Summaries Flashcards
What happens in Act 1, Scene 1?
Audience immediately thrown into a conversation between Iago and Roderigo- this conversation highlights the hatred that the characters have towards Othello. The two characters call upon Brabantio and inform him on the current relationship between Othello and Desdemona which he is horrified by. This is the first inclination that Iago is manipulative and deceitful. The audience also see how weak and naïve Roderigo is
What happens in Act 1, Scene 2?
Othello defends his love for Desdemona. Brabantio presents the love between Othello and Desdemona as unnatural. Othello is seen to deal with the situation in a cool and calm manner- key as this is the first introduction to Othello- this is a contrast to how characters have described him in the previous scene
What happens in Act 1, Scene 3?
First part of scene explores the love that Desdemona and Othello have for one another- the audience learn more about Othello’s background and his successes as a soldier. Othello is then told to prepare for war in Cyprus. Desdemona insists she will come to Cyprus- shows strength of relationship
What happens in Act 2, Scene 1?
Structurally significant as it occurs after a storm at sea- foreshadows danger
Othello learns of the Turkish fleet being destroyed
Iago notices the close relationship that Cassio and Desdemona have- Iago wants to get revenge of Othello as he believes he has slept with Emilia- conducts a plan to get Roderigo to accuse Cassio of sleeping with Desdemona
What happens in Act 2, Scene 2?
Public celebration of Othello’s achievements
What happens in Act 2, Scene 3?
Iago’s manipulation of Cassio- to get him drunk, leads to a physical conflict between Roderigo and Cassio where Othello must intervene as he comes away from his first night with Desdemona. Othello is disappointed in Cassio and takes away his status of Left tenant - downfall of Cassio= success of Iago’s plan
What happens in Act 3, Scene 1?
Cassio asks to speak to Desdemona alone- which Emilia looks to arrange
What happens in Act 3, Scene 2?
Othello and Iago engage in state affairs- Othello trusts Iago to deliver letter to the senate- this gives Cassio the time alone he needs with Desdemona
What happens in Act 3, Scene 3?
First part of chapter- Desdemona’s loyalty to Cassio, gets Cassio reinstated
Manipulation of Othello- repetition, questions- monster imagery - introduction to jealousy
Othello soliloquy - trusts Iago, doubts Desdemona
Handkerchief plot
Iago can be criticised for ridiculous proof
Othello instigates murder- Iago manipulates
What happens in Act 3, Scene 4?
Desdemona expresses her concern to Emilia about the whereabouts of her handkerchief. Othello presents his sexual disgust for Desdemona when he asks for her hand. He asks Desdemona to show him the handkerchief when she reveals she does not have it with her, angering Othello. Emilia suggests that Othello is jealous. Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca
What happens in Act 4, Scene 1?
Iago continues to manipulate Othello. Othello thinks he overhears Cassio talking about his relationship with Desdemona when in fact he is talking about Bianca. Othello loses control and plots to kill Desdemona and Cassio. Othello initiates the murder, Iago manipulates how. Othello publicly strikes Desdemona and continues to humiliate her
What happens in Act 4, Scene 2?
Desdemona is presented as an innocent victim. There is a turning point in the play for the character of Roderigo who begins to lose faith in the character of Iago
What happens in Act 4, Scene 3?
Desdemona presented as a passive victim. Emilia highlights how women should be viewed as equal to men.
What happens in Act 5, Scene 1?
Foreshadows the murder of Desdemona
Iago kills Roderigo
What happens in Act 5, Scene 2?
The murder of Desdemona. At first it could be argued that Othello approaches the murder in calm and collected manner where he sees Desdemona’s death as a sacrifice- committed out of passion and love. Towards the end Othello’s anger and jealousy overwhelms him and he violently murders Desdemona. Othello’s suicide- villain, victim?
