Othello

Question 1

Role: Roderigo

Answer 1

Roderigo is deeply in love with Desdemona, and he is easily manipulated by Iago, who convinces him that he can win Desdemona’s affection. Roderigo is gullible and naive, following Iago’s schemes without question.

Question 2

Significance: Roderigo

Answer 2

Roderigo’s blind devotion to Desdemona and his dependence on Iago drive much of the plot. His actions, such as trying to intervene in the marriage between Othello and Desdemona, create tension and serve Iago’s ultimate goals.

Question 3

Role: Emilia

Answer 3

Emilia is a loyal servant to Desdemona and an honest woman, though she is also complicit in Iago’s plans, unknowingly aiding him by stealing Desdemona’s handkerchief. Despite her role in the plot, she remains unaware of Iago’s true nature.

Question 4

Significance: Emilia

Answer 4

Emilia plays a crucial role in the play’s tragic ending. She discovers Iago’s treachery and exposes his schemes, which ultimately leads to Iago’s downfall. Her speech about the double standards in marriage highlights themes of gender and fidelity.

Question 5

Role: Cassio

Answer 5

Michael Cassio is a young, charming, and honorable soldier whom Othello promotes to the position of lieutenant, much to Iago’s displeasure. Iago’s jealousy and manipulation target Cassio, making him a key figure in the plot.

Question 6

Significance: Cassio

Answer 6

Although Cassio is not a “minor” character in terms of importance, his role as a foil to Othello is significant. Iago uses Cassio to stoke Othello’s jealousy, particularly through insinuations about Cassio’s relationship with Desdemona. Cassio’s promotion and subsequent disgrace deepen Othello’s insecurities.

Question 7

Role: Barbantio

Answer 7

Barbantio is a Venetian nobleman and a respected senator. He is outraged when he learns that his daughter, Desdemona, has secretly married Othello, a Moor. Barbantio’s racism and distrust of Othello play a role in the early conflict of the play.

Question 8

Significance: Barbantio

Answer 8

Although Barbantio’s role is brief, he represents Venetian society’s prejudice against Othello. His opposition to the marriage emphasizes themes of race and cultural differences. He also serves as a catalyst for the conflict between Othello and Iago.

Question 9

Role: Montano

Answer 9

Montano is the former governor of Cyprus, who is replaced by Othello. He appears in the early scenes in Cyprus and plays a minor role in the military and political matters.

Question 10

Significance: Montano

Answer 10

Montano’s role is mostly to help establish the setting in Cyprus and to witness some of the turmoil that ensues. His involvement in the fight with Cassio also leads to Cassio’s demotion, which plays into Iago’s plan to destroy Othello.

Question 11

Role: Clown

Answer 11

The Clown is a minor character who provides comic relief in the play, though his presence is more symbolic than functional. He appears briefly to deliver messages and engage in light banter with others.

Question 12

Significance: Clown

Answer 12

The Clown provides moments of humor that contrast with the intense tragedy unfolding in the main plot. He serves as a reminder of the social hierarchy and of Othello’s household, where even a fool can occupy a space.

Question 13

Role: Senators

Answer 13

Several senators appear briefly throughout the play, particularly in the early acts. They are responsible for discussing and approving important decisions, such as Othello’s appointment to the governorship of Cyprus.

Question 14

Significance: Senators

Answer 14

The senators represent the Venetian state and its politics. Their discussions highlight themes of authority, power, and the tensions between public and private life.

Question 15

Role: Gratiano

Answer 15

Gratiano is a minor character who appears in the later acts of the play. He is Desdemona’s relative and accompanies her to Cyprus. He is present at the tragic conclusion, where he witnesses Othello’s actions and serves as a supportive figure to the grieving family.

Question 16

Significance: Gratiano

Answer 16

Gratiano’s role is mainly as a bystander to the tragedy. He serves as a foil to the more intense characters and helps to emphasize the chaos and devastation that Iago’s actions cause.

Question 17

Role: The Herald

Answer 17

The Herald makes a brief appearance in Act 3, Scene 2, where he announces a celebration for the victory over the Turks and the marriage of Othello and Desdemona.

Question 18

Significance: The Herald

Answer 18

While his role is minimal, the Herald’s announcement underscores the political backdrop of the play, as well as the contrast between the external public celebrations and the private, tragic conflicts brewing within Othello’s household.

Question 19

With nought but truth. I have wasted myself out of
my means. The jewels you have had from me to
deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted
votarist: you have told me she hath received them
and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden
respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

Answer 19

Roderigo: Confronting Iago regarding this lack of success with Desdemona

Question 20

I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest,
Lay down my soul at stake. If you think other,
Remove your thought. It doth abuse your bosom.
If any wretch have put this in your head,
Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse,
For if she be not honest, chaste, and true,
There’s no man happy. The purest of their wives
Is foul as slander.

Answer 20

Emilia: Quote conveys irony. Emilia is cursing whoever put the thought in Othello’s head that Desdemona is disloyal, however it was her own husband that put that thought in Othello’s head; conveying the theme of deception as she does not even know everything, being left in the dark by her own husband.

Question 21

Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have
lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of
myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation,
Iago, my reputation!

Answer 21

Cassio: Represents his care for his reputation. Furthermore, this conveys the extent to which Iago has twisted Cassio’s character; simply portraying Cassio to be opposite of what he truly is inside ultimately emphasizing the extent to which Iago has altered and misconstrued Cassio’s character.

Question 22

O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow’d my daughter?
Damn’d as thou art, thou hast enchanted her;
For I’ll refer me to all things of sense,
If she in chains of magic were not bound,
Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy,
So opposite to marriage that she shunned
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,
Would ever have, to incur a general mock,
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight.
Judge me the world, if ‘tis not gross in sense
That thou hast practised on her with foul charms,
Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
That weaken motion: I’ll have’t disputed on;
‘Tis probable and palpable to thinking.
I therefore apprehend and do attach thee
For an abuser of the world, a practiser
Of arts inhibited and out of warrant.
Lay hold upon him: if he do resist,
Subdue him at his peril.

Answer 22

Brabantio: Conveys the hold he holds over his daughter and sets up the scene for the racism and cruelty that Othello faces solely on the merit of his identity. Furthermore, sets up the stage for how women are perceived and not considered in this realm.

Question 23

I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a
lodging and say he lies here or he lies there, were
to lie in mine own throat.

Answer 23

Clown: Enlisted by Desdemona and Emilia to locate Cassio.