Othello Act 1 Questions and Answers

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- How does Desdemona in turn explain her love for Othello?

Desdemona expresses her love for Othello in the transfer of loyalty from her father to Othello. She confirms Othello’s reasons for falling in love with when she says that she gave her whole life to him because of his honor and bravery.

- How does Desdemona in turn explain her present situation regarding these two men, Othello and Brabantio?

Brabantio asks her to tell those present to whom she owes the most obedience. Brabantio clearly expects her to say her father. Desdemona, however, confirms that she married Othello of her own free will and that, like her own mother before her, she must shift her primary loyalty from father to husband.

- What problem does Othello’s new command raise and how is it resolved?

It is decided that Othello must go to Cyprus to defend the island from the Turks. Othello is willing and ready to go, and he asks that appropriate accommodations be provided for his wife. The duke suggests that she stay with her father, but the others are not willing accept this, and Desdemona asks to be allowed to go with Othello. However Iago is appointed to care for Desdemona.

- What evidence is there of Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo? What remarks by Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo

Roderigo is devastated, however Iago persuades him that Desdemona and Othello will soon tire of one another. Iago repeatedly says to Roderigo, “Put but money in thy purse”. Iago urges Roderigo to go to Cyprus with Othello and he will resolve his problems.

Who Said What to Whom? Act 1

Question

Who Said

To Whom

1.

Roderigo

Iago

2.

Iago

Roderigo

3.

Iago

Roderigo

4.

Iago

Brabantio

5.

Othello

Brabantio and others near

6.

Othello

Duke and Brabantio

7.

Brabantio

Othello

8.

Iago

Roderigo

9.

Iago

Iago (soliloquy)

10.

Iago

Iago (soliloquy)

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