ACT SUMMARIES Flashcards
(15 cards)
THE SETUP - ACT I SCENE 1 - Iago’s grievance
Iago is angry that Othello chose Cassio for promotion.
He and Roderigo wake Brabantio (Desdemona’s father) to tell him she has eloped with Othello.
Brabantio is furious and wants Othello arrested.
ACT I, SCENE II - Othello confronts trouble
Iago pretends to be loyal to Othello.
Cassio tells Othello the Duke needs him.
Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft.
Othello agrees to explain himself to the Duke.
ACT I, SCENE 3 - The trial before the Duke
Othello defends his love for Desdemona, telling how she fell for his life stories.
Desdemona confirms her love and chooses to go to Cyprus with Othello.
The Duke supports the marriage.
Iago hatches his plan to destroy Othello by making him jealous.
THE SEED OF JEALOUSY - ACT II, SCENE 1 - Arrival in Cyprus
The Turkish fleet is destroyed; Cyprus is safe.
Desdemona, Cassio, and Iago arrive safely.
Iago begins manipulating Cassio and Desdemona to set up suspicion.
He mocks women and starts sowing doubt.
Cassio is overly polite to Desdemona — Iago plans to use this.
ACT II, SCENE 2 - Proclomation of peace
A short scene announcing a celebration of peace and Othello’s marriage.
ACT II, SCENE 3 - Cassio’s downfall
Iago gets Cassio drunk and provokes a fight with Roderigo.
Cassio wounds Montano.
Othello demotes Cassio.
Iago advises Cassio to appeal to Desdemona — beginning the “jealousy trap.”
THE POISONING OF OTHELLO’S MIND - ACT III, SCENE I - Cassio’s Appeal
Cassio asks Emilia to help arrange a meeting with Desdemona.
Emilia supports him.
ACT III, SCENE 2 - Othello’s brief business
Othello leaves briefly for administrative matters — short scene
ACT III, SCENE 3 - Iago’s manipulation
Desdemona pleads Cassio’s case to Othello.
Iago subtly hints Desdemona is unfaithful.
Othello becomes suspicious and demands “ocular proof.”
Desdemona drops her handkerchief — Emilia gives it to Iago.
Iago tells Othello Cassio has the handkerchief.
Othello vows revenge.
ACT III, SCENE 4 -
Desdemona notices her handkerchief is missing.
Othello demands it — she lies and changes the subject to Cassio.
Othello becomes angry and obsessed.
Cassio gives the handkerchief to Bianca, a courtesan, to copy the embroidery.
THE UNRAVELLING - ACT IV, SCENE 1 - The unravelling
Othello falls into a trance after hearing Iago’s false reports of Cassio and Desdemona.
Iago sets up a conversation with Cassio, which Othello misinterprets.
Bianca appears with the handkerchief.
Othello decides to kill Desdemona.
Lodovico arrives; Othello strikes Desdemona in public, shocking everyone.
ACT IV, SCENE 2 - Desdemona’s accused
Othello calls Desdemona a whore.
She is confused and devastated.
Emilia suspects someone has poisoned Othello’s mind.
Roderigo begins to question Iago’s intentions — Iago convinces him to kill Cassio.
ACT IV, SCENE 3 - Desdemona’s sadness
Emilia and Desdemona discuss love and fidelity.
Desdemona sings the Willow Song — a symbol of sorrow and foreboding.
She seems to accept her fate.
THE TRAGIC END - ACT V, SCENE 1 - The failed murder
Roderigo attacks Cassio but fails.
Iago secretly wounds Cassio and kills Roderigo to keep him silent.
Lodovico and Gratiano arrive.
Iago pretends to be helpful and “discovers” Roderigo’s guilt.
ACT V, SCENE 2 - The murder of Desdemona
Othello smothers Desdemona in bed.
Emilia reveals Iago’s lies.
Desdemona tries to protect Othello even with her dying breath.
Emilia exposes Iago — he kills her.
Othello learns the truth and is devastated.
He kills himself.
Iago is arrested but refuses to explain his motives.
Lodovico takes over, promising justice.
