How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 scene 1?
It could be argued that one way in which Shakespeare creates a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 Scene 1 is through where it is set. It is set at night on the streets of Cyprus and this may create a sense of fear because it would be a dark setting.
Another way that Shakespeare creates a sense of fear and confusion in this scene is through the use of Iago's language. He uses a lot of violent imagery when talking about Roderigo killing Cassio for example when he says: 'Wear they good rapier bare, and put it home.' This could create a sense of fear for the audience because of the way
Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo into making him think he has good reason to kill Cassio. Also, a sense of confusion is created at this stage because Iago doesn't actually want Roderigo to live as shown when he says ' Live Roderigo, he calls me to a restitution large of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him as gifts to Desdemona.' Because of this factor, the confusion is caused by the fact that Iago doesn't just kill both Cassio and Roderigo himself.
Furthermore, the use of dramatic method of Iago's soliloquys can be argued to create a sense of fear because of the imagery that is created by his use of language. For example when he says he has 'rubbed this young quat almost to the sense'. This could create a sense o9f fear for the audience because of the power of his manipulative skills.
Moreover, the structure of the lines in this scene could also create a sense of fear and confusion because of the use of caesura. This could indicate that something bad is about to happen. An example of caesura used in this scene is: I know his gait, 'tis he - Villain, thou diest!' This line is just before Roderigo goes to stab Cassio as well which demonstrates how the caesura can indicate something bad is about to happen.
Thursday 30 June 2016
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Othello and Iago Questions
According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
Othello has been fighting since he was 7.
According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
It means he is very conscious of the way that he appears to other people, his appearance is very important to him.
What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Marrying Desdemona, the only child of a "very very well to do senator", it means he will inherit all that is currently Brabantio's and a good position, although that's not the reason he has married Desdemona.
Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Othello gave the promotion that Iago had been hoping for to a "younger and posher" officer called Cassio.
What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
they've seen the horrors of war together.
Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Through subterfuge, insinuation, and getting people onside.
Othello has been fighting since he was 7.
According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
It means he is very conscious of the way that he appears to other people, his appearance is very important to him.
What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Marrying Desdemona, the only child of a "very very well to do senator", it means he will inherit all that is currently Brabantio's and a good position, although that's not the reason he has married Desdemona.
Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Othello gave the promotion that Iago had been hoping for to a "younger and posher" officer called Cassio.
What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
they've seen the horrors of war together.
Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Through subterfuge, insinuation, and getting people onside.
Monday 25 April 2016
Improved extract question
This extract is significant in Othello's tragedy because it is where Iago starts to plot Othello's downfall. Iago's Machiavellian character is exposed to the audience and as stated by McEvoy 'the audience becomes complicit in Iago's intention...and is soon involved in his vengeful plotting...members of the audience...share Iago's delight in his own powers of evil invention'. The audience can see Iago start his plotting with Cassio and Desdemona when he is aside and enjoying how Cassio 'kiss'd' Desdemona's 'three fingers'. This therefore makes Iago significant in Othello's downfall because he is the cause of it. Iago's reason for plotting against Othello is because he wasn't Othello to feel the same hurt that he did when Othello gave the position of lieutenant to Cassio. It is evident that Iago is jealous of Cassio because of how he wans to 'strip' him of his 'lieutenantry'. This extract is also significant for the audience because Shakespeare is properly exposing Iago's character for the first time in the play. His duality is exposed.
The significance of the setting that Shakespeare has chosen for this scene is that it's at a sea port in Cyprus. This means that Shakespeare is going against what Aristotle said that classical tragedies should consist od. He is going against his three unities of time, setting and one story line. Because this scene breaks one of the unities, it does not follow the typical structure of a classical tragedy.
Prior to this extract, Othello is shown to have noble behaviour because of how he handles situations, for example when he refused to fight Brabanito and wanted to talk instead. Aristotle stated that a tragic hero in a classical tragedy should be a noble man, Shakespeare follows this by demonstrating Othello's noble behaviour. However it is questioned whether Othello is really noble because of how much he trusts Iago and how gullible he is. During this extract, Othello and Desdemona are acting very in love and very content with one another. An example of this is when Othello refers to Desdemona as his 'fair warrior'. This is significant for the audience to witness because it makes the tragedy of the play more effective. This is because the audience can see how much they love each other.
The role of Iago is significant because Shakespeare uses him too plot Othello's downfall and he foreshadows Othello's future in the play. When Iago says to Othello: 'O, you are well tun'd now!' this is foreshadowing that in the future he won't be 'well tun'd' because of the word 'now' which could be used to infer that Othello will be different in the future. This is significant because it reminds the audience that the play is still a tragedy, despite Othello and Desdemona seeming to be happy at the moment.
The mood of this scene, which is created by Iago, is jealousy. He is jealous of Cassio's 'lieutenantry' and he is jealous of how 'content' Othello is with his new wife, Desdemona. However, this does not affect the atmosphere of the scene because all of the other characters are celebrating that Othello has made it back safely. This is shown when Desdemona sees him arriving and says: 'let's meet him and receive him'. This atmosphere is created by Cassio and Desdemona being excited about the return of Othello. Furthermore, Shakespeare creates the atmosphere of love by having Othello and Desdemona speak in iambic pentameter to each other.
Desdemona is used as a method of tragedy in this extract because her love for Othello is presented as being so strong. It could be argued that Desdemona and Othello have an unusual relationship because Othello is black and society was highly racist in the time that the play is set. Desdemona's love for Othello is demonstrated when she calls Othello her 'dear Othello'; the fact that Shakespeare shows the audience how passionate their love is for one another adds to the tragedy of the play because the audience knows that Othello will soon lose these feelings towards her. Cassio is also used as a method of tragedy in this extract because of how Iago sees him to be 'flirting' with Desdemona and Iago is already jealous of what Cassio's job allows him to do. This aspect of the play is tragic because Cassio has done nothing wrong to deserve what Iago is doing to him. In Iago's plotting of Othello's downfall, he is simultaneously plotting the downfall of many other characters.
Iago doesn't interact with anyone in this play except for Othello. This is significant because of how reliant Othello is on Iago towards the end of the play to trust that he is being told the truth about Desdemona. It could be argued that being too trusting is Othello's tragic flaw that leads to him committing the hamartia of killing Desdemona. Iago's soliloquys are also significant in this extract because they reveal his plotting and the jealous streak in his personality. Additionally, it is important for the audience to see Iago's jealousy for Cassio because the fact that Cassio has Iago's desired job is the motive for the plotting of Othello's downfall. This is a key part in the tragedy of the play.
Prior to this extract, Othello is shown to have noble behaviour because of how he handles situations, for example when he refused to fight Brabanito and wanted to talk instead. Aristotle stated that a tragic hero in a classical tragedy should be a noble man, Shakespeare follows this by demonstrating Othello's noble behaviour. However it is questioned whether Othello is really noble because of how much he trusts Iago and how gullible he is. During this extract, Othello and Desdemona are acting very in love and very content with one another. An example of this is when Othello refers to Desdemona as his 'fair warrior'. This is significant for the audience to witness because it makes the tragedy of the play more effective. This is because the audience can see how much they love each other.
The role of Iago is significant because Shakespeare uses him too plot Othello's downfall and he foreshadows Othello's future in the play. When Iago says to Othello: 'O, you are well tun'd now!' this is foreshadowing that in the future he won't be 'well tun'd' because of the word 'now' which could be used to infer that Othello will be different in the future. This is significant because it reminds the audience that the play is still a tragedy, despite Othello and Desdemona seeming to be happy at the moment.
The mood of this scene, which is created by Iago, is jealousy. He is jealous of Cassio's 'lieutenantry' and he is jealous of how 'content' Othello is with his new wife, Desdemona. However, this does not affect the atmosphere of the scene because all of the other characters are celebrating that Othello has made it back safely. This is shown when Desdemona sees him arriving and says: 'let's meet him and receive him'. This atmosphere is created by Cassio and Desdemona being excited about the return of Othello. Furthermore, Shakespeare creates the atmosphere of love by having Othello and Desdemona speak in iambic pentameter to each other.
Desdemona is used as a method of tragedy in this extract because her love for Othello is presented as being so strong. It could be argued that Desdemona and Othello have an unusual relationship because Othello is black and society was highly racist in the time that the play is set. Desdemona's love for Othello is demonstrated when she calls Othello her 'dear Othello'; the fact that Shakespeare shows the audience how passionate their love is for one another adds to the tragedy of the play because the audience knows that Othello will soon lose these feelings towards her. Cassio is also used as a method of tragedy in this extract because of how Iago sees him to be 'flirting' with Desdemona and Iago is already jealous of what Cassio's job allows him to do. This aspect of the play is tragic because Cassio has done nothing wrong to deserve what Iago is doing to him. In Iago's plotting of Othello's downfall, he is simultaneously plotting the downfall of many other characters.
Iago doesn't interact with anyone in this play except for Othello. This is significant because of how reliant Othello is on Iago towards the end of the play to trust that he is being told the truth about Desdemona. It could be argued that being too trusting is Othello's tragic flaw that leads to him committing the hamartia of killing Desdemona. Iago's soliloquys are also significant in this extract because they reveal his plotting and the jealous streak in his personality. Additionally, it is important for the audience to see Iago's jealousy for Cassio because the fact that Cassio has Iago's desired job is the motive for the plotting of Othello's downfall. This is a key part in the tragedy of the play.
Act 3 A.C. Bradley's view of Othello
‘Othello’s nature is all of one piece. His trust where he trusts is absolute. Hesitation is almost impossible to him. He is extremely self-reliant and decides and acts instantaneously. If stirred to indignation … he answers with one lightning stroke. Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must live or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-nigh incontrollable flood.’
Having read Act III how far do you agree with A.C. Bradley’s view of Othello?
It can be seen that 'Othello's nature is all of one piece' because when he loves Desdemona, he loves her with all of his heart and this is shown when he says 'But I do love thee; and when I love thee not, chaos is come again'. Adding to the idea that his nature is all of one piece, it can be seen through his amount of trust with Iago, he trusts Iago so much about Desdemona being unfaithful that he is even willing to kill his good friend Cassio and his wife over something that has no real truth. We know that he wants Desdemona dead because of when he says 'Damn her, lewd minx: O damn her, damn her!' This demonstrates Othello's power, however it does not demonstrate his nobility which he should possess in order to be the tragic hero of a classical tragedy (according to Aristotle).
It could be argued that Othello's trust is absolute because of how reliant he is on Iago's information about Desdemona and Cassio. Othello's absolute trust for Iago is shown when he says to him 'I know thou'rt full of love and honesty'. It could be said that the fact that Othello is so trusting of people and the fact that he is so gullible is a part of his hubris that leads to his hamartia at the end of the play. This could also be used to argue the fact that Othello isn't a 'noble' tragic hero because of this which means he doesn't possess the correct characteristics that Aristotle said are necessary for a tragic hero to have in a classical tragedy. It's apparent that Othello is gullible when Iago is telling him the arguably bathotic story of Cassio saying 'Sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our loves' in his sleep. The fact that this is what convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful might make the audience question his ability to be in a position of power.
It could be argued that Othello's trust is absolute because of how reliant he is on Iago's information about Desdemona and Cassio. Othello's absolute trust for Iago is shown when he says to him 'I know thou'rt full of love and honesty'. It could be said that the fact that Othello is so trusting of people and the fact that he is so gullible is a part of his hubris that leads to his hamartia at the end of the play. This could also be used to argue the fact that Othello isn't a 'noble' tragic hero because of this which means he doesn't possess the correct characteristics that Aristotle said are necessary for a tragic hero to have in a classical tragedy. It's apparent that Othello is gullible when Iago is telling him the arguably bathotic story of Cassio saying 'Sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our loves' in his sleep. The fact that this is what convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful might make the audience question his ability to be in a position of power.
Furthermore, the idea that 'hesitation is almost impossible' to Othello can be seen when Othello immediately falls out of love with Desdemona as soon as Iago plants the idea that she has been unfaithful with Cassio. This is demonstrated when Desdemona has just spoken to him about giving Casio his job back and Othello calls her an 'excellent wretch!' This characteristic of Othello can also be seen as a part of his hubris. Othello's lack of hesitation leads to his downfall. It also shows that he can be easily angered and loses his temper quickly which some may argue doesn't make him noble. Not only does Othello not hesitate with his emotions towards Desdemona but he doesn't hesitate with believing what Iago has to say about Desdemona and Cassio.
Moreover, there is evidence in act three for how Othello 'decides and acts instantaneously because of when he says to Iago 'within these three days le me hear thee say that Cassio's not alive. This demonstrates how he acts and decides instantaneously because he doesn't even want to speak to Cassio and Desdemona about it first to get their sides of the story; because his nature is all of one piece and that his trust is absolute, he is willing to be the cause of two deaths just because of something that Iago told him.
In addition to this, 'if a passion such as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-nigh of incontrollable flood' because of how angry he gets when Iago first speaks to him to make him jealous. Once he gets jealous, he then starts to get angry with Iago wanting to know what he has to say about Cassio and Desdemona as shown when he says 'by heaven I'll know thee thoughts!' This demonstrates that when he experiences jealousy, he loses his temper very quickly and gets very angry with Iago. He even threatens to kill him if he finds out he is lying. That could be used as another example of when Othello acts and decides quickly, because he would have no hesitation in killing him under those circumstances.
To conclude, A.C. Bradley's views of Othello can be seen throughout act three in the play, there is evidence to support all of them. These characteristics of Othello may make up his hubris and that leads to him committing the hamartia of believing Iago to which eventually leads to him killing Desdemona which ultimately leads to his downfall and eventually he kills himself. However the audience experience a feeling of catharsis at the end of the play because Othello realises he was in the wrong and wants everyone to know that.
Moreover, there is evidence in act three for how Othello 'decides and acts instantaneously because of when he says to Iago 'within these three days le me hear thee say that Cassio's not alive. This demonstrates how he acts and decides instantaneously because he doesn't even want to speak to Cassio and Desdemona about it first to get their sides of the story; because his nature is all of one piece and that his trust is absolute, he is willing to be the cause of two deaths just because of something that Iago told him.
In addition to this, 'if a passion such as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-nigh of incontrollable flood' because of how angry he gets when Iago first speaks to him to make him jealous. Once he gets jealous, he then starts to get angry with Iago wanting to know what he has to say about Cassio and Desdemona as shown when he says 'by heaven I'll know thee thoughts!' This demonstrates that when he experiences jealousy, he loses his temper very quickly and gets very angry with Iago. He even threatens to kill him if he finds out he is lying. That could be used as another example of when Othello acts and decides quickly, because he would have no hesitation in killing him under those circumstances.
To conclude, A.C. Bradley's views of Othello can be seen throughout act three in the play, there is evidence to support all of them. These characteristics of Othello may make up his hubris and that leads to him committing the hamartia of believing Iago to which eventually leads to him killing Desdemona which ultimately leads to his downfall and eventually he kills himself. However the audience experience a feeling of catharsis at the end of the play because Othello realises he was in the wrong and wants everyone to know that.
Wednesday 20 April 2016
Act 3 Scene 3 Questions
For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?
Desdemona agrees to plead Cassio's case because him and Othello are good friends which is shown when Desdemona says: 'you do love my lord' and the other reason is that Cassio helped Desdemona and Othello get together because Desdemona mentions that he helped Othello with 'wooing' her.
What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."
He is referring to Desdemona and Cassio speaking closely and quietly with each other, this is to try to make Othello suspicious so that Iago's plan will later work out
After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?
Othello's response is 'O misery' because he wants Iago to tell him what he means by the comments that he is making about Cassio and Desdemona, he wants to know if Desdemona is cheating on him or not.
What does Iago say about the women of Venice?
He says that 'In Venice they do let God see the pranks They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience Is not to leave't undone, but keep it unknown.' He is telling Othello that in Venice, if women cheat on their wives they just don't tell their husbands which means that it doesn't really count as cheating because they don't know about it. He is still refraining from telling Othello because he wants his suspicions to grow and his trust for Desdemona to decrease. This will enable his plan to work.
What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?
The contextual evidence from Robert Burton, Anatomy of Melancholy (1616) he says that 'Wives are slippery, often unfaithful to their husbands but to old men most treacherous'
Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?
Because it will make Othello come to his own conclusions by only being told hints from Iago, this means Iago will only have to do a small amount of lying because Othello will already be having the thoughts that Desdemona is being unfaithful as a result of Iago's language choice. Also, Iago already knows that Othello is insecure because of his appearance and that Desdemona will leave him when he is older and no longer finds him physically attractive
Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?
Iago does when he says ' she did deceive her father, marrying you' which will make Othello sensitive to the fact that she is capable of deceit and will therefore even further back up what Iago has been saying to him and this will make Othello question his trust for Desdemona.
In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?
Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?
Desdemona gives her handkerchief to Othello to use of a bandage because he is complaining of a headache. Othello rejects the handkerchief, saying 'your napkin is too little', and it falls to the floor. This might symbolise the way that Desdemona's love is not enough for Othello. Othello and Desdemona leave the handkerchief on the floor. Then Emilia picks it up and plans to give it to Iago, because she knows that he wants it but she doesn't know why.
Desdemona gives her handkerchief to Othello to use of a bandage because he is complaining of a headache. Othello rejects the handkerchief, saying 'your napkin is too little', and it falls to the floor. This might symbolise the way that Desdemona's love is not enough for Othello. Othello and Desdemona leave the handkerchief on the floor. Then Emilia picks it up and plans to give it to Iago, because she knows that he wants it but she doesn't know why.
What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?
Emilia thinks that Iago will be pleased that she got him the handkerchief and that will in turn mean that their relationship will become better and more romantic.
Emilia thinks that Iago will be pleased that she got him the handkerchief and that will in turn mean that their relationship will become better and more romantic.
What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?
Iago wants to make it look like Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio, therefore he plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's room t make it look like Desdemona was there.
Iago wants to make it look like Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio, therefore he plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's room t make it look like Desdemona was there.
When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?
He warns him that if he finds out he if lying about Desdemona cheating or if he can't find sufficient proof to show to Othello, then he will kill him.
He warns him that if he finds out he if lying about Desdemona cheating or if he can't find sufficient proof to show to Othello, then he will kill him.
What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?
His proof that finally convinces Othello is when Iago describes that one night when he was sleeping by Cassio he spoke of his affair with Desdemona 'sweet Desdemona...let us hide our loves', and also tells Othello how Cassio 'laid his leg over my thigh, and sighed and kissed'.
His proof that finally convinces Othello is when Iago describes that one night when he was sleeping by Cassio he spoke of his affair with Desdemona 'sweet Desdemona...let us hide our loves', and also tells Othello how Cassio 'laid his leg over my thigh, and sighed and kissed'.
What is Iago's final 'proof'?
Iago's final proof is that he saw 'Cassio wipe his beard' on the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona. This really annoys Othello because that handkerchief has a lot of sentimental meaning to him and Iago describes Cassio just using it as a normal handkerchief.
Iago's final proof is that he saw 'Cassio wipe his beard' on the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona. This really annoys Othello because that handkerchief has a lot of sentimental meaning to him and Iago describes Cassio just using it as a normal handkerchief.
What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?
Othello's speech becomes monosyllabic throughout the scene. He also becomes increasingly distressed and Shakespeare shows how he is failing out of love with Desdemona as shown when he says: 'loathe her. O curse of marriage'.
Othello's speech becomes monosyllabic throughout the scene. He also becomes increasingly distressed and Shakespeare shows how he is failing out of love with Desdemona as shown when he says: 'loathe her. O curse of marriage'.
Sunday 7 February 2016
Act One Scene Three Questions (in 226-386)
Act One, Scene Three (In 226-386)
1.Why do the Senators listen to Desdemona and what does she persuade them to do?
They listen to Desdemona because of her father's importance and because of their respect for Othello. She persuades them to let her go with Othello so that they can have their wedding night together and so that they can be together because they've just got married. She also tells them that her love for Othello is genuine and that she wasn't drugged or didn't have magic used on her.
2. What praise (though simultaneously racist comment) does the Duke afford Othello?
He says to Brabanito: "your son-in-law is far more fair than black" and by doing this he could be trying to say that although he's black it could be worse and because it's Othello he's more like white than black. This is a compliment to Othello because the Duke is trying to help him in the sense that he is trying to get Brabantio to accept him.
3. What is significant by the rhyming couplet used by Brabantio?
It's foreshadowing the end of the play when he says the last line of it "She has deceived her father, and may thee." Iago tells Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him near the end of the play so by Brabantio saying this to Othello, it already makes us question Desdemona's loyalty and perhaps will make Othello question it too which makes what Iago says to Othello about Desdemona seem more believable.
4. What is ironic about Othello's retort and his subsequent description of Iago?
He describes Iago as being "honest" which the audience will already know isn't true so this is ironic because we see that Othello clearly trusts Iago so later, when he tells him that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him, he's likely to believe it if he is of the opinion that Iago is "honest".
5. Why is Roderigo so distraught and how (and why) does Iago convince him to keep going?
Roderigo is so distraught because he wasn't expecting Desdemona to confess her true love for Othello because of what Iago has previously told him. Iago convinces him to keep going by manipulating the situation and what has happened so far. He also convinces him with an ulterior motive of taking his money because he keeps repeating "put money in thy purse" throughout his speech to Roderigo on why he should keep going. He promises him that if he keeps giving him money then he will help him to win Desdemona.
6. Focus on Iago's soliloquy what reasons does he give for wanting revenge against Othello?
The reasons he gives are that he heard rumours that his wife had cheated with him and he says he doesn't know whether the rumours are true and even if they'e not he just doesn't like Othello and therefore wants revenge anyway. He manages to make the audience believe that Othello deserves this revenge too because 'the audience becomes complicit in Iago's intention'.
1.Why do the Senators listen to Desdemona and what does she persuade them to do?
They listen to Desdemona because of her father's importance and because of their respect for Othello. She persuades them to let her go with Othello so that they can have their wedding night together and so that they can be together because they've just got married. She also tells them that her love for Othello is genuine and that she wasn't drugged or didn't have magic used on her.
2. What praise (though simultaneously racist comment) does the Duke afford Othello?
He says to Brabanito: "your son-in-law is far more fair than black" and by doing this he could be trying to say that although he's black it could be worse and because it's Othello he's more like white than black. This is a compliment to Othello because the Duke is trying to help him in the sense that he is trying to get Brabantio to accept him.
3. What is significant by the rhyming couplet used by Brabantio?
It's foreshadowing the end of the play when he says the last line of it "She has deceived her father, and may thee." Iago tells Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him near the end of the play so by Brabantio saying this to Othello, it already makes us question Desdemona's loyalty and perhaps will make Othello question it too which makes what Iago says to Othello about Desdemona seem more believable.
4. What is ironic about Othello's retort and his subsequent description of Iago?
He describes Iago as being "honest" which the audience will already know isn't true so this is ironic because we see that Othello clearly trusts Iago so later, when he tells him that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him, he's likely to believe it if he is of the opinion that Iago is "honest".
5. Why is Roderigo so distraught and how (and why) does Iago convince him to keep going?
Roderigo is so distraught because he wasn't expecting Desdemona to confess her true love for Othello because of what Iago has previously told him. Iago convinces him to keep going by manipulating the situation and what has happened so far. He also convinces him with an ulterior motive of taking his money because he keeps repeating "put money in thy purse" throughout his speech to Roderigo on why he should keep going. He promises him that if he keeps giving him money then he will help him to win Desdemona.
6. Focus on Iago's soliloquy what reasons does he give for wanting revenge against Othello?
The reasons he gives are that he heard rumours that his wife had cheated with him and he says he doesn't know whether the rumours are true and even if they'e not he just doesn't like Othello and therefore wants revenge anyway. He manages to make the audience believe that Othello deserves this revenge too because 'the audience becomes complicit in Iago's intention'.
Act One Scene Three Questions (in 45-225)
Act One, Scene Three (In 45-225)
1. How does the Duke and Senators speak of Othello?
They speak of him as if he's important because they call him the "valiant Moor". This would suggest that he is of an important position. Also they speak about him using racist terms like "Moor" which would suggest society at this time was racist.
2. How does Brabantio speak of his daughter?
He speaks of Desdemona as if Othello has ruined her as if she's an object to be damaged which is demonstrated when he says: "she is abused". This would also suggest a racist society because he thinks that just because his daughter's husband is black that she's "abused" with some kind of drugs or magic spells which was a racist view held of black people.
3. What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
We learn that society was highly racist and that they had low opinions of "Moors". We also learn that Othello has a lot of people that respect him though because of his high position, however, he loses the respect of Brabantio when he marries Desdemona because he's black and Brabantio believes he's used drugs or magic to 'win' her. This is another racist view that the only way "Moors" can get people to find them attractive is by using magic or drugs.
4.What is ironic about Othello's claim that "rude I am in my speech"?
Because he says he can't speak very well in front of people but he manages to deliver several speeches, using really good language in front of lots of people when he's explaining how Desdemona fell in love with him and how he didn't use magic or drugs to 'win' her.
5. What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
Aristotle stated that the tragic hero in a classic tragedy should be a man of magnitude and if Othello is a man of magnitude then he should be able to speak on his own behalf and not need Desdemona to prove that she loves him. He should be able to do that for himself. Also, society was patriarchal at this time so what ever Desdemona says would not be taken too seriously anyway because she's a woman so the fact that Othello has to get his wife to speak for him may make us question whether he really is a man of magnitude.
6. Using the thinking question, what 'stories' does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
He tells all the stories from his life: "battles, sieges, fortunes" and explains that when he told these stories to Desdemona, she felt sympathy for him which is how she fell in love with him. Not all of his stories were true though, he just liked the feeling of Desdemona feeling sorry for him and all that she thinks he has been through. They are Othello's 'ideologies' and how he would have wanted things to be so he lie about it which is what he feels he needs to do in order for Desdemona to fall in love with him.
1. How does the Duke and Senators speak of Othello?
They speak of him as if he's important because they call him the "valiant Moor". This would suggest that he is of an important position. Also they speak about him using racist terms like "Moor" which would suggest society at this time was racist.
2. How does Brabantio speak of his daughter?
He speaks of Desdemona as if Othello has ruined her as if she's an object to be damaged which is demonstrated when he says: "she is abused". This would also suggest a racist society because he thinks that just because his daughter's husband is black that she's "abused" with some kind of drugs or magic spells which was a racist view held of black people.
3. What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
We learn that society was highly racist and that they had low opinions of "Moors". We also learn that Othello has a lot of people that respect him though because of his high position, however, he loses the respect of Brabantio when he marries Desdemona because he's black and Brabantio believes he's used drugs or magic to 'win' her. This is another racist view that the only way "Moors" can get people to find them attractive is by using magic or drugs.
4.What is ironic about Othello's claim that "rude I am in my speech"?
Because he says he can't speak very well in front of people but he manages to deliver several speeches, using really good language in front of lots of people when he's explaining how Desdemona fell in love with him and how he didn't use magic or drugs to 'win' her.
5. What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
Aristotle stated that the tragic hero in a classic tragedy should be a man of magnitude and if Othello is a man of magnitude then he should be able to speak on his own behalf and not need Desdemona to prove that she loves him. He should be able to do that for himself. Also, society was patriarchal at this time so what ever Desdemona says would not be taken too seriously anyway because she's a woman so the fact that Othello has to get his wife to speak for him may make us question whether he really is a man of magnitude.
6. Using the thinking question, what 'stories' does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
He tells all the stories from his life: "battles, sieges, fortunes" and explains that when he told these stories to Desdemona, she felt sympathy for him which is how she fell in love with him. Not all of his stories were true though, he just liked the feeling of Desdemona feeling sorry for him and all that she thinks he has been through. They are Othello's 'ideologies' and how he would have wanted things to be so he lie about it which is what he feels he needs to do in order for Desdemona to fall in love with him.
Act One Scene Two Questions
Act One, Scene Two
1. Thoughts on Othello
Very confident and authoritive.
“keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them”.
This quote demonstrates Othello’s confidence because he is in a
dangerous situation, doesn’t show any fear and asserts his authority over the
other men through his tone. This also demonstrates how well respected Othello
is because all of the men listen to him and do not fight him.
Remains calm.
“The goodness of the night upon you, friends! What is the news?
This quote demonstrates how calm Othello is because Iago has just
told him that lots are people are angry with him and the fact that he’s married
Desdemona and although Cassio is not one of them, Othello doesn’t know this
when he is first approached by Cassio and he still remains calm. This also
shows Othello’s intelligence because he doesn’t see fighting as necessary,
whereas Iago does.
2. How does Othello
respond to Iago’s baiting?
He doesn’t really react.
“’Tis better as it is”
This demonstrates that Othello is more intelligent than Iago because
he doesn’t see the need to get angry or lose his temper with what Iago has just
told him and therefore doesn’t give Iago the reaction he wants from him.
3. How does Brabanito
react upon meeting Othello?
He accuses Othello of theft.
“Down with him, thief!”
This demonstrates how both Iago and Brabanito view Desdemona as a
possession to own, it highlights the patriarchal views of the society at this
time. Brabanito is not happy that his daughter has gotten married behind his
back and because she is a woman, she is seen to not be capable of making her
own decisions which is why Brabanito is angry with Othello as he believes
Othello has forced her into this.
Brabanito is also highly racist to Othello.
“thou hast enchanted her”
“Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals”
The racist views towards black people in this society are shown
through the way Othello is spoken to by Brabanito. Because Othello is black,
Brabanito finds it impossible to believe that Desdemona could find him
attractive and therefore accuses him of drugging her or putting some kind of
spell on her so that she would marry him. Therefore showing the racist views of
society believing that black people are evil and that people could not freely
fall in love with them.
4. How does Othello react
to Brabanito’s charges?
Othello again, demonstrates how he remains calm.
“Hold your hands….Where will you that I go to answer this your
charge?”
He demonstrates his honourable nature by remaining calm and asking
where he can go to answer to Brabanito’s charges. By doing this he shows that
he is a man of magnitude because he doesn’t see fighting as necessary because
there is a better way to get the right conclusion and he wants a chance to
explain himself because fighting would just make him look worse in this situation.
Also, he threatens Brabanito.
“Where it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a
prompter.”
He is saying that if he wanted to fight, he would have and he
would’ve won against them all. This is a threat to Brabanito because he is
showing that he is of an important position and he would be able to fight if he
wanted to. He chooses not to because he doesn’t see the need and, by doing
this, he hasn’t given Iago the reaction that he wants in this situation.
Act One Scene One Questions
Act One, Scene One
1.Thoughts on Othello
1.Thoughts on Othello
That he's a thief.
“Thieves, thieves, thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and
your bags! Thieves, thieves!”
We think of Othello as an evil man who has stolen Desdemona,
Brabanito’s daughter. They objectify Desdemona because they speak of her as if
she is a possession to own and to steal. At this point in the play, we do not
like Othello because he doesn’t sound like a nice character.
Taking advantage of Desdemona.
“an old black ram is tupping your white ewe!”
We think of Othello disgustingly taking advantage of Desdemona and
for the original audience of this play, we would have been shocked that a white
woman would be with a black man because of the highly racist views in society
in this time.
2. Why do we believe Iago?
He’s manipulative.
“nor all masters cannot be truly followed.”
At this point in the play we cannot see how cunning Iago is because Othello hasn't been introduced to the play yet so we can only go on what he's telling us and trust what he's saying. He even gets the audience to dislike Othello before he's even in the play.
3. Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Because at the time the play was set, society was highly racist and Othello is black so Brabantio doesn't like the fact that he has 'stolen' his daughter.
4. What is 'wrong' with Michael Cassio?
He's handsome and Iago is jealous of him because he wants his job and he tries to pick out all of his flaws like the fact that he's "never set a squadron in the field". He's trying to highlight his imperfections so that he can feel better about himself.
5. Why/how is Iago the perfect Venetian man?
He's manipulative cunning and 'strong' which is what Venetian men are described like.
6. How doe Brabantio think Othello has won Desdemona?
Through witchcraft and the use of magic because he doesn't honestly believe that Desdemona could freely fall in love with him and find him attractive because he's black.
7. Is there anything in his words and actions that make us doubt Iago's honesty?
He's underhand and sneaky.
"Whether I in any just term am affined to the Moor"
This demonstrates how he's cunning because he's covering his back to Roderigo after he's just been telling him how much he hates Othello but realises that because of his job and friendship with him he will have to continue to act that way, especially for his plan to work, so he's telling Roderigo that he's only acting like he likes Othello because he has to.
3. Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Because at the time the play was set, society was highly racist and Othello is black so Brabantio doesn't like the fact that he has 'stolen' his daughter.
4. What is 'wrong' with Michael Cassio?
He's handsome and Iago is jealous of him because he wants his job and he tries to pick out all of his flaws like the fact that he's "never set a squadron in the field". He's trying to highlight his imperfections so that he can feel better about himself.
5. Why/how is Iago the perfect Venetian man?
He's manipulative cunning and 'strong' which is what Venetian men are described like.
6. How doe Brabantio think Othello has won Desdemona?
Through witchcraft and the use of magic because he doesn't honestly believe that Desdemona could freely fall in love with him and find him attractive because he's black.
7. Is there anything in his words and actions that make us doubt Iago's honesty?
He's underhand and sneaky.
"Whether I in any just term am affined to the Moor"
This demonstrates how he's cunning because he's covering his back to Roderigo after he's just been telling him how much he hates Othello but realises that because of his job and friendship with him he will have to continue to act that way, especially for his plan to work, so he's telling Roderigo that he's only acting like he likes Othello because he has to.
Wednesday 27 January 2016
Othello Act 1 Scene 1 TASK
How does Shakespeare present the world of Venice in the first act, and how does he construct the interactions of his central characters (Iago, Othello, and Desdemona) with that Venetian world and with each other. How are these interactions complicated by the fact that Othello is a Moor and that Desdemona is a young women?
Shakespeare presents the world of Venice as very racist and patriarchal because women and black people were seen as inferior to white men. This is demonstrated by Iago and Roderigo and how they describe Othello and as if Desdemona would have not had a say in their marriage because she's a women, which also links to Brabanito reaction to Desdemona marrying Othello because he says is must be a type of magic that Othello has used. Because Desdemona is a girl, they think she is incapable of making decisions for herself like this therefore see it must be a form of magic and that's how Brabanito justifies it to himself too. He doesn't like the idea of his daughter marrying a 'Moor'.
What sort of person is Iago, as he appears in act 1? Are you satisfied by the reasons he gives for hating Othello? What is Iago's relationship with Roderigo?
Iago appears to be a very manipulative person because he's taking all of Roderigo's money and making out to him as if he's working for him when in actual fact he's not using the money for what he says he will and he's not working for Roderigo because he actually likes Othello, but lies to Roderigo and says he hates him because he knows Roderigo wants to be with Desdemona so Roderigo also hates Othello. Iago holds all the power in his relationship with Roderigo because he is able to manipulate him so easily into doing what he wants him to do and getting him to believe what ever he wants him to so that things will be better in his own situation.
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Friday 15 January 2016
Othello questions
Why do Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio?
To tell him that his daughter has married Othello.
How does Brabantio believe Othello ‘won’ his daughter, Desdemona?
With witchcraft
How does Othello believe he ‘won’ Desdemona?
Through being brave when he was telling her about his stories from the past
What two reasons are there for Othello appearing before the senate?
To tell him he has to go to war and because Brabantio wanted to get a punishment for him for marrying his daughter, Desdemona.
What do we learn about Othello’s past?
That he was sold into slavery but managed to escape
What terms are used to describe Othello whilst in front of the senate?
They're all racist about him and use terms like:
"The Moor"
"The thick-lips"
What is significant about Brabantio’s rhyming couplet “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to
see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.”?
It's foreshadowing that she will be unfaithful to him.
Can you find an example of dramatic irony in Othello’s retort?
Dramatic irony is used when Othello is supposed to be the tragic hero, yet he gets his wife to speak on his behalf which doesn't make it seem that he has much power for someone who's a general.
What does Iago persuade Roderigo to do?
To give him all of his money
What do we learn from Iago’s soliloquy?
That he's manipulating Roderigo for his money and he wants Othello to be dead, he wasn't trying to help Roderigo 'win' Desdemona, he just hates Othello and wants him dead.
Pause question.
According to Aristotle, “The hero must have good qualities appropriate to his or her
station and should be portrayed realistically and consistently”, what qualities has Othello
displayed so far? Do you regard these as appropriate to his ‘station’?
He has portrayed his good qualities because he doesn't have a fight at the start but he has also portrayed his weak qualities because he gets Desdemona to speak on his behalf and doesn't speak for himself. According to Aristotle's rules, he doesn't seem to fit the description of what a tragic hero should be so therefore doesn't have all of the qualities appropriate for his 'station'.
Friday 8 January 2016
Possible Questions
Bertens says: 'it is not the consciousness of men that determines their existence, but their social existence that determines their consciousness'.
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
'Capitalism, Marxism tells us, thrives on exploiting its labourers'.
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
'Capitalism turns people into things, it reifies them.'
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
'Capitalism, Marxism tells us, thrives on exploiting its labourers'.
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
'Capitalism turns people into things, it reifies them.'
Using the Critical Anthology and four of Larkin's poems, to what extent do you agree with this statement?
Thursday 7 January 2016
Classical Tragedy:
A branch of drama that treats in a serious and dignified style the sorrowful or terrible events encountered by a heroic individual.
The concept of Classical Tragedy originated from Ancient Greece in the 5th Century BCE.
Some of the earliest examples of Classical Tragedies were Oedipus Rex by Sophocles which was first performed in 429 BCE, The Oresteia by Aeschylus which was first performed in 458 BCE, and Ajax by Sophocles which was written in the 5th Century BCE.
Aristotle:
Aristotle was a Greek Philosopher and scientist who was born in Stagira, on the northern periphery of Classical Greece. He was born in 384 BC and died in 322 BC. He wrote his study of tragedy, Poetics, in 335 BCE. According to Aristotle, the aim of tragedy is to teach the audience how to best run their lives from learning not to do the same as the tragic hero in tragedies. He believed that they teach people what to do and what not to do in life.
6 component parts of tragedy, according to Aristotle:
1. Plot
2. Character
3. Diction
4. Reasoning (case being staged and opinions of characters being expressed)
5. Spectacle
6. Lyric Poetry
According to Aristotle, a good tragic structure consists of the plot being a complete whole — with a definite beginning, middle, and end — and its length should be such that the spectators can comprehend without difficulty both its separate parts and its overall unity.
The tragic hero must be someone of high importance but must also be someone who the audience can identify with so they can relate to them and their problems and then learn from their mistakes too. The tragic hero is very important in a Classical Tragedy because it's them who the audience learn from.
Hamartia:
The idea that the tragic hero makes a mistake.
Tragic flaw:
Called a hubris - a kind of excessive pride that causes the hero to ignore important warnings and break moral codes, thereby committing hamartia.
Peripeteia:
Greek for catastrophe.
Anagnorisis (recognition):
Important that the tragic hero recognises their tragic flaw in order for the audience to learn from their mistakes and know that the tragic hero has also learnt from their mistakes.
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