NAME(S) Aubrey Piwowar, Siena Carmona, Celine Ly, & Estella Jones _____/53+ pts.

GUIDING QUESTIONS for ACT I, OTHELLO

Before you begin answering these questions, be sure you have highlighted in your play the
following:

The language and events that describe Iago’s duplicity (swindling); Shakespeare sets up this
element of his character immediately in scene i;

Iago’s misogynist (an individual that patronizes women), pejorative (deprecatory), and racist
language;

his ‘words’/warnings of clandestine (under-the-table), disingenuous

(underhanded) actions;

and his emotions of anger and jealousy.

(VOCAB. _______/5 pts.)

AND, please note how Shakespeare both sets up Othello from a negative point of view in scene
i AND how Shakespeare later juxtaposes the TRUE character of Othello in scenes ii and iii.
Paying close attention to this varied diction will give rise later on as to one of the reasons this
play is called a tragedy.

Please answer your questions with BOTH textual evidence and commentary. Your grade will be
penalized if you do not. You will turn in this assignment with the vocabulary definitions and
resources listed. You may create your own document, but, please make sure you show me that
EACH MEMBER of your group has defined these above five vocabulary words.

1.) What is the importance of Shakespeare placing only three particular

characters---Roderigo, Iago, and Brabantio---in scene i? You must write a topic
sentence that answers the question and, then, discuss EACH CHARACTER’S
PURPOSE (6 pts.) in the beginning of Act One. I expect at least 6 sentences here.
celine

These specific characters set up the conflict of the play, being the three primary
originators of Iago’s plan to usurp Othello and the first ones that Iago finds to be the greatest
influences in the spread of his secrecy scheme. Also, as the first scene of the first act of the
play, the audience must find their first impressions and or main concepts from the dialogue of
the primary characters; thus, the reader is set up with the idea that Othello is as horrible,
animalistic, treacherous, old, and inconsiderate as Iago, Rodrigo, and Brabantio regard him to
be. Furthermore, the three primal characters specifically characterize Othello as a lewdless
man, having absolutely no experience with women, thus, displaying that these characters are
not completely delusional as they understand some truth to Othello’s persona rather than solely
comprehending what they want to prove. Through the thought of truth, the introduction of the
three initial protagonists marks Iago’s first use of weakness as he understands that Brabantio is
furious with Othello for not asking him for his daughter’s hand in marriage and uniting without
his permission, with Iago easily being able to take advantage of this mishap to his sick benefit.
Hence, the introduction of Iago, Rodrigo, and Brabantio aligns to the development of the play as
the first characters and lines of the play derive the purpose of the play and the primary plot so
that the audience can build off from those first interpretations of information in order to progress
the valuable assets and or concepts that should be considered throughout the storyline’s
advancement.

2.) What seem to be the motivations of Iago for his plan? (4 pts.) I expect at least 3-4
sentences here. The last motivation will not be revealed for ‘a while’. estella

-
- Iago did not get the position as Othello’s lieutenant - his 2nd in command
- His position was stolen by a arithmetician - Othello gave Cassio the
lieutenant position instead of Iago
- Page 1282

3.) How does Iago set up his vindictive, merciless plan? I expect at least 3 sentences
here: a topic sentence that answers the question, an INTRODUCTORY
phrase/sentence, the textual evidence, and a comment. You can also choose to
BRAID your textual evidence. Aub

- Iago sets up his malicious plan by exploiting innocent Rodrigo, and taking
advantage of his lack of intelligence in order to ruin Othello out of hate. From the
beginning of the play, we discover that Rodrigo is giving Iago money, and can
only assume that Iago is taking advantage of Rodrigo for his foolish nature,
saying, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (I.iii.363). Admitting that he is
taking advantage of Rodrigo, who he refers to as his fool for giving him money.
Rodrigo is deeply in love with Desdemona, and thus also does not care for
Othello. Iago convinces Rodrigo they must be “conjunctive in [their] revenge
against him” (I.iii.351). In order to complete this plan, he will spread rumors to
Othello that Cassio, “a proper man” has become “too familiar with his wife”
(I.iii.372-376). Rodrigo is aware that “If the balance of our lives had not one scale
of reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures
would conduct us to to most preposterous conclusions” (I.iii.319-321). By
disrupting the beautiful loving relationship between Othello and Desdemona,
 through the rumors Iago will spread about Desdemona and Cassio’s infidelity,
Iago will abruptly throw off the balance in Othello’s life.

4.) How is Othello portrayed by the following characters (you only need to LIST the text
and give a brief, concluding COMMENT that addresses the language you have
included in your response)?: (12 pts.) estella

Iago--

Roderigo--

Brabantio--

The Duke--

The First Senator--

Desdemona--

5.) How is Desdemona portrayed by the following men (You only need to LIST the text
and give an insightful, but brief COMMENT about the language used by them)?: (6
pts.) siena

Iago-- “Is tupping your white ewe”(I.i.pg. 6) “ I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter
and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” (I.i.pg. 7)

Iago’s language surrounding Desdemona is crude and vulgar, but also pure. Iago degrades her
for being with Othello, but describes her as a “white ewe” showing the juxtaposition between the
two. Iago views Desdemona as a pawn in his plan and holds no strong feelings toward her
hence his contradictory statements.

Brabantio-- “‘-O unhappy girl!- With the Moor, say’st thou?- Who would be a father! How didst
thou know ‘twas she?- O, she deceives me’” (I.iii.160-162). “‘ I had rather to adopt a child than
get it.” (I.iii.pg. 19) “‘ I am glad at soul I have no other child;’” (I.iii.pg. 19)

Brabantio uses disrespectful language to lament his choice of becoming a father, therefore
damaging Desdemona’s reputation. The language he uses is reminiscent of betraying language
using words such as, “deceives”. From the beginning of the play he wields hurtful language, and
never depicts her in a daughterly way.

Othello-- “‘ She lov’d me for the dangers I had pass’d; And I lov’d her that she did pity them.’”
(I.iii.pg. 18 ) “‘ I crave fit disposition for my wife; Due reference of place and exhibition; With such
accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding.’” (I.iii.pg. 20)

Othello uses honorable words and compassionate language to describe his and Desdemona’s
relationship. He expresses his love for her by mentioning her high status and reasons for loving
him. Othello uses delicate language full of respect and gentleness concerning Desdemona.

6.) How does Iago describe women AND love? (4 pts.)·

Similar to how Iago treats everyone else, he treats women with very little respect. When
Rodrigo is distraught after hearing Desdemona, Rodrgigo wants to drown himself but to
convince him otherwise, Iago shares he “would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, I
would change my humanity for a baboon” (I.iii.309-311). Iago thinks so little of women that he
compares them to baboons and guinea pigs, using this technique to convince Rodrigo to not
drown himself. Iago views love as a weak emotion, and also views marriage as for no reason
other than personal gain. Since this is mentioned early in the play, Iago is almost instantly
characterized as an uncompassionate man. Iago believes “love to be a sect,” and that he has
“never found a man that knew how to love himself” in the same way that Iago loves himself (I.iii.
374, 355). Because he is so infatuated with himself, he thinks less of those around him, which
makes him cruel. Iago’s lack of pure characteristics leave no room for love or women or
marriage, because he is so overwhelmed with his obsession with himself.

7.) What is the relationship between Roderigo and Iago? (4 pts.) I expect you to use the
word ‘parasitic’ or ‘symbiotic’.

The relationship between Roderigo and Iago is overwhelmingly toxic and

deceptive due to Iago’s devilish nature. Iago’s cruel and inhumane plan becomes
intertwined with the desires of Roderigo’s life resulting in drama and death. Roderigo is
used mercilessly by Iago as a financial supporter without Roderigo’s consent or
knowledge. Iago allows readers to see his true purpose with Roderigo by stating, “Thus
do I ever make my fool my purse.” (I.iii.363) Readers see Iago’s true intentions regarding
their relationship illustrating the first hint of their parasitic relationship. Roderigo is
blissfully unaware of Iago’s purpose and instead expresses his sorrows to Iago as a true
friend would and sharing his heartbreak, “I will incontinently drown myself.”(I.iii.22) Iago
uses Roderigo’s time of weakness to deceive him into giving more money. Their
insincere relationship expands in toxicity as Iago’s plan further develops. Their
relationship is built on the lies and pressure Iago puts onto Roderigo creating an
unhealthy, destructive relationship.

8.) What is the relationship between Iago and Othello? Provide at least two differing
responses. (4 pts.) aub

- Othello and Iago have a complex in which Iago is deceitful, and convinces
Othello they have a strong and trusting relationship. Othello views Iago as a man
“of honesty and trust,” and trusts him enough to leave his wife with Iago as he
goes off to war (I.iii.281). While Othello cherishes, “Honest Iago,” and it appears
that Iago reciprocates those feelings towards Othello, he actually feels quite the
opposite (I.iii.292). Iago despises Othello, and from the beginning only calls him
horrid names and numerous racial terms such as “old black ram” and also refers
to Othello as the “Devil” (I.i.88-90). Iago’s venomous nature adheres to his
dishonest lifestyle.

9.) What are the animal images utilized by Iago toward both Othello and Desdemona (4
pts.)? WHY does he use this specific imagery? Think of the animals Shakespeare
includes. (2 pts.) I expect at least 6 sentences here. Celine

Othello

A Black Ram

● Quote: “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe”
(Shakespeare 1.1. 88-89).
● Why: The color of the ram is a specific reference to Othello’s skin color, thus,
mocking him as as a man of Muslim descent. The ram, although often
symbolizing strength and readiness, this specific ram refers to a wild creature
living within the mountains. When he remarks of the black ram in order to
describe Othello, Iago does so in a way where it portrays a portrait of
manipulation over nobility. The particular description of the colors outlines what
was perceived as pure and or wicked, showcasing Othello as a man of insolence.
 Although Othello is an endearing King, Iago delineates him in a way that
patronizes Othello’s altruism, viciously showering Othello in a light of humiliation
and sorrow. When using the symbolism of a black ram, Iago insults Othello’s
heritage and general demeanor, thus deminitizing Othello in order to boost his
own sense of authority as a heartless, wretched, villain.

The Devil (Iago does not call Othello the Devil, however, Iago associates
Othello’s name with the Devil)

● Quote: “Arise, arise, / Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, / Or else the Devil
will make a grandsire of you” (1.1.89-90).
● Why: Iago correlates the Devil with Othello in order to characterize him as a
despicable man with ill-intentions as a King and as a means to persuade others
to stand by him in his beliefs. Iago understands that Othello is an honorable
figure that is truthful to his word, yet, he taints Othello’s profound persona as a
convict, a narcissistic individual with every means to destroy the people around
him.

A Donkey

● “The Moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to
be so, / And will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are” (1.3.379-382).
● Why: Iago uses the message behind the donkey in order to emphasize yet again
another sense of demonetization towards Othello. In this specific scene, the
donkey specifically embodies a weakened creature, not of noble status, and
carrying out the bidding of a superior leader, idolizing Iago’s position as a
Supreme mastermind and Othello as a delicate being that can easily be taken
advantage of. Moreso, a donkey dragging a basket of items is identical to that of
forced labor where the puller has no other option but to carry out their duties for
the betterment of others. In this case, Iago’s skewed perception of Othello
perpetuates him as an object meant to be exploited and as a lower-entity meant
to be crushed into utter suffocation and despair. Consequently, Iago’s
name-calling of a donkey to describe Othello voices his absolute detestment of
Othello, diminishing his worth for the sake of petty revenge.

Locusts

● “The food that to / him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as
bitter / as coloquintida” (1.3.336-339).
● Why: The comparison between the locusts and the coloquintida mirrors the
perception of a blessing and a curse directly in front of Othello’s eyes, thus, used
as a means to communicate Iago’s deception. The locusts are described with
ceremonious adjectives while the coloquintida is emphasized with disrelishing
descriptions, being completely contrast from one another. Thus, the contrary
effects reiterate Iago’s distaste towards Othello as he plans to metaphorically
poison Othello’s relationships and sense of balance in order to satiate his own
humor. The scene also derives Iago’s twisted sense of justice as he takes delight
in his schemes to shrivel Othello’s source of confidence in order to boost his own.
Even without Othello’s knowing of this plan, it furthers Iago’s immorality as he
also celebrates at the thought of utter confusion and turmoil for when his scheme
begins to take motion to his liking. Hence, the contrasting correlations within the
locusts portray an image of treacherous guile that foreshadows the upcoming
events of heartbreaking disorder.

Desdemona

● Guinea hen & a baboon (he does not make the hen and baboon reference
specifically for Desdamona, but, he aligns it to her when Rodrigo feels tormented
for his unrequited love)
○ “Ere I would say I / would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen, I
would change my / humanity with a baboon” (1.3.309-311).
● Why: The mentionings of the hen and the baboon both symbolize farm and wild,
untamed animals with no sense of common knowledge. The guinea hen is a
formidable symbol of femininity and motherhood, nevertheless, Iago shapes the
word so that it resembles more of an insult rather than a praise. He phrases it as
a means of representing the general population of women rather than
Desdemona specifically, shaping Desdemona as a representation of a whole
rather than an individual with her own sense and judgement. Connecting that to
the baboon remark, it is meant to further mock Desdemona as Iago believes she
cannot think for herself as a common human being, but rather, a creature that
must rely on her husband in order to attain title for herself. Thus, Iago
acknowledges Desdemona as an ignorant creature over a sensible female with
her own sense of judgment and refuses to do so solely based on her gender,
believing her to be lower than both himself and Othello. So, the mentioning of the
hen and the baboon signify the degradation of Desdemona within the eyes of
Iago and his ultimate resentment towards the female gender that unjustly adds
onto the flame of his vengeance against Othello.