Act 1

Question 1

1.”I am not what I am.” – Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 1

Device: Paradox; Allusion (to Exodus 3:14)

Annotation: Iago openly declares his duplicitous nature. The paradox reveals his role as a manipulator, central to the play’s tragedy.

Question 2

2.”Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” – Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 2

Device: Animal imagery; Racial metaphor

Annotation: Iago uses grotesque sexual and racial imagery to provoke Brabantio and highlight Othello’s outsider status.

Question 3

3. “Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” – Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 3

Device: Euphemism; Animal imagery

Annotation: Again, Iago uses crude imagery to manipulate Brabantio’s emotions and reinforce Othello’s racial difference.

Question 4

4. “Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds.” – Brabantio (Act 1, Scene 1)

Answer 4

Device: Irony; Generalization

Annotation: Brabantio generalizes from his personal betrayal, reinforcing patriarchal mistrust.

Question 5

5. “My services which I have done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints.” – Othello (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 5

Device: Irony; Foreshadowing

Annotation: Othello believes his military service will protect him from accusations, but his downfall comes despite his loyalty.

Question 6

6. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” – Othello (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 6

Device: Metaphor; Pacifism

Annotation: Othello’s calm, rational nature contrasts sharply with Iago’s incitement.

Question 7

7.”She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them.” – Othello (Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 7

Device: Parallelism; Romantic idealism

Annotation: Othello frames his and Desdemona’s love as based on empathy and admiration.

Question 8

8.”Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” – Brabantio (Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 8

Device: Foreshadowing; Suspicion

Annotation: Brabantio’s warning plants a seed of doubt in Othello, which Iago later exploits.

Question 9

9. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” – Iago (Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 9

Device: Metaphor; Irony

Annotation: Iago manipulates Roderigo, reflecting his larger pattern of using others for gain.

Question 9

10. “Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” – Iago (Act 1, Scene 3)

Answer 9

Device: Metaphor; Personification

Annotation: Iago likens his plot to a grotesque birth, showing the perverse nature of his schemes.