Skip to content

Othello Discussion Questions

Act 1

  1. What do the opening scenes establish about Iago, Roderigo, and Othello? Consider what the audience learns from the contrast between Iago's private motives and his public behavior, as well as from the language used to describe Othello and his marriage.

  2. How does Brabantio react to Desdemona's marriage? Compare his treatment of Roderigo and Othello, and consider what his accusations reveal about race, class, and Othello's place in Venetian society.

  3. Why does Shakespeare devote so much attention to the Turkish threat and the Senate's deliberations? How does this political context shape our understanding of Othello and the Duke's response to Brabantio?

  4. How does Othello defend his marriage? What does he admit to, what does he deny, and what do his and Desdemona's speeches suggest about their relationship?

  5. Why does Iago urge Roderigo to "put money in thy purse"? What does this advice reveal about both characters and about Iago's larger plans?

  6. Choose either "a world of kisses" or "a world of sighs" (from Othello's speech in 1.3.158) Which reading seems more appropriate, and why?

Act 2

  1. How does the arrival in Cyprus establish the relationships among Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Iago? Consider the sequence of arrivals and Othello's reunion with Desdemona.

  2. What view of love and sexuality does Iago express in Act 2? How do his jokes, his comments about women, and his suspicions of adultery contribute to his characterization?

  3. Compare the drunken brawl with the opening scene outside Brabantio's house. What similarities do you notice, and what do they suggest about Iago's methods?

  4. What does Cassio mean by "reputation"? Why is its loss so devastating to him?

  5. How does Iago plan to "turn her virtue into pitch"? Why does he take particular satisfaction in using Desdemona's goodness against her?

  6. What does Iago mean when he says, "we work by wit and not by witchcraft"? How does this statement explain both his strategy and the play's method of creating tragedy?