Introductory plot game

1. The play begins in Venice. Iago, an assistant to the General Othello, is angry because he has been passed over for promotion. What is his grievance?

Iago: … says he

‘I have already chosen my officer.’

And what was he?

… One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,

A fellow almost damned in a fair wife,

That never set a squadron in the field,

Nor the division of a battle knows.

2. To make himself feel better Iago goes with Roderigo to tell Brabantio, the father of Othello’s new secret bride Desdemona, what has happened to his daughter. Roderigo has a bit of a crush on Desdemona. Iago tells Brabantio about the marriage in a very racist and rude way. What image does he use to describe the two lovers?

Iago: … an old black ram

Is tupping your white ewe.