Othello by William Shakespeare

Scene by Scene: Act One

Revise and consolidate each scene to make sure you understand what has
happened in the scene (items under bullet points) and that you have notes
and evidence for the numbered questions.
Act One, Scene One
Act One is set in Venice
Iago and Roderigo are outside Brabantios house.
News of Desdemonas marriage to Othello
Roderigos feelings
Iagos anger at Cassios appointment and his contempt for the
counter-caster
Iagos philosophy of service.
Rousing of Brabantio with foul images.
Brabantios acceptance of report and his distress.
1. Think about the presentation of Othello in this scene what
impression do we get of him from Iagos comments?
2. Examine the relationship between Iago and Roderigo.
3. What do we discover about Iagos feelings and values and how
might this influence our opinion of him?
4. Consider the language used when he talks about Desdemona and
Othello.
5. How is the news conveyed to Brabantio and how is it received?
Act One, Scene Two
Iago presents himself to Othello as his defender.
Othello points out that he has nothing to be ashamed of and that
he is equal in power to Brabantio.
Cassios entrance to ask Othello to report to the Duke. (Duty).
Keep up your bright swords: Othello and Brabantio in the same
place but for different purposes.
Brabantio thinks his daughter has been charmed and that explains
her revolt.
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 Brabantios plan to imprison Othello spoiled by the new that the

Duke wants them both on state business.
1. What does this scene add to our impression of Iago?
2. How is Othello presented in this scene?
3. By the end of scene two how does our impression of Othello
compare with Iagos description in Scene One?
4. What is important about Brabantios final speech in this scene?
Act One, Scene 3
The action moves indoors.
Disputed reports of Turkish advance interrupted by the arrival of
Brabantio et al introducing a personal note.
Brabantios accusations of witchcraft.
Othellos two speeches in defence of himself (Rude am I in my
speech... and Anthropophagi...) Before Desdemonas arrival.
Desdemonas duty speech.
Brabantio resigns himself to the marriage.
Desdemona asks to accompany Othello to Cyprus.
Brabantios parting shot to Othello, that Desdemona may also
deceive him.
Iago and Roderigo are left alone. Roderigo threatens to drown
himself.
Iagos scorn and contempt for this idea (our bodies are gardens..)
Put money in thy purse speech.
Iagos soliloquy (I hate the Moor...) followed by rough plan to
incriminate Cassio by suggesting adultery and then to take his
place.
1. Why all the detail about the Turks at the beginning of the scene?
2. What do Othellos main speeches reveal about him and his idea
about himself?
3. Why rhyming couplets at Line 211?
4. What does Iago reveal about himself (nature and values) in his
speech to Roderigo and the following soliloquy?
5. What do you make of Iagos language in general?
6. Comment on the effect of the final two lines of Act One.

Othello by William Shakespeare

Scene by Scene: Act Two

Act Two, Scene One

The setting for the remainder of the play is Cyprus
Iagos intention to undermine Othellos moral defences against evil.
Iagos conversation with Desdemona revealing his attitude to
women.
Iago (in an aside) reveals that he will manipulate Cassio and
Desdemonas innocent gestures into evidence of adultery and
dishonesty.
As Desdemona welcomes her husband to the island, Iago reminds
the audience that their happiness will be short-lived.
Roderigo is fooled into helping Iago, Roderigo is persuaded that
Cassio and Desdemona are in love and he believes that he must
discredit Cassio.
1. What is significant about Iagos discussion with Roderigo?
2. In what way is the pattern of a tragedy being followed? What
predictions can we make about the plays conclusion?
3. At this point of the play is Desdemonas character innocent,
flirtatious or cunning?
4. Iagos Soliloquy: What does it reveal about Iagos character and his
intentions towards the other characters?
Act Two , Scene Two
The Turkish fleet is destroyed.
Othello and Desdemona will celebrate their wedding that evening.
Othello gives Iago the freedom to carry out the first part of his
plan at the celebrations.
Act Two, Scene Three

 Iago and Cassio discuss Desdemonas virtues, whilst Iago persuades

Cassio to drink with him.
Iago reveals to the audience his plan to get Cassio drunk and
quarrelsome.
Iago tells Montano that Cassios qualities as a soldier are marred by
his habitual drunkenness.
Iago puts himself forward as peacemaker, and tells Othello it was
Cassio that started the quarrel.
Iago urges Cassio to ask Desdemona to plead with Othello on
Cassios behalf.
Iago (in an aside) reveals that he will convince Othello she is doing
this because she loves Cassio.
Iago secures the help of Emilia in implicating Cassio with
Desdemona.
1. What do we know of Cassio before this scene? How does our view
of him change by the end of this scene? How has he changed in the
view of the other characters?
2. What is the significance of this scene in terms of Iagos plotting?
3. Why is it important for the audience to hear Iagos plan before we
see it put into action?
4. Revisit Act 2 , Scene 1 and Iagos comments about women. How do
his comments relate to his involvement of Emilia in his plot?
5. What is the significance of Cassios feelings for Desdemona?

Check that you understand what has happened so far in the play. If there
is anything you do not understand, ask!

Othello by William Shakespeare

Scene by Scene: Act Three

Act Three. Scene One

Cassio has asked a troupe of musicians to serenade Othello and
Desdemona.
Cassio asks the rather bawdy clown to convey a message to
Desdemonas lady in-waiting(Emilia) he agrees.
Iago arrives and agrees to help Cassio speak to Desdemona.
Emilia arrives and says that Desdemona has agreed to ask Othello
to reinstate Cassio.
1. What purpose does the clown scene play? (N.B. This is a tragedy.)
2. Would it make any difference if a director missed it out?
Note how the end of this scene prepares for the next.
Act Three, Scene Two
Othello is inspecting the towns fortifications.
1. What is the purpose of this short scene?
2. What is the irony here?
Act Three, Scene Three
Desdemona and Emilia assure Cassio that he will soon be reinstated,
after they plead his case.
Desdemona promises to persist and Cassio leaves her when he sees
Othello and Iago approaching.
Iago suggests to Othello that Cassios leaving suggest guilt of
speaking to Desdemona out of her husbands hearing. Iago refuses
to comment on his suspicions.
Desdemona begs Othello to reinstate Cassio. His response suggests

that he doubts her honesty at this moment.

Desdemona leaves and Othello re- emphasises his love for her.
Iago again hints that Cassios conversation with Desdemona may not
have been innocent.
Iago begs Othello not to become jealous reminding him of
Brabantios warning that Desdemona may deceive Othello as her
father was deceived.
Desdemona returns and reminds Othello of an official duty that he
has forgotten to carry out.
She notes a change in Othellos manner. She accidentally drops her
handkerchief.
Emilia picks up the handkerchief and passes it to her husband as he
had previously requested.
Iago reveals to the audience that he will plant the handkerchief in
Cassios room as evidence of the affair between Cassio and
Desdemona.
Othello appears to be completely convinced of his wifes guilt, but
asks for further proof. Iago suggests that Othello asks for the
handkerchief from his wife.
Othello turns his thoughts to revenge and Iago promises to help in
causing Cassios death.
Othello declares that Iago will be his new lieutenant. They leave
together.

1. Look at the conversations between Desdemona and Cassio, and

Desdemona and Othello. What do these suggest about
Desdemona? Give examples from the text.
2. Excellent wretch Make sure you have a good understanding of
the means by which Iago begins to plant doubts in Othellos
mind. You should have detailed notes on the methods he uses
and Othellos changing responses. How does the relationship
between the tow men change during the course of this scene?

Othello by William Shakespeare

Scene by Scene: Act Four

Act Four, Scene One

Iago reminds Othello what Desdemona may have given Cassio.
Honour is invisible and its absence cannot be proved, but the
missing handkerchief is substance and proof of an affair.
As Othello ponders and compares the Desdemona he knows to the
one portrayed by Iago, he begins to doubt Iagos version. Iago
forces Othellos defences to crumble and he falls to the ground.
While Othello is unconscious, Cassio talks to Iago. Iago asks him to
return later.
Othello wakes and wants more proof of the affair. Iago devises a
plot to have Othello witness a conversation between Iago and
Cassio. Othello hides to view the reactions.
Iagos soliloquy in which he details his plot: asking Cassio about his
mistress Bianca/ Iago knows that Cassio will laugh as he always
does when he hears of Bianca. He banks on Othello assuming they
are talking about Desdemona.
Cassio enters. Othello sees only his gestures and cannot hear his
words.
H e misinterprets the meaning as Iago intended.
Further proof is provided when Bianca storms in with the
handkerchief.
When Cassio and Bianca leave, Othello comes out of hiding and is
convinced of his wifes dishonesty and Cassios guilt.
Iago suggests that Othello strangle Desdemona in her bed and Iago
says that he will arrange Cassios murder himself.
News arrives from Venice that Othello is to return there and
Cassio to govern in Cyprus.
Lodovico arrives from Venice and witnesses Othello strike his wife
and storming off in an inarticulate rage he turns to Iago for an
explanation.
1. Find quotes in this scene to illustrate Othellos changing attitude
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towards his wife.

2. From this Scene plot the tension level to the end of the play. How
does Shakespeare ensure that the tension created in Act Three is
not allowed to ebb away?
3. What is the purpose of Lodovico in this scene?
4. Look at the use of irony and dramatic irony in this scene. Make sure
that you are clear about the difference between these two.
Act Four, Scene Two
Othello questions Emilia in order to determine Desdemonas guilt.
She can offer no evidence of Desdemonas unfaithfulness. Othello
refuses to listen to her.
Emilia returns with Desdemona and leaves her with Othello. Othello
accuses her but protests her innocence and doesnt fully
understand. Othello, frustrated, turns her defence against her.
When Emilia returns she hears Desdemona being accused of being a
prostitute. A stunned Desdemona asks for Iago to be summoned.
Iago pretends to be ignorant of the cause of Othellos behaviour.
Emilia accidently stumbles on part of the truth. Iago dismisses her
suggestions as improbable.
Iagos explanation is that Othello may be disturbed by his military
responsibilities. He then changes the subject urging the two women
to go to supper.
Roderigo enters and threatens to approach Desdemona directly.
Iago diverts him and persuades him to help in the killing of Cassio.
Roderigo is convinced this is for the good but wants to know more
of the plot.
1. What evidence of Desdemonas innocence is demonstrated in this
scene/
2. From Act Four Scenes One and Two, plot Iagos control over
Othello does Othellos conviction of Desdemonas guilt become
stronger after his moments of doubt?
Act Four, Scene Three
Othello is invited to go for a walk with Lodovico. He agrees and
sends Desdemona to bed.
Emilia helps Desdemona to prepare for bed and is critical of
Othellos recent behaviour towards his wife. In response,

Desdemona continues to be loyal towards Othello, despite his cruel

treatment.
She begins to have thoughts of death and remembers a song sung
by her mothers maid, just before she was killed by her husband.
Desdemona begins to question Emilia about whether such women
( who deceive their husbands) actually exist. Emilia says that they
do, and that they are just as entitled to do this as men are.
1. Compare Emilias views about infidelity to those of her mistress?
What do her comments reveal about Desdemonas character?
2. What values does Desdemona express in this scene?

Othello by William Shakespeare

Scene by Scene: Act Five
Act Five, Scene One
Whilst Desdemona prepares for bed, Iago and Roderigo prepare to
murder Cassio.
Iago reveals to the audience that it would be convenient for
Roderigo and Cassio to kill each other.
Cassio escapes Roderigos attack but is wounded by Iago. Othello
believes him to be dead and leaves to carry out his revenge on
Desdemona.
Lodovico and Gratiano are lead to the wounded Cassio by Iago.
Roderigo was wounded by Cassio and as he cries for help Iago kills
him.
Bianca is accused of being involved in the assault on Cassio. When
Roderigos body is discovered Iago suggests that Cassio and
Roderigo were fighting over Bianca.
Emilia is told to inform Othello and Desdemona about the events.
Iagos soliloquy at the end of the scene reveals his pleasure at the
evenings events so far.
1. This scene starts with an exchange between Roderigo and Iago.
Look at what it underlines about their relationship, particularly
Iagos attitude towards Roderigo.
2. This is a busy and violent scene. It contrasts with the long scenes
of conversation, argument and reflection which make up a large
part of the play. Where else are there such short violent bursts of
action in the play?
3. Look at the role Iago plays in the dramatic action of this scene.
How would you describe his part in it?
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4. What is the function of Bianca here?

5. This is the penultimate scene to the plays climax during which
Othellos murder of Desdemona. In what light do we see Othello
here?
Act Five, Scene Two
Othello stands over the sleeping Desdemona and tries to justify
what he is about to do (soliloquy). He is disturbed by the thought
that once Desdemona is killed, he will be unable to revive her.
Desdemona wakes and he asks her to pray for her soul. She is
frightened, confused and vulnerable but defends her innocence
again when questioned about the handkerchief.
Othello smothers Desdemona while Emilia is knocking on the door.
When Othello lets Emilia in she reveals that Cassio is not dead but
Roderigo is.
Desdemona regains consciousness and is again smothered she dies
proclaiming her innocence and her wish to absolve Othello from her
death.
A shocked Emilia questions Othello about the death making
declarations of Desdemonas innocence.
The truth about Iagos plot emerged and Emilia screams for help,
causing Montano, Gratiano and Iago to enter the bedroom.
Iago is confronted about his involvement he tries to silence Emilia
but she tells how Cassio came into possession of Desdemonas
handkerchief.
Othello strikes Iago, who responds by stabbing Emilia and running
away.
Othello is disarmed and Montano and Gratiano search for Iago.
Emilia dies.
Iago is returned and Othello wounds him but does not kill him.
Lodovico relieves Othello of his command in Cyprus and hands
government over to Cassio.
Othello commits suicide and while Othello and Desdemona lie dead
on their marriage-bed, Lodovico turns his attention to Iago, who
has caused the tragedy.
Iago is led away to be tortured and Lodovico promises to tell the
tragic tale in Venice.
1. Read Othellos opening lines and consider what they suggest about
his state of mind. You should look closely at what he says and think

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2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

about the role(s) he seems to be casting himself in. What are his
feelings?
Comment on Desdemonas response to Othellos intimation to kill
her? Why cant/wont he listen to her protestations of innocence?
What is Emilias role in this scene?
Look at Othellos speech Behold, I have a weapon. What is the
significance of what he says here? Can you link it to earlier
speeches of his?
Why does Othello refer to himself in the third person?
How do you respond to Othellos final speech?

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