Act Summaries Othello

Question 1

Act 1, Scene 1

Answer 1

Iago and Roderigo enter and Iago is angry that he wasn’t given the role of lieutenant, he talks excessively about his hatred from Othello and the incompetence of Cassio.
He decides to sabotage Othello by revealing his relationship with Desdemona to her father Brabantio.

Question 2

Act 2, Scene 1

Answer 2

The Venetian soldiers arrive in Cyprus, and find that the storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet.
Cassio reveals his admiration for Desdemona, moments before she arrives onstage with Iago.
The audience learns of his sexism, and Desdemona’s strong will as a result.
Othello and Desdemona reunite, and Iago crafts his plan against Othello.

Question 3

Act 2, Scene 3

Answer 3

Iago manipulates / pushes Cassio into drinking, and sends Roderigo to to provoke him. This results in a fight which Montano tries to break up, but gets involved instead.
Othello stops this fight, and removes Cassios rank.
Cassio mourns his role and Iago consoles him , he tells him to talk to Desdemona who can talk with Othello.
He is successful, and Cassio plans to talk to her

Question 4

Act 1, Scene 2

Answer 4

We meet Othello for the first time, and he greatly contradicts Iago’s initial description.
Othello is summoned to the Duke to discuss military matters, Brabantio shows up also.
Brabantio attempts to fight Othello, but he refuses. Brabantio believes that Othello has taken his daughter.
Brabantio goes to ask the Dukes opinions on the matter.

Question 5

Act 3, Scene 1

Answer 5

A clown and a musician are introduced. Cassio talks to the clown, and asks him to send a message to Desdemona.
Iago says he will find a way for Cassio to talk to Desdemona.
Cassio talks to Emilia, who says Othello may not reinstate him. Cassio ignores her.

Question 6

Act 1, Scene 3

Answer 6

The duke reveals that a Turkish fleet is making its way to Cyprus.
The Turks attempt to trick the Venitans by saying they are going to Rhodes, but they don’t believe it. Brabantio asks the Duke to punish Othello for ‘tricking’ Desdemona.
The Duke sides with Othello, and trusts him.
Othello described how they met, and it may be implied that they didn’t truly love each other.
The Duke says Othello must leave for Cyprus, and he has to take Desdemona with him.
Roderigo is devastated with the news that Desdemona is married, and Iago calls him foolish for being in love.
Iago reveals his plan to trick Othello into believing that Desdemona is cheating on him.

Question 7

Act 2, Scene 2

Answer 7

Herald invites people on Othellos behalf to celebrate the destruction of the Turkish fleet.

Question 8

Act 3, Scene 3