Othello Plot and Themes

Study Notes

Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello and that the general's recent promotion of Michael Cassio is the primary reason.
Iago advises Roderigo to try to rouse Desdemona's family against Othello.
Othello and his followers come across a party of men, and Iago warns Othello to retreat indoors.
Othello stands his ground and the party turns out to be Cassio and officers from the Venetian court.
Othello is wanted by the duke of Venice and Brabanzio decides to bring his case before the duke.
Othello calms the situation by telling both sides to put their swords down.
Iago is a self-consciously false and theatrical villain, tipping the audience off about his plotting
Iago tells Roderigo to shout beneath Brabanzio's window and predicts what will happen
once Brabanzio has been roused, Iago also tells Roderigo where he can meet Othello
Othello averts the violence that seems imminent with a single sentence
Othello echoes Christ's command to Peter to put up his sword
Othello's calm restraint is due to his resigned acceptance of his fate, while Christ's is due to his sense of his own authority
Othello is accused of witchcraft by Brabanzio, who claims that he cannot believe that Desdemona would be attracted to the Moor unless her reason and senses were blinded.
Othello is not actually accused of eloping with Desdemona, but of witchcraft.
Othello is a black man and Brabanzio is a white man, so the racism in the text is clear.
Othello is not arrested or prosecuted for eloping with Desdemona, but for witchcraft.
The racism in the text is clear, and Othello is not actually arrested or prosecuted for eloping with Desdemona, but for witchcraft.

Description

Test your knowledge of the plot and themes of Shakespeare's Othello with this quiz. From Iago's manipulation to the themes of racism and witchcraft, this quiz covers key events and concepts in the play.