Othello scene by scene

Question 1

Act 1

Answer 1

The play begins in Venice. Iago, Othello’s ensign, is upset because Othello, a Moorish general, has promoted Cassio instead of him. Iago and Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona, tell Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, about her secret marriage to Othello. Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft to seduce Desdemona. Othello defends himself before the Duke, explaining that Desdemona fell in love with him because of his life stories. Desdemona confirms her love, and the Duke supports their marriage. Othello is then sent to Cyprus to defend it from the Turks

Question 2

Act 2

Answer 2

In Cyprus, a storm destroys the Turkish fleet, and Othello arrives safely. The people of Cyprus celebrate. Iago begins to manipulate events, convincing Roderigo to provoke Cassio. A fight breaks out, and Cassio is stripped of his rank by Othello. Iago advises Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help in regaining his position, while secretly planning to use this interaction to make Othello jealous.

Question 3

Act 3

Answer 3

Iago intensifies his manipulation. As Cassio asks Desdemona for help, Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, suggesting that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Desdemona pleads with Othello to forgive Cassio, which only fuels his suspicion. Iago obtains Desdemona’s handkerchief through his wife Emilia and plants it with Cassio, using it as “proof” of the affair. Othello is consumed by jealousy and vows revenge, planning to kill both Desdemona and Cassio.

Question 4

Act 4

Answer 4

Othello, now fully convinced of Desdemona’s infidelity, confronts her and calls her a whore, despite her protests of innocence. Iago continues to manipulate both Othello and Roderigo, convincing the latter to kill Cassio. Meanwhile, Othello demands more “evidence” from Iago, who further manipulates the situation by arranging a conversation between Cassio and Bianca (Cassio’s lover), which Othello mistakenly interprets as being about Desdemona. Othello prepares to kill Desdemona that night.

Question 5

Act 5

Answer 5

Roderigo attacks Cassio but fails, and Iago secretly wounds Cassio to ensure his plan remains hidden. Meanwhile, Othello smothers Desdemona in her bed. Emilia arrives and uncovers Iago’s treachery, revealing the truth about the handkerchief. Othello, realizing his tragic mistake, kills himself in grief. Iago is arrested, and the play ends in devastation, with multiple characters dead and Iago’s fate left to justice.