Category: Coffeehouse #3

1.Othello’s private life, where his marriage is soon to become public knowledge, where Brabantio threatens Othello with violence and accuses him of using sorcery to seduce Desdemona, his reasoning being that she would never marry Othello voluntarily. Second,  the political crisis with the threatened attack by the Turks, where he anticipates being sent to war in a commanding position.

2. When Iago says “I am not what I am,” he means that he is not truly and in essence what he merely pretends to be. He pretends to be a servant of Othello, but he is really a servant of himself.

3. Brabantio say to Othello: 

“She has deceived her father, and may thee” [line 650] because he wants to unsettle the relationship between Desdemona  and Othello, so they don’t stay together. What he meant by this is that she betrayed her  own father and married an african man against his will, she can betray you the same way.

4. Iago wants to lead Cassio into committing an action that will disgrace him with the other soldiers.

5. This little piece of cloth became very important. Othello had originally given the handkerchief to Desdemona. Iago convinces Othello that Cassio gave it to Bianca, which convinces him that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. When the handkerchief’s role in things is revealed in the final act, Emilia realizes all the manipulation Iago’s done, and what a monster she’s married to.

1–Othello is wanted in Act 1 scene 2 for two reasons. What are they? Be specific and use proper names.

Othello is wanted in act 1 scene 2 by Brabantio- father of Desdemona and the Duke. Othello is being sought after by Brabantio after Rodergo showed up to his home- accusing Othello of having “stolen” his daughter. Brabantio believes Desdemona going Othello by her own accord is unbelievable, therefore accusing Othello of having used black magic on his daughter. As a result, he wants Othello to face judgement by the law. The Duke calls for Othello, (he also called for the other council) after various letters arrived stating a large number of fleets were seen. They were believed to be Turkish and on their way to Cyprus.

2– What is the meaning of Iago’s statement:

“I am not what I am.”  [line 67]

Iago’s statement of “I am not what I am” signifies Iago’s decision to serve Othello only for his own benefit. He resents him for choosing Cassio, however he decides to continue to “loyally” serve him but only to get what he want. Rather than show his true nature, he decides to hide it and thus says “I am not what I am” or he is not what he appears to be.

3–Why does Brabantio say to Othello:

“She has deceived her father, and may thee” [line 650]

Brabantio says “She has deceived her father, and may thee” in order to remind him to keep an eye on Desdemona, for she has betrayed her father (to take his side and be with him) and she may betray Othello as a result. After her decision to take sides with Othello, Brabantio gives him a warning and a reminder of the faithfulness she had for him, and the resulting faithfulness she will have for Othello.

4–Why does Iago want to get Cassio drunk? See Act 2 Scene3

Iago wants to get Casio drunk in order to ruin his reputation and cause a stir amongst the people of Cyprus. Iago intended to first: get him drunk, provoke him to the point of him causing a scene (by fighting Roderigo) and eventually cause Cassio to be fired. Iago knows Cassio to be rash and hot tempered and expects this plan to work. Iago then gives advice to Cassio to speak to Desdemona on the matter to regain his position back. He hopes that from this, he can circulate rumors of an affair between the two and get revenge on Othello.

5–What is significant about the handkerchief Emilia finds? See Act 3 Scene 3

The handkerchief Emilia finds was a gift from Desdemona to Othello representing their fidelity to one another. Unfortunately, Iago is aware of this promise between the two and seeks to turn the handkerchief to a tool he can use in his revenge. Once Emelia finds it, rather than returning it to Desdemona- she hands it to Iago (she was aware too of the significance) signifying her decision to take part in his plan to destroy Othello. Iago then placed the handkerchief in Cassio’s room as evidence of infidelity.

POST Coffeehouse #3 HERE

Directions: Write your answers in the Category Coffeehouse #2 [Details: Number each answer; write approximately 50 words for each question; 20 points total; 4 points each]

1–Othello is wanted in Act 1 scene 2 for two reasons. What are they? Be specific and use proper names.

2– What is the meaning of Iago’s statement:

“I am not what I am.”  [line 67]

3–Why does Brabantio say to Othello:

“She has deceived her father, and may thee” [line 650]

4–Why does Iago want to get Cassio drunk? See Act 2 Scene3

5–What is significant about the handkerchief Emilia finds? See Act 3 Scene 3