Scene Summaries

Question 1

Act One, Scene One

Answer 1

• Play opens with Iago telling Roderigo about Cassio’s promotion under Othello’s ruling. Iago syas he will stay close to Othello to illicit his revenge.
• The two men shout to wake Brabantio and provoke him by using bestial language to describe the relationship between D and O.
• Scene ends with Roderigo offering to help Brabantio find the couple and condemn them

Question 2

Act One, Scene Two

Answer 2

• Iago tells Othello that Brabantio spoke against his honour due to his marriage.
• Cassio arrives with a message from the Duke asking Othello to discuss war in Cyprus with the Senate.
• Brabantio and Roderigo arrive to arrest Othello. When Brabantio hears that the Duke has called for Othello, he allows him to go so the Duke can hear his ‘crimes’

Question 3

Act One Scene Three

Answer 3

• The five men arrive at the Senate while they talk of war.
• Brabantio tells the Duke that Othello has bewitched his daughter, and Othello explains how she fell in love due to the stories he would tell.
• Desdemona is called for and she tells the Senate she married Othello for love and her duty is now to him.
• Desdemona requests to go to Cyprus with Othello, and Emilia is invited to accompany her.
• Iago persuades Roderigo to follow them to Cyprus.
• Alone Iago tells the audience of his plans.

Question 4

Act Two, Scene One

Answer 4

• It is reported that the Turkish fleet has been badly damaged by storms. A messenger announces that Cassio has arrived, followed by a ship containing I, E and D.
• Othello’s ship arrives and he and Desdemona are delighted upon reunion.