Othello Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does Iago say he hates Othello?

Othello gave the position he wanted to Cassio, and it's rumored that Othello slept with Iago's wife.

What are Iago's criticisms of Cassio?

He thinks he's book smart and not suited for his position due to lack of experience in war.

What two kinds of followers are there, according to Iago?

Actual loyal and those who pretend to be loyal.

How do Iago and Roderigo attempt to create trouble for Othello?

By telling Brabantio about Othello's marriage to his daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What is Brabantio's reaction to what Iago and Roderigo tell him?

He gets angry and freaks out. Signup and view all the answers

What words are used to describe Othello during this scene?

Old black ram, Barbary horse, Beast with two backs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Iago leave before Brabantio leaves his house?

Because he cannot be seen as the one who told, and so he can go tell Othello and play on his side. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Iago say he wished to kill Roderigo? What reason does he give Othello for not killing him?

Iago wished he'd kill Roderigo to defend Othello's marriage and honor; he claims he lacked the wickedness to do it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's response to Iago?

He basically says, let him do his worst, it would have come out anyway. I don't mind the slander. Signup and view all the answers

What message does Cassio bring Othello?

That Othello has to see the Duke over problems in Cyprus. Signup and view all the answers

Of what does Brabantio accuse Othello?

Of witchcraft on his daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Brabantio to change his original plan of arresting Othello and bringing him to jail?

The Duke's letter. Signup and view all the answers

What is Brabantio's new plan?

To try Othello in front of the Duke's court. Signup and view all the answers

About what are the Venetian Duke and his Senators concerned?

They are concerned over Turkish ships near Cyprus. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Senate respond to Brabantio's accusations?

They listen to him, then want to listen to Othello, and finally hear from Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

How does Othello respond to the accusations? What does this reveal about him?

Othello responds coolly and collectively, telling them that it was his stories of war and hardship that won Desdemona. This reveals that he is cool and level-headed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's suggestion for proving whether or not he tricked Desdemona into loving him?

He suggests they bring Desdemona and listen to her side of the story. Signup and view all the answers

How did Othello win Desdemona's love?

By gaining her sympathy by telling his war stories to her father. Signup and view all the answers

After Brabantio's charges are proven false, what is Desdemona's request to the Duke?

She requests to go with Othello to Cyprus. Signup and view all the answers

What might Brabantio mean when he tells Othello to 'look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see/ she has deceived her father, and may thee?'

He means that she may deceive Othello too. Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's response to Roderigo's claim that he will drown himself?

Iago tells him that he will never love him for being so stupid. Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's advice to Roderigo regarding how to eventually win Desdemona's love?

To gather up his money and use it to woo her. Signup and view all the answers

In Iago's soliloquy, what does he reveal about his feelings for Roderigo, his true reasons for hating Othello, and his plan to bring down Othello?

He feels Roderigo is a fool and is only using him for money, he hates Othello for 'sleeping with his wife,' and his plan is to make Othello jealous. Signup and view all the answers

What news does the audience learn about the Turkish fleet of ships?

It is learned that the ships have been destroyed by a storm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cassio's hope for Othello?

He hopes he is okay in the storm. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago observe Cassio do that Iago believes will serve his plan?

He sees Cassio kiss Desdemona's hand. Signup and view all the answers

According to Iago, why will Desdemona eventually lose her affection for Othello?

He'll get old and boring to her, and she will not find him attractive after a while. Signup and view all the answers

In Iago's soliloquy, what does he reveal about his plan to discredit Cassio?

He plans to make it seem that Cassio is with Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What announcement is made by the Herald?

That the Turkish fleet sunk and that Othello and Desdemona are getting married in the public eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's opinion of Iago? In what way is this an example of dramatic irony?

Othello thinks Iago is wholly honest and kind. It's ironic because he is entirely the opposite. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Cassio reluctant to have a drink?

Because he is a lightweight and gets drunk very easily. Signup and view all the answers

Iago instructs Roderigo to provoke Cassio. What happens?

The two fight. Signup and view all the answers

When Othello does not get a straight answer as to who started the fight, what temperament of Othello do we see?

We witness a more angry brute part of him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cassio's punishment for getting into the fight?

He loses his ranking. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Iago give Cassio?

He tells him to talk to Desdemona and he'll get his job back. Signup and view all the answers

In Iago's soliloquy he says of Desdemona, 'So will I turn her virtue into pitch and out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all.' What does he mean?

He means he will use Desdemona's goodness and friendly attitude to make Othello think she is cheating. Signup and view all the answers

What are the next two moves that Iago plans?

He plans to get Desdemona to keep talking about Cassio to Othello, or to get Othello to catch the two together. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cassio need to speak to Emilia, Desdemona's lady-in-waiting?

So he can talk to Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What does Emilia tell Cassio?

She tells him that Othello is conflicted; he loves Cassio but does not want to rehire a man who has shamed him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello give to Iago?

Letters to give to the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What worries Cassio now, despite the fact that he knows he will eventually get his job back?

That Othello will forget his love and service. Signup and view all the answers

According to Desdemona, why will she speak to Othello on Cassio's behalf?

Because Cassio is her friend and she knows Othello will come through. Signup and view all the answers

As Iago enters, what does he observe that causes him to say, 'Ha, I like not that!'?

He sees Cassio leaving Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Desdemona's plea to reinstate Cassio?

Othello says some other time. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's response to Iago's suggestion that he should be jealous of Desdemona?

He says there is no reason for him to be, but he asks for proof. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago remind Othello of regarding Desdemona?

Her deceiving her father. Signup and view all the answers

What does Desdemona drop on the floor? What does Iago plan to do with this object?

Her handkerchief. Iago plans to stash it in Cassio's room. Signup and view all the answers

What story does Iago tell Othello to make it appear that Cassio and Desdemona are lovers?

He said he heard Cassio talking in his sleep about being her lover. Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's last piece of evidence against Desdemona?

He saw Cassio wipe his beard with her handkerchief. Signup and view all the answers

After making Iago his lieutenant, what order does Othello give him?

To kill Cassio within three days. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Desdemona hesitant to admit to Othello that she has lost the handkerchief that he gave her?

She thinks he will get jealous and think she is up to no good. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello demand of Desdemona?

He demands to see the handkerchief. Signup and view all the answers

When Cassio asks Desdemona about his situation, what does she tell him?

She tells him something is up with Othello and that he is angry, but that she will continue asking for him. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Bianca angry with Cassio? Provide two reasons.

She found the handkerchief that Iago planted and thinks he's cheating, and that he has been away from her for a while. Signup and view all the answers

How does Othello react to Iago's news that Cassio has admitted to him his affair with Desdemona?

He goes into a trance. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Cassio speak of to Iago? Who does Iago want Othello to think Cassio is talking about?

Cassio speaks of Bianca, but Iago wants Othello to believe he speaks of Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the fact that Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca? (In regard to Iago's plan)

It proves that he had the handkerchief. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Lodovico bring from Venice?

That Othello is leaving and that Cassio is taking his position. Signup and view all the answers

How does Desdemona react to the news?

She is happy because Cassio is getting his position back. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello do to Desdemona? How does she respond?

He slaps her. She does not understand why and cries. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lodovico ask Iago about Othello? What is Iago's response?

He asks if that is the noble man who was at the Senate and if his mind is okay. Iago says he is much changed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Othello call Desdemona? What is her response to this insult?

He calls her a *****. She says what has she done to be called this. Signup and view all the answers

How does Desdemona try to convince Othello of her fidelity?

She says she is a Christian and will not go to heaven if she is a *****. Signup and view all the answers

What is Emilia's theory on why Othello has turned on Desdemona?

She believes that someone has been manipulating him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's response to Emilia's theory?

He says it's stupid and could not be. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Roderigo upset with Iago? How does Iago appease him?

Roderigo is upset because he realizes he cannot win Desdemona and wants his money back. Iago appeases him by saying he'll get the money or Roderigo can kill him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago want Roderigo to do for him?

He wants him to kill Cassio. Signup and view all the answers

What request does Desdemona make to Emilia if she is to die before her?

To be buried in her wedding sheets. Signup and view all the answers

What does Desdemona ask Emilia regarding women/wives? What is her response?

Desdemona asks why women cheat. Emilia responds because their husbands ignore them and make them cheat. Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's plan for Cassio?

To either die by Roderigo, or kill him. Or both. Signup and view all the answers

For what two reasons does Iago want Cassio dead?

To fulfill his plan and to get him out of the way. Signup and view all the answers

Iago believes he could also benefit if Cassio kills Roderigo. Why?

Then he won't have to deal with Roderigo's persistence for the money. Signup and view all the answers

What saves Cassio?

Iago does, and some other men. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago do to Roderigo? Why does Roderigo scream, 'O Damned Iago! O inhuman dog!'?

Iago stabs Roderigo. He yells this because he realizes Iago's treachery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of Iago's aside to the audience at the end of the scene, 'This is the night / That either makes me or for-does me quite'?

It means tonight his plan works or it fails and he most likely will die. Signup and view all the answers

According to his soliloquy at the beginning of the scene, what has Othello decided? How do we know?

He has decided to kill Desdemona. He says she must die, lest she betrays more men. Signup and view all the answers

At what news does Desdemona begin to weep? Why does this upset Othello?

She cries because she believes Cassio has been killed. This upsets Othello because she is weeping about him in his face. Signup and view all the answers

According to Desdemona, who has killed her?

She says she killed herself. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Emilia repeat the phrase 'My Husband' three times?

Because she realizes it was him who manipulated Othello. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Othello draw his sword on Emilia?

Because she mocks and talks cruelly of Iago and says he is treacherous. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Iago want Emilia to leave? Why does she refuse?

He wants her to leave because she is telling the truth and blaming him. She refuses because she says she has all the right to speak. Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed when Othello assures Gratiano that he won't flee?

That Brabantio is dead. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's response to Cassio's shock that he and Iago planned his murder?

He says he was tricked with the handkerchief. Signup and view all the answers

What is Othello's request of Lodovico?

That they retell this in truth, not making him all evil or all good. Signup and view all the answers

What does the future hold for Cassio? For Iago?

For Cassio, he gets to become Governor. For Iago, he is likely to die or get tortured. Signup and view all the answers

What are the dangers of isolation?

Isolated on Cyprus, Iago is isolated in his dangerous soliloquies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger of jealousy?

Causes Othello to go mad, causes Iago to become evil, and causes Bianca to get mad at Cassio. Signup and view all the answers

What are the animal motifs in the play?

Old black ram, Barbary horse, white ewe, inhumane dog. Signup and view all the answers

What are the monster/demon motifs?

Beast with two backs, treacherous snake. Signup and view all the answers

What role do clowns play in the play?

They provide dramatic relief. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Iago's Motive and Manipulation

Iago hates Othello due to losing a promotion to Cassio and rumors of Othello's infidelity with his wife.
Iago criticizes Cassio as lacking practical experience, believing he is merely book-smart.
Iago distinguishes between genuinely loyal followers and those who are merely pretending to be loyal.

Brabantio's Outrage

Iago and Roderigo incite chaos by revealing Othello's secret marriage to Brabantio, leading to Brabantio's angry reaction.
Brabantio accuses Othello of witchcraft to explain his daughter's marriage.

Othello's Character

Othello is depicted with derogatory terms suggesting he is animalistic and othered: "old black ram," "Barbary horse."
He remains composed under scrutiny, revealing his calmness and rationality in the face of accusations.

Desdemona's Loyalty

Desdemona's love for Othello is established through her admiration of his war stories, which ultimately enamor her.
After Brabantio's charges are dismissed, Desdemona requests to accompany Othello to Cyprus, signaling her unwavering support.

Iago's Schemes

Iago crafts plans to provoke jealousy in Othello, aiming to make Othello believe Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio.
Iago uses Desdemona’s goodness against her, intending to ensnare Othello’s trust in her.

Themes of Jealousy and Betrayal

Othello’s jealousy transforms him into a more brutish version of himself, illustrating the destructive power of suspicion.
Emilia hints at manipulation behind Othello's turn against Desdemona but remains unaware of Iago's true nature.

Clashing Characters and Irony

Dramatic irony is evident as Othello perceives Iago as honest, while he is in fact orchestrating his downfall.
Cassio's struggle with alcohol leads to his disgrace, emphasizing the theme of personal flaws leading to tragedy.

The Climax of Deceit

Iago's manipulation leads to a series of unfortunate events, culminating in Othello’s tragic decision to kill Desdemona.
Othello arrives at the wrong conclusions based on Iago's carefully crafted deceit, leading to irreversible tragedy.

Conclusions and Justice

Desdemona’s death marks the ultimate tragedy, with Emilia revealing Iago's treachery as the catalyst for Othello's final act.
The aftermath sees Cassio rewarded, while Iago's fate becomes uncertain, highlighting the chaotic resolution of their intertwined fates.

Symbolism and Motifs

Animal motifs illustrate the dehumanization present in the characters’ perceptions of each other.
References to monsters and demons emphasize themes of jealousy and the primal instincts driving the characters’ actions.

Moments of Relief

Comedic elements are introduced through the clown character, offering dramatic relief amid the unfolding tragedy.

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Description

This quiz contains flashcards focusing on key themes and characters in Shakespeare's Othello. Each card prompts critical thinking about Iago's motivations and perceptions of other characters. Perfect for studying character dynamics and understanding the play's underlying conflicts.