Othello Long Questions and answers (L.A.Q), Class XI, WBCHSE

Othello Long Questions and answers

Othello Questions and answers

Othello LAQ Questions and answers

(1) Why did Othello decide to kill Desdemona and himself? [Class 11 Annual Exam 2017, 2014]

Ans. Othello’s decision to kill Desdemona and himself is the tragic culmination of a series of events that result from his jealousy and insecurity. Throughout the play, Othello became increasingly convinced that his wife Desdemona had been unfaithful to him. She had an illicit relation with Cassio. This belief was fueled by the manipulations of Iago who planted seeds of doubt and suspicion in Othello’s mind through a series of lies and deceptions. He became consumed by jealousy and anger. In a fit of rage, he stifled her to death. After he had killed Desdemona, Othello learnt the truth about her innocence and realised the extent of Iago’s manipulation and deception. Overcome with grief, guilt, and shame, he decided to take his own life.

(2) What led Desdemona to marry Othello? [Class 11 Annual Exam 2015, 2018]

Ans. Desdemona’s decision to marry Othello is influenced by several factors. Desdemona is deeply attracted to Othello’s bravery, intelligence, and military expertise. She admires him for his achievements in battle and his reputation as a leader and warrior. She is impressed by Othello’s story of his life and experiences, particularly his accounts of his travels and adventures. Desdemona is moved by Othello’s passion and sincerity. Desdemona used to listen to the stories with rapt attention and gradually fell in love. She is willing to defy her father’s wishes and risk her reputation in order to pursue her own desires and follow her heart.

(3) How did Othello overcome the fury of Brabantio after marry Desdemona? [Class 11 Annual Exam 2016]

Ans. The marriage of Othello and Desdemona was privately solemnized. Brabantio became furious to know that. Othello managed to overcome the fury of Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, after marrying Desdemona by convincing him of the sincerity of his love for her and the strength of their bond. Othello remained calm and composed when Brabantio accused him of using witchcraft to seduce and marry Desdemona. Othello offered a simple explanation for his actions. Othello’s honest art of wooing and the skill of telling a soft tale had won the heart of Desdemona. Desdemona also confirmed the statement of Othello. His sincerity and conviction won over Brabantio, who accepted Othello as his son-in-law.

(4) Discuss how Othello’s love for Desdemona changed into mistrust in the story. [Class 11 Annual Exam 2019]

Ans. Othello’s love for Desdemona changed into mistrust due to jealousy, manipulation, and his own insecurities. Othello and Desdemona loved each other very much. Cassio, their close friend, helped them in their love affair. When Othello promoted Cassio to the rank of lieutenant, Iago became furious. Iago planned a scheme of revenge. He became suspicious of Desdemona after Iago planted the idea in his mind that she may be having an affair with Cassio. Iago then showed false evidence of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. Ultimately, this mistrust led to tragedy as Othello believed the only way to restore his honour was to kill Desdemona.

(5) What role did the handkerchief play in bringing about Desdemona’s ruins? [Class 11 Annual Exam 2020]

Ans. The handkerchief played a crucial role in bringing about Desdemona’s ruin in “Othello.” The handkerchief was the first gift from Othello to Desdemona. Iago used his wife to steal the handkerchief and put it in Cassio’s room. Othello asked for the handkerchief from Desdemona but she couldn’t show him. Othello became restless. Othello believed that Desdemona gave it to Cassio as a token of her love. This belief fuels Othello’s jealousy and mistrust, ultimately leading him to kill Desdemona. The handkerchief thus serves as a powerful symbol of the breakdown of trust between Othello and Desdemona.

(6) Sketch how Iago has been characterised in “Othello”. [5] [Class 11Annual Exam 2019]

Ans. Iago, the antagonist in William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” is characterized as a manipulative, cunning, ambitious, and amoral character. He is jealous of others’ success, particularly Cassio and Othello, and is driven by his own ambition. Iago is a master manipulator who is able to twist the words and actions of others to serve his own purposes. He has no moral compass and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, regardless of the consequences. He is also deeply cynical and mistrustful of others, with a low opinion of human nature. Overall, Iago is a complex and intriguing character who is masterful in his ability to deceive and manipulate those around him.

(7) Who was Othello? How did he rise to the rank of a general? [2+3]

Ans. Othello is the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s play “Othello.” He was a Moor, and a dark complexioned nobleman. He was a highly respected and skilled military leader who rose to the rank of general in the Venetian army.

Othello bravely fought in brutal battles with the Turks. His talent and skill allowed him to win the conflicts. He was appointed as the general of the Venetian army, a position of great honor and responsibility. His promotion was based on his reputation as a skilled and fearless leader, as well as his loyalty to Venice.

(8) Sketch the character of Othello. [5]

Ans. Othello is the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” and he is a highly respected and skilled military leader who rises to the rank of general in the Venetian army. He is characterized as a noble and honorable man who is deeply committed to his duties and responsibilities as a soldier and leader. However, he is also vulnerable to jealousy and manipulation, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Othello is a complex and tragic character who is torn between his love for his wife, Desdemona, and his belief that she has been unfaithful to him. His struggle with these conflicting emotions highlights the themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal that are central to the play. Overall, Othello is a powerful and compelling character whose tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked jealousy and suspicion.

(9) What did Othello discover? Why was it like ‘thunder’ to him? [2+3] [Class 11 Annual Exam 2023]

Ans. After Desdemona was killed by Othello, Cassio came in, wounded and bleeding. There were some letters in Cassio’s pocket from which he came to know that Desdemona and Cassio were innocent. It was Iago who was at the root of all problem in Othello’s life.

Othello believed Iago who created suspicion in Othello’s mind about Desdemona and Cassio’s illicit relationship. Out of suspicion he grew jealous and removed Cassio from the post of lieutenant. He even killed his loving wife Desdemona. So, when he discovered that they were innocent, it was like a ‘thunder’ to him.

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