Name: __________________________________________
Date: _____________________
Hour: ______
Othello Act 1 Scenes 2-3
Answer each of the questions below in complete sentences. Then – in a contrasting color – provide the textual evidence that
proves your answer to be correct. Do NOT forget to include the citation (Act.Scene.Line) with each quote.
Act 1, Scene 2
1.
How does Iago make himself look favorable in Othello’s eyes?
2. What is revealed about Othello’s background in scene 2?
3. What is your first impression of Othello, as reflected in his rank, his manner and tone of speech, in the way he reacts to
Iago’s news, and the way he reacts when Brabantio comes to arrest him?
4. What sort of language does Iago use? What sort of language does Othello use? What might be the significance of this
difference?
Act 1, Scene 3
1.
What does Brabantio accuse Othello of and what does his accusation show about how he views Othello?
2. According to Othello, how did he and Desdemona fall in love?
3. What does Desdemona mean when she says, "I saw Othello's visage in his mind,/ And to his honors and his valiant
parts/ Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate" (1.3.287-89)? Compare this to Othello's description of how they fell in
love.
4. Examine Desdemona’s defense of her marriage and her request to accompany Othello from a Cultural and Historical
perspective.
Cultural:
Historical:
5. The Duke says, "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black" (1.3.330-331). What is
the Duke saying? And what does his choice of words imply about his attitude toward Othello?
6. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee” (1.3.333-334). What is
significant about this quote?
7. What do we learn about Iago, Roderigo, and their relationship in the exchange between them at the end of the scene?
How and why does Iago revive Roderigo’s hope?
8. What does Iago’s closing soliloquy (1.3.426-447) add to your understanding of his character and his intentions?
9. Racism: Find 5 quotes (at least one per scene) that demonstrate the theme of racism from in Act 1.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
10. Find two quotes that demonstrate the theme of jealousy.
1)
2)