ACT 1

Question 1

1.1 which characters enter the stage at the start of the play?

Answer 1

Iago and Roderigo

Question 2

1.1 Roderigo’s first word is “tush” and Iago’s is “sblood”. what type of words are these?

Answer 2

curse words

Question 3

1.1 what tone do Iago and Roderigo’s first words set for the play?

Answer 3

this communicates a sense of conflict from the outset, indicating their immorality (which will contrast with Othello’s protestations of morality in 1.3).
it makes the CORRUPTION of Venetian society clear to the audience (again in contrast to Othello in 1.2 and 1.3, who seems oblivious to this)

Question 4

1.1 which mathematical noun is used to describe Cassio and what does this imply about Iago’s attitude to him?

Answer 4

“Arithmetician”; Iago says that he despises Cassio for his lack of practical experience in battle. Cassio is presented as a man of intelligence, but not of ability.

Question 5

1.1 what does the use of the word “Arithmetician” reveal about Iago’s attitude to the concept of meritocracy?

Answer 5

Iago believes in MERITOCRACY (for white people) he believes that individuals should be able to work their way up through the ranks.

Question 6

1.1 when Iago describes Cassio as a “Florentine”, what does this reveal about his won character?

Answer 6

Venice and Florence were rival republics; like Othello, Cassio is seen as an outsider in Venice.
Iago’s Spanish name might position him as an outsider too, yet it is clear that he despises everyone who is different. Florence was also the birth place of Machiavelli- perhaps misleading the audience that Cassio is going to be cunning?

Question 7

1.1 what feminine words does Iago use to describe Cassio?

Answer 7

“spinster”

Question 8

1.1 what are the connotations of the word “spinster” that Iago uses to describe Cassio?

Answer 8

femininity; age; weakness; isolated; inexperience

Question 9

1.1 what does the word “spinster” that Iago uses to describe Cassio reveal about his attitudes to masculinity and femininity?

Answer 9

Iago’s derogatory use of this word indicates his misogynistic attitudes towards women and how- in his stereotypical view- men should demonstrate strength and valour (ironically, off the battle field, Iago manipulates others to do this but doesn’t take violent actions himself until forced to)

Question 10

1.1 what words do Iago and Roderigo use to refer to Othello in this opening scene?

Answer 10

“Moor”, “Moorship”, “thicklips”

Question 11

1.1 why might it be significant that Iago and Roderigo don’t use Othello’s name?

Answer 11

failing to use his name indicates that they don’t value him and is DEHUMINISED (especially when linked with animal imagery which accompanies these racial slurs)
they constantly draw attention to his ethnicity, as if he is completely defined by this.

Question 12

1.1 how do Iago and Roderigo not mentioning Othello’s name and instead referring to him in racial slurs (mis)shape the audience’s preconceptions about Othello?

Answer 12

in 1.1 the audience is led to believe that Othello is debased, untrustworthy and sexualised .

Question 13

1.1 how does Iago saying “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” demonstrate Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony?

Answer 13

when we see Iago talking to Othello in 1.2, we are aware that he is being deceptive. this establishes Iago’s role as a Machiavellian villain and illustrates the external pressures on Othello (the duplicity of a racist society that is content to let a black man lead its army, but not to marry its daughters)

Question 14

1.1 “I am not what I am”- Iago

what does this mean

Answer 14

in this PARADOXICAL line, Iago explains that he appears to be loyal but is actually corrupt

Question 15

1.1 explain the significance of the biblical allusion in “I am not what I am”- Iago

Answer 15

the allusion is to the old testament where god says “I am”. Iago appropriate of this phrase is potentially blasphemous, but also indicates that his racist actions are unwavering.

Question 16

1.1 explain the significance of the CHIASMUS in “I am not what I am”

Answer 16

the use of chiasmus introduces the theme of role-reversal and also entrapment.

Question 17

1.1 Iago wants “poison (Brabantio’s) delight” and “plague him with flies”.
explain Iago’s literary meaning.

Answer 17

Iago wants to upset Brabantio by telling him that Desdemona has eloped with Othello.

Question 18

1.1 what are the connotations of disease and plagues and how does this link to Iago’s actions in the play?

Answer 18

in Old Testament, god sent 10 plagues to punish Egypt, thus they are associated with consequences for immoral behavior and man’s insignificance against an uncontrollable power. disease and plagues spread easily at that time and had limited treatment- indicating man’s helplessness at their hands. Thus, symbolically Iago’s evil intentions will spread throughout society.

Question 19

1.1 how does Iago’s disease imagery support Coleridge’s theory of Iago’s “motiveless malignity”?

Answer 19

Iago seems to take aesthetic delight in the idea of causing misery for no particular purpose

Question 20

1.1 what is significance of darkness at the start of the play?

Answer 20

the darkness connotes Iago’s evil (and the evil in society that he symbolizes); the evil at the heart of the human condition; societies blindness to the injustice of its racist views.

Question 21

1.1 why is Brabantio places symbolically at an upper window?

Answer 21

Brabantio’s placement symbolises the hierarchical social structure, in which money and power elevates an individual’s importance.

Question 22

1.1 what is the symbolism of the street vs the domestic space?

Answer 22

the street symbolises chaos and lawlessness, whilst the house represents order and contentment.

Question 23

1.1 why would there be a visual juxtaposition between Iago and Roderigo?

Answer 23

Iago should be strong and powerful, Roderigo weak and comic. Shakespeare establishes Iago’s power.

Question 24

1.1 what does Iago mean by “even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”

Answer 24

Iago is referring to Othello and Desdemona’s consummation of their marriage.

Question 25

1.1 what is significance of the animalistic language in “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”?

Answer 25

the language dehumanizes Othello and Desdemona, communicating Iago’s racism and his fear of miscegenation

Question 26

1.1 what does “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” reveal about Shakespeare’s presentation of wider society?

Answer 26

Shakespeare highlights the unjust assumptions about race which were widespread.

Question 27

1.1 Iago calls Othello a “Barbary horse”

what does this mean?

Answer 27

Barbary was thought to be the home of the moors.

Question 28

1.1 what is the significance of the animalistic language in “Barbary horse” ?

Answer 28

the language communicates Iago’s viciousness, cunning and ferocity. he demotes Othello as base, flawed and inhuman, incapable of intelligent thought, but only pursuit of physical pleasure.

Question 29

1.1 how does the quotation “Barbary horse” link to the idea of the Great Chain Of Being?

Answer 29

animals were perceived as inferior to humans in this hierarchy.

Question 30

1.1 how does the quotation “Barbary horse” link yo the post-colonial concept of “other”?

Answer 30

Iago is presenting Othello as the “other”, completely sperate to white society.

Question 31

1.1 what is the difference between blank verse and prose?

Answer 31

blank verse is unrhymed iambic pentameter, prose is unrhymed and without rhythm

Question 32

1.1 which character speaks partly in prose in this scene?

Answer 32

Iago

Question 33

1.1 what is suggested by Iago’s use of prose?

Answer 33

it indicates his love for chaos

Question 34

1.1 how does Iago’s speech undermine his presentation of Othello as debased, animalistic and irrational?

Answer 34

it is Iago who speaks in an irrational, chaotic way whereas in 1.2 and 1.3, Othello speaks in polished blank verse, suggesting his calmness, intelligence and nobility

Question 35

1.1 what would the positive connotations of Venice have been?

Answer 35

Venice was associated with cosmopolitan sophistication. It was thought to be a stable state which protected Europe against the Turkish empire to the east. it was also a colonial power- rather like England

Question 36

1.1 what would the negative connotations of Venice have been?

Answer 36

Venice connoted a sense of depravity and immorality (due to a high number of prostitutes). The culture was seen as licentious and deceptive.

Question 37

1.1 how does Iago’s character fit with the Italian setting?

Answer 37

despite his Spanish name, Iago is a stereotypical Italian villain whose Machiavellian characteristics echo Machiavelli’s political guide book (the prince)

Question 38

1.2 what action does Iago say he wants to take against Roderigo in the opening lines of this scene and how is Shakespeare shape understanding of Iago’s character by doing so?

Answer 38

he claims he wants to stab (“yerk”) Roderigo under the ribs. this dramatic irony emphasizes the Machiavellian, deceptive aspect of Iago’s character. the audience then doubts his judgment of Othello in 1.1 and knows that his intentions are dishonorable.
both sides of Iago’s character are revealed to the audience making us complicit in his actions and create. A potentially unsettling level of admiration for the villain

Question 39

1.2 what is Othello’s first line in the play?

Answer 39

“Tis better as it is”

Question 40

1.2 how is Othello’s character different to what we expected?

Answer 40

Othello’s character appears to be rational and calm. he considers his response to Iago carefully and advices caution. this is different to the bestial, violent, manipulative character we have been led to expect in 1.1

Question 41

1.2 what is significant of Othello’s use of blank verse in this scene?

Answer 41

Othello’s blank verse is indicative of his eloquence and calmness. it helps to establish his nobility (whereas Iago speaks in the anarchic prose of the streets)

Question 42

1.2 what image of disease appears in this scene?

Answer 42

Iago- “(Roderigo) prated/ and spoke in such scurvy and provoking terms/ Against your honour”

Question 43

1.2 what might the image of disease represent in relation to Iago’s character?

Answer 43

uncontrollable spread of evil; one person’s evil can infect another (foreshadowing Iago’s influence over Othello); the destructive impact of evil.

Question 44

1.2 to which images from 1.1 does the word “scurvy” link?

Answer 44

Iago wants to “poison (Brabantio’s) delight” and “plague him with flies”

Question 45

1.2 “My services, which I have done the signiory,/ Shall out-tongue his complaints”
explain.

Answer 45

Othello believes he has served his country well in battle, and that his hard work will overcome Brabantio’s fury at the elopement with Desdemona.

Question 46

1.2 how does the quotation “My services, which I have done the signiory,/ Shall out-tongue his complaints” link to the concept of the tragic hero?

Answer 46

Othello’s statement reveals his noble status and high rank in Venetian society, as well as his integrity in leading the army. However, it also reveals an internal pressure on him- his lack of understanding of the strength of the inherent racism in Venice. This also shows the historical shift towards the belief in the importance of the individual in society- and the conflict this causes.

Question 47

1.2 why might Shakespeare have presented Othello negatively in 1.1 and then as noble and rational in 1.2?

Answer 47

Shakespeare is challenging the audience’s racist preconceptions. He is also revealing the external pressures which society places upon the tragic hero- is his marriage doomed to fail because he is continually being told it cannot work?

Question 48

1.2 how does Shakespeare communicate Othello’s military success in this scene?

Answer 48

Othello commands the soldiers and they obey him (“keep up your bright swords”). They also speak to him respectfully (in contrast to Brabantio, for example). The duke has sent 3 search parties for Othello, indicating how necessary he is to the discussion about Cyprus.

Question 49

1.2 the officer calls Othello “noble self”. How does this differ from 1.1?

Answer 49

in 1.1 the characters referred to Othello using racial language (“the Moor”/ “black ram”). here the officer is polite and respectful- he clearly recognizes Othello’s authority over him

Question 50

1.2 Iago says Othello “hath boarded a land carrack”

explain.

Answer 50

a “land carrack” is a treasure ship or a prostitute, and “boarded” has sexual implications. Iago means that Othello has consummated his marriage with Desdemona and that he has secured his fortune.

Question 51

1.2 finish Othello’s line: “I … his daughter”

Answer 51

“won”

Question 52

1.2 Othello ad Iago both speak of women in a similar way. how would you describe this?

Answer 52

both characters objectify women. However, Iago’s line has more sexual connotations than Othello’s, revealing the depth of his misogynistic attitude

Question 53

1.2 how is Cassio describes by Iago in 1.1 and what type of person do we expect?

Answer 53

Cassio is a “Florentine” (an outsider), an “arithmetician” and a “spinster”. we expect to meet a weak character who is not used to dealing with imminent crises.

Question 54

1.2 how does Cassio’s first appearance contrast with our expectations?

Answer 54

instead of being an inexperienced fool, Cassio appears to be reliable and trustworthy.

Question 55

1.2 why might Shakespeare present Iago’s depiction of both Othello and Cassio as being ostensibly incorrect?

Answer 55

Shakespeare is drawing attention to the inaccuracy of Iago’s depictions in order to emphasise his villainy and his untrustworthiness.

Question 56

1.2 what is the effect of the simplicity and clarity of the line : “I love the gentle Desdemona” ?

Answer 56

this line appears to be a genuine declaration of love. The lack of reference to sex (in contrast with Iago’s lines in 1.1) indicate Othello’s idealization of romance. the fact that when Desdemona appears on stage she is outspoken, not necessarily “gentle” reveals the precarious foundations of their relationship.

Question 57

1.2 “I love the gentle Desdemona”

what are the connotations of “gentle” and why might Othello use this adjective to describe D?

Answer 57

“gentle” connotates calmness and kindness, as well as noble birth (as in gentleman). This contrasts to the world of conflict in Venice and Cyprus, but also reminds the audience that Othello is not of the same social class as Desdemona. Here, Shakespeare establishes the fault lines in their relationship which Iago exploits.

Question 58

1.2 Brabantio - why should D “Run from her gaurdage to the sooty bosom/ of such a thing as though”
explain.

Answer 58

Brabantio struggles to understand why Desdemona would leave the “safety” of her family home to marry a black man. Brabantio’s language is derogatory and dehumanizing.

Question 59

1.2 what does Brabantio symbolise at the start of the play?

Answer 59

Brabantio symbolises the racist ideology of the period, believing that Othello can provide entertainment and lead the army but not to intermarry with the white population.