Tragic foreshadowing of events

Question 1

“Iago is most honest” Act 2 scene 3

Answer 1

This is dramatic irony, as the audience knows Iago is far from honest. It foreshadows Othello’s misplaced trust in him

Question 2

“Willow, Willow, Willow” Act 4 scene 3

Answer 2

Desdemona’s song foreshadows her own death, as she sings about a woman abandoned by her lover

Question 3

“She has deceived her father, and may thee” Act 1 scene 3

Answer 3

Brabantio warns Othello about Desdemona’s supposed capacity for deception, planting the seed of doubt that Iago will later exploit.

Question 4

“The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so” Act 1 scene 3

Answer 4

Iago recognises Othello’s trusting nature, foreshadowing how he will manipulate him.

Question 5

“O, I am spoiled, undone by villains” Act 5 scene 1

Answer 5

Cassio, after being attacked, unknowingly foreshadows the full extent of Iago’s treachery

Question 6

“O falsely, falsely murdered” Act 5 scene 2

Answer 6

Desdemonas’s dying words foreshadow the revelation of Iago’s deceit and Othello’s tragic realisation.

Question 7

“From this day forth I will never speak word” Act 5 scene 2

Answer 7

Iago’s chilling silence foreshadows the unresolved nature of his evil, leaving his motives ambiguous