Othello study question
Study Questions on Othello:
Act 1
1. There are three main reasons for why Iago hates Othello. The first being that Iago deeply believes that there used to be an affair between his wife Emilia and Othello. While there is no actual evidence to support the affair, the fact that Iago believes it happened supports the fact that he is very paranoid and might be searching for reasons to hate Othello. The second is that Othello denied Iago a promotion he believes he very much deserved. The fact that Othello gives the promotion to Cassio is what leads Iago to take out revenge on both. The third (and most obvious reason to me) is the simple fact that Othello is a Moor (black) and Iago is angry act the fact Othello has authority over him and is praised by the other characters. On line 1.3.322, Iago meant that we get to choose who we want to be and that whatever we nurture becomes our nature. Iago chose to warn Othello because he is two-faced and wants to remain on Othello’s side just long enough to take him down.
2. Line 1.2.60, spoken by Othello, means that neither Barbantio or Roderigo had ever drawn there swords before. Othello is mocking them because they are both inexperienced and are pulling out shiny new swords against a great warrior.
Act 2
1. Iago (who we all know to be a sexist by now) is very cynical towards females and views them all as meaningless. We can tell from way he treats his wife that he is unappreciative of women. He is also very critical and negative towards all women, believing them to be nothing but deceptive. On line 2.1.111-114 Iago describes women as being “pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds" (all deceptive and unfaithful creatures).
2. Shakespeare reveals Iago’s true character through soliloquies because they give Iago a chance to actually be honest outside of his deceptive
Act 1
1. There are three main reasons for why Iago hates Othello. The first being that Iago deeply believes that there used to be an affair between his wife Emilia and Othello. While there is no actual evidence to support the affair, the fact that Iago believes it happened supports the fact that he is very paranoid and might be searching for reasons to hate Othello. The second is that Othello denied Iago a promotion he believes he very much deserved. The fact that Othello gives the promotion to Cassio is what leads Iago to take out revenge on both. The third (and most obvious reason to me) is the simple fact that Othello is a Moor (black) and Iago is angry act the fact Othello has authority over him and is praised by the other characters. On line 1.3.322, Iago meant that we get to choose who we want to be and that whatever we nurture becomes our nature. Iago chose to warn Othello because he is two-faced and wants to remain on Othello’s side just long enough to take him down.
2. Line 1.2.60, spoken by Othello, means that neither Barbantio or Roderigo had ever drawn there swords before. Othello is mocking them because they are both inexperienced and are pulling out shiny new swords against a great warrior.
Act 2
1. Iago (who we all know to be a sexist by now) is very cynical towards females and views them all as meaningless. We can tell from way he treats his wife that he is unappreciative of women. He is also very critical and negative towards all women, believing them to be nothing but deceptive. On line 2.1.111-114 Iago describes women as being “pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds" (all deceptive and unfaithful creatures).
2. Shakespeare reveals Iago’s true character through soliloquies because they give Iago a chance to actually be honest outside of his deceptive