Othello Key Moments Flashcards
ACT 1: What warning does Brabantio give Othello about Desdemona?
Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.
ACT 1: Who says, “I am not what I am,” and what does it mean?
Iago. This paradoxical statement reveals his deceptive nature, showing that he is not as he appears.
ACT 1: What is Othello’s defense when accused of using witchcraft on Desdemona?
He explains that Desdemona fell in love with him through the stories he told about his life.
ACT 1: What does the Duke say about Othello and Desdemona’s love?
If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
ACT 2: How does Iago manipulate Cassio into losing his position?
He gets Cassio drunk, causing him to fight Roderigo, which leads to his demotion.
ACT 2: What advice does Iago give Cassio after his demotion?
“Our general’s wife is now the general.” – He tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help, setting up his plan.
ACT 2: How does Iago justify his hatred for Othello?
He suspects Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia, though he has no proof.
ACT 3: What does Iago say about jealousy?
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.
ACT 3: What does the handkerchief symbolize to Othello?
Fidelity. When Othello believes Desdemona has given it to Cassio, he sees it as proof of her infidelity.
ACT 3: How does Othello react when he believes Desdemona has been unfaithful?
He becomes consumed by jealousy, strikes Desdemona, and vows to kill her.
ACT 3: What trick does Iago use to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity?
He arranges for Othello to overhear Cassio talking about Bianca, making it seem like he’s talking about Desdemona.
ACT 4: What happens when Othello confronts Desdemona about her supposed affair?
She denies it, but Othello refuses to believe her and calls her a “whore.”
ACT 4: How does Emilia defend Desdemona against Othello’s accusations?
If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse!
ACT 4: How does Othello react when he believes Desdemona is crying falsely?
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
ACT 4: What does Iago tell Roderigo to do in order to win Desdemona?
Kill Cassio.
ACT 5: What happens to Roderigo?
He tries to kill Cassio but fails. Iago then kills him to cover his tracks.
ACT 5: What does Desdemona say with her dying breath?
“Nobody; I myself. Farewell: Commend me to my kind lord.” – She refuses to blame Othello.
ACT 5: What are Othello’s final words?
I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
ACT 5: How does Emilia expose Iago’s deceit?
She reveals that she stole Desdemona’s handkerchief at Iago’s request, proving Desdemona’s innocence.
ACT 5: What does Othello say when he realizes he has been tricked?
Fool! Fool! Fool!
ACT 5: What does Iago say when he is caught?
“Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word.” – He refuses to explain his actions.
ACT 5: What happens to Iago at the end of the play?
He is arrested and faces torture but refuses to explain his motives.
