“Othello” Study Guide

Act 1. Scene 1. 1. The scene opens with a conversation between Roderigo and Iago. In it, Iago tells about his dislike of Othello, and this conversation becomes a background which explains the logic of Iago’s further actions. 2. Iago says that Othello is married to Desdemona, the daughter of the Senator. He bel... read more

Act III, scene 1.1. The scene starts with Cassio asking musicians to play to set Othello in a good mood because he is involved in suspicion at that point already. The talk between a musician and a clown adds theatrical touch to the scene to remind of Shakespeare’s concept of life as theatre play, so after this episode the characters look like puppets in the play.2. Cassio says “I never knew... read more