Othello Act One Flashcards
(7 cards)
The opening scene?
The play opens in Venice, where Iago, Othello’s ensign, is frustrated after being passed over for a promotion in favour of Cassio.
- a younger, less experienced officer.
Iago vows to get revenge.
Roderigo?
Roderigo is a relatively young man who is devoted to his love for Desdemona.
He presents such racism when he speaks of Othello as he is jealous of the older man because he believes he is deserving of Desdemona.
Iago’s initial consequential actions?
He informs Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, that his daughter has secretly married Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army.
Brabantio’s reaction?
Brabantio is furious and accuses Othello of witchcraft and magic in order to win and beguile Desdemona for her love. This the result of the racism portrayed to him through grotesque imagery - a ‘black ram’, ‘tupping’, ‘your white ewe’.
Othello’s reaction to the accusation?
Othello defends himself before the Duke, explaining how he and Desdemona fell in love and married because Desdemona loved the stories he would share about his war efforts. She was unique and unusual, even for an unexperienced man in love like Othello.
The Duke’s decision?
The Duke is sympathetic to Othello and sends him to Cyprus to defend against the Turkish fleet, ordering that Desdemona should accompany him.
Iago’s next actions?
Secretly, Iago begins plotting Othello’s downfall, and his manipulation of others starts to take shape as his influence has the ability to mould and control the actions of others to benefit himself.
