Othello Act 1 Study Questions

Othello: Study Questions

Act I

1. How does the way Shakespeare begins the play immediately involve the audience?

Immediately at the start of the play, there seems to be an argument between Iago and Roderigo. Roderigo seems to be mad at Iago, and Iago defends himself, saying that they are on the same side and they both hate the same man. This is like the audience eavesdropping on some gossip, which makes the audience want to know more.

1. What imagery does Iago use to describe Othello and Desdemona’s elopement, and what conflict does that imagery develop?

Iago uses emotional imagery, saying that Brabantio’s daughter has been robbed from him, that his heart is going to break, that he’s lost half of his soul, because at that very moment, an “old black ram” is having sex with his daughter. He uses these phrases to anger Brabantio, and it later causes conflict between Brabantio and Othello because Brabantio is furious that his daughter is married to Othello.

1. How does Iago enlist the aid and the trust of Roderigo in the first scene?

Iago says that they are on the same side: they both hate Othello, just for different reasons. Iago knows that Roderigo loves Desdemona, and hates Othello for marrying her, so he uses this to get him to work with him on plotting against Othello.

1. What impending crisis do the duke and his senators face at the beginning of Scene 3?

The Duke is getting reports that a Turkish fleet is approaching Cyprus, but first they have stopped at Rhodes and joined forces with another fleet, probably to attack and take over Cyprus.

1. Why is Brabantio’s suit against Othello balked?

It was balked because Othello explained that their love was real, not some result of witchcraft or magic. Othello says that Desdemona loves him for his history in battle and she is sympathetic for his tragic stories, and he loves her for her beauty, affection and emotions.

1. How does Brabantio seem to feel about Othello?

Brabantio seems to detest Othello greatly, because he is very reluctant and cannot believe that his daughter chose to marry Othello of all people. His opinion of Othello seems to be solely based on the fact that he is a black man, so clearly Brabantio is racist towards Othello.

1. How does Othello defend himself against Brabantio’s charges of witchcraft?

Othello defended himself by stating that Desdemona loved him for his tragic past and his fascinating stories. Othello also suggests bringing in Desdemona to prove that their love is true, not some sort of evil spell.

1. What kind of impression does Desdemona create in the third scene of the play?

The impression that Desdemona gives is kind-hearted and good-natured because although she loves Othello, she is very conflicted because she knows it will not please her father. She also seems to be noble and of a high status, as well as loyal to Othello.