Act 1 Flashcards
What is Iago’s complaint agains othello?
How does this link to tragedy?
I ago feels Othello is too full of pride and arrogance and hasn’t recognised his worth.
“I am worth no worse a place”
“Loving his own pride and purposes”
Reminds us of Othello’s pride and Iago’s jealousy; both are key to the tragedy
Why does Iago’s dislike Cassio?
How does this link to tragedy?
Iago’s is jealous and feels Cassio is not deserving of the post of lieutenant as he has only studied warfare rather than firsthand experience
“Never set a squadron in the field”
Who is Roderigo and what is his relationship with Iago?
He is a rich gentleman of Venice and an acquaintance of Iago’s.
He is manipulated by Iago for his “purse” in order to give the money to Desdemona which he doesn’t do
What is Iago’s relationship to Othello?
He is Othello’s assistant
What is the significance of the setting in the beginning of the play?
Venice, it is significant as it represents power and civilised state.
What does Brabantio initially say when he recognises Roderigo?
How has this changed by the end of the scene?
He says Roderigo is banned from his house and not suitable for his daughter.
He wished Roderigo had married his daughter.
What imagery is used to condemn Othello as a savage?
“Old black ram”
“Devil”
“Barbary horse
“Lascivious moor”
What imagery is used at the end of act 1 scene 1 to highlight the conflict between good and evil?
Light vs dark
The waking of brabantio is done under the cover of darkness; Iago hides. Brabantio calls for light.
How does Othello react to the news of Brabantio’s anger at him
Othello is confident about his reputation and believes he has nothing to fear.
Which god does Iago swear to and how is this ironic?
The Roman god Janus who faced both ways. Ironic because Iago is two faced.
How does Othello retain his dignity and status when ‘attacked’ by Brabantio and his men?
He remains calm and does not react rashly. He uses measured speech and reason.
What does Brabantio accuse Othello of?
Stealing his daughter with witchcraft
“Enchanting her” with “chains of magic” and “foul charms”
How does the duke refer to Othello?
“Valiant”
How does Othello defend himself against Brabantio?
His monologue is full of flattery for self determination there and self effacing. He also reminds them of his military power and status.
What is the dukes reaction to Othello’s recount of how Desdemona fell in love with him?
He says that his own daughter would have fallen for Othello.
How does Desdemona highlight women’s social position at the time?
Women are fist loyal to their fathers and then their husbands. Women appear to have no self determination
How does Desdemona defy stereotypes and her father?
She married Othello without her fathers permission and she states her loyalty to her husband.she asks to go to Cyprus with him rather than stay behind.
What warning does Brabantio give to Othello?
“Look to her moor, if thou has eyes to see, she has deceived her father and may thee”
How does Iago react to Roderigo’s threat to kill himself at the end of act 1 scene 3?
He say to control his emotions as Desdemona will fall out of love with Othello because of his age and Othello will time of her.
What does Iago instruct Roderigo to do and how does he succeed in persuading him to travel to Cyprus?
“Put money” in his purse (for Iago’s use)
Roderigo holds onto the hope of gaining Desdemona by cuckolding Othello.
Why is Iago’s first soliloquy at the end of act 1 scene 3 significant
He admits his intentions and motives to the audience. He is thinking aloud and formulates the plan of Cassio and Desdemona as we listen. We become implicit in his plans.
