cassio, and to use Roderigo to help him
- Brabantio is alerted to Desdemona's elopement and vows to take action
Act 1, Scene 2
- Othello and Iago are discussing Iago's feelings about being overlooked for promotion
- Cassio arrives and informs Othello that the Duke requires his presence
- Othello and Cassio are summoned to the Duke's council
- Brabantio, Roderigo, and officers arrive, seeking to arrest Othello
- Othello defuses the situation, and Brabantio exits, still upset
- Iago suggests that Roderigo has a chance with Desdemona, and Roderigo decides to follow Iago's advice
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Description
This quiz covers the key events from Act 1 of William Shakespeare's play, Othello. Test your knowledge on the characters, plot, and themes as you revisit the dramatic beginning of this tragic story.
