Question

Act I, Scene I

1. In Act I, Scene I what reason does Iago give for hating Othello?

2. What reason does Roderigo give for hating Othello?

3. What is Iago’s master plot to annoy Desdemona and Othello (Act I, Scene I)?

4. Find and list, with line numbers, two references of Othello as the devil in Act One.

5. Compare the way Iago speaks to Brabantio with the way Roderigo speak to him. What may account for this difference?

6. How does Brabantio’s attitude toward Roderigo change during the course of Act I, Scene I?

7. What is Brabantio’s explanation of why his daughter has run off with Othello?
Everything except that she just may like Othello

8. Scene I and many of the scenes in this play begin in the middle of a conversation. Why do you think Shakespeare would do this? What effect does it create for the audience?

Act I, Scene II

1. The scene opens with Iago talking to Othello. How is he different around Othello than from what we saw in Scene I?

2. Why is Othello so unconcerned about the warning that Iago is giving him? What is the warning?

3. What news does Cassio arrive with?

4. What does Brabantio accuse Othello of having done?

6. How does Othello answer the charges against him?

Act I, Scene III

Answer 1

The student's questions delve into the motivations of characters in Shakespeare's Othello, particularly focusing on Iago's and Roderigo's reasons for despising Othello and the dynamics at play in their interactions with others. Shakespeare's use of in medias res and the intricate character portrayals are significant elements of the play's first act.

Step-by-step explanation:

Othello

is a rich play that provides deep insights into human emotions and societal structures, especially those concerning prejudice, jealousy, and manipulation. The student's questions pertain to the actions and motivations of the characters in the first act. For example,

Iago's hatred for Othello

stems from being passed over for promotion, feeling slighted when the position of lieutenant was given to Cassio. Iago, known for his cunning and deceitful nature, informs Roderigo of his plan to use Othello's ensign position to seek revenge. Roderigo's dislike for Othello arises from his unrequited love for Desdemona. Brabantio is convinced that his daughter, Desdemona, could not truly love Othello and must have been bewitched. This addresses the student's intrigue in the complexities of the characters' interactions, intentions, and societal pressures present in the play.

Shakespeare masterfully commences scenes in medias res, or in the middle of action, to captivate the audience and plunge them directly into the drama. This technique creates an air of immediacy and intimacy, as if the audience has stumbled upon a critical moment.

Act I, Scene II reveals a dramatic change in Iago's demeanor. He shifts from being vulgar and scheming in private to presenting himself as Othello's loyal and concerned ensign. Othello's nonchalance towards Iago's warnings of Brabantio's disapproval displays his confidence in his marriage and rights. Cassio arrives to summon Othello to the Duke on matters concerning the state, showcasing the importance of Othello's role in Venetian society. Upon meeting, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter, Desdemona, to elope with him. Othello refutes this claim with dignity, stating their mutual love and Desdemona's own free will led to their union.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Iago doesn't get picked to be is assistant, Iago is also extremely racist towards Othello.Roderigo loves Othello's wife.Iago is trying to manipulate Othello, he acts different around different people.He is blinded by his affection to Desdemona that he doesn't even pay attention.He tells Desdemona's father that they have gotten married.He wants Brabantio to leave at the beginning, but then he realizes Brabantio is telling the truth, He would rather Desdemona be married to a white man than Othello.To upset Brabantio and there was a magic spell put against her.

I can't answer these questions exactly