3. Why Is Brabantio Convinced the Moor Used Drugs and Spells on Desdemona?

Act I, Scene 3

1. As at the opening of scenes 1 and 2 the audience is right in the middle of the action. About what are the Duke and Senators concerned?

2. By what adjective do the Senators and the Duke refer to Othello? What does this indicate?

3. Why is Brabantio convinced the Moor used drugs and spells on Desdemona?

4. How does the Senate react to Brabantio's charges against Othello? What does the Duke say?

5. What is the tone of Othello's response? What does this say about his temperament?

6. How did Brabantio misread Desdemona's actions toward the Moor?

7. The Duke tells Brabantio that his (Brabantio's) saying that Othello used drugs as charms on his daughter is not proof of it. Then a Senator asks Othello if it is true. What is Othello's response?

S-4 8. How did Othello win Desdemona's love?

9. The Duke says his daughter, too, would have fallen in love with Othello after hearing him speak. What is Brabantio's response?

10. Desdemona speaks truthfully before this group, and Brabantio is convinced she married of her own free will. The Duke then gives Brabantio advice. What is Brabantio's mood at this point?

11. What is Desdemona's request of the Duke?

12. Why do you suppose Brabantio says to Othello "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; She has deceived her father, and may thee."

13. Everyone leaves and Roderigo tells lago he is going to drown himself. What is lago's response? What is lago's view of human nature and of love?

14. After lago tells Roderigo to make a great deal of money and plan on getting Desdemona back, Roderigo leaves and we see into lago's thoughts in the soliloquy. In this soliloquy, what seems to be his opinion of Roderigo? What is a reason he hates the Moor? What plan has he formulated?