Moorpark College Othello a Tragedy of Sexual Jealousy by Shakespears Acts Worksheet

Act I

1. What was Iago’s complaint in Scene I?
2. Who was Brabantio, and why did Iago and Roderigo awaken him in the middle of the night?
3. Why did Iago leave Roderigo at Brabantio’s house?
4. What was Brabantio’s reaction to Othello’s marriage to Desdemona?
5. Why did the Duke send for Othello?
6. Brabantio complains to the Duke about Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. After listening to both sides of the story, what was the Duke’s reply?
7. What was Roderigo’s complaint, and what was Iago’s reply to it?

Act II

1. Why did Iago want Roderigo to anger Cassio?
2. What was the purpose of Iago’s plan?
3. Why did Iago want Cassio to drink more wine?
4. What lie did Iago tell Montano about Cassio?
5. Why did Othello strip Cassio of his rank?
6. Why did Iago want Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello’s faith in Cassio?

Act III

1. Why didn’t Iago simply tell Othello right away that Desdemona and Cassio were having an affair?
2. What thing did Emilia find and give to Iago? What did Iago intend to do with it?
3. What was Iago’s reply when Othello demanded proof of his wife’s disloyalty?
4. What did Othello decide and command at the end of Scene III?
5. What was Emilia’s relationship with Iago? Desdemona?
6. Who had the handkerchief at the end of Act III? Why?