Name ________________________ Date __________________ Period __
The Tragedy of Othello
William Shakespeare
Discussion (Act 1 & 2)
Group #1:
What
... [Show More] imagery does Iago use to describe Othello and Desdemona’s elopement, and what conflict in the entire fabric of the
play does that imagery develop?
In Act 2 Scene 1, Iago engages Desdemona and Emilia in a wit-filled, bantering conversation about women. What
judgments about women does Iago make? What is the ultimate purpose served by this dialogue?
Group #2:
What kind of impression does Desdemona create in the third scene of the play?
How does Shakespeare give Othello the status of a “tragic hero”? Is he a “tragic hero”?
Based only on Acts 1 & 2, do a character sketch of Emilia. Compare / contrast Emilia to Desdemona.
Group 3:
What impending crisis do the duke and his senators face at the beginning of Scene 3? Why is Brabantio’s suit against
Othello balked? How does Brabantio seem to feel about Othello? Do his feelings change?
Do a character sketch of Cassio. What do Cassio’s actions and dialogue in Act 2 Scene 1 reveal about him?
Group 4:
What exactly is Iago’s problem (motives)? Why is he so motivated to ruin the lives of others? Trace his manipulation of
Roderigo, Brabantio, and Othello.
Why does Shakespeare move the action of the play from Venice to Cypress? Determine and develop at least two reasons.
What non-literal purpose does the storm play in the story?
Name _______________________________ Date ___________ Period ___ Score ____ / 6
Othello Act 1 & 2
Reading Response
Timed Response: 10 minutes.
Within the allotted time, you will define either Iago, Cassio, Desdemona, or Othello in terms of three character traits using three lines
from Acts 1 & 2.
1. List the character trait.
2. List a line spoken BY THE CHARACTER which exemplifies that trait. You cannot choose a line spoken ABOUT the
character.
3. Cite the line by (Act.Scene.Line Number) – for example, (1.3.33-35) for Roderigo.
4. Brief explanation as to WHY/HOW it reflects that trait.
Character Trait #1:
Character Trait #2:
Character Trait #3:
Name ________________________ Date __________________ Period __
The Tragedy of Othello
William Shakespeare
Discussion (Act 3 & 4)
Today we will attempt to defend one character as being not culpable for what has occurred so far in the play. Your goal is to plan a
defense of your character and to project the blame onto another group’s defendant. At the end of our debate, you, as individuals, will
vote for the character who is most blameworthy. The winning defendants (all three) will earn their groups extra credit. Do your best
fast talking lawyer work!
Group #1:
Defendant: Iago
How is the theme of jealousy developed in Act 3? How does Shakespeare integrate the theme of jealousy into his overall
theme of illusion versus reality?
Roderigo returns in Act 4. Examine closely how Iago uses him physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Group #2:
Defendant: Emilia
How is Emilia characterized? Is her worldliness a façade? How does Emilia’s remarks about jealousy comment on the
themes of the play?
Examine Desdemona’s characterization by examining her reaction to Othello’s accusations in Act 4 Scene 2.
Group #3:
Defendant: Desdemona
How does the handkerchief serve as a plot device? How does the handkerchief serve symbolically?
Add to your characterization of Cassio by examining his relationship with Bianca. Consider how it may affect his
relationship with Othello.
Group #4:
Defendant: Othello
Analyze how Iago works on Othello’s suspicions in Act 3 Scene 3. [Show Less]