1. Describe the Events Surrounding Othello S Arrival in Cyprus. Why Is Desdemona Nervous

Scene 1

1. Describe the events surrounding Othello’s arrival in Cyprus. Why is Desdemona nervous before he shows up?

2. How does Cassio treat Desdemona? Do you think that these two might be attracted to each other, as lago plans to have Othello believe?

3. What suspicions does lago have about his wife? Do you think there are any grounds for these suspicions? What does this show you about lago?

4. How can you tell that Cassio is devoted to Othello? Do you think there are any negative emotions-jealousy, disloyalty-mixed in?

5. What does lago’s attitude toward women-and toward love in general-seem to be?

6. How does lago brainwash Roderigo? How does he convince Roderigo to get in a fight with Cassio? What is his real reason for wanting the fight?

7.Why does lago say of Desdemona, “Now I do love her too”? Do you think he is jealous of Othello for winning Desdemona?

Scene 2

1.What is the mood of this scene?

2. Why the celebration? Do you think lago will participate?

Scene 3

1. Explain how Cassio gets drunk, even though he knows that he has “very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.” Does his conversation with lago about drinking remind you of any you have overheard?

2. How does Cassio react when lago refers to Desdemona and Othello’s sex life?

3. What do Cassio and Roderigo argue about? How is the governor involved in the fight?

4.What advice does lago give Cassio after Cassio is demoted? Is Cassio naïve in accepting this advice-or would it ordinarily be good advice?

5. Why does lago say to Roderigo,”How poor are they that have not patience!/What wound did ever heal but by degrees”? Do you agree with that sentiment?

Prediction: What will happen to Roderigo? Will he ever see through lago?