How does the Duke and senators speak of Othello?
'valiant moor'
'valiant Othello'
'I think this tale would win my daughter too'
How does Brabantio speak of his daughter?
'for your sake jewel'
'dead?' Ay to me''
What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
Racist society even Desdemona refers to him as a moor.
What is Ironic about Othello's Claim 'rude am I in my speech'.?
He says he can't speak well but then speaks eloquently.
What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
In a patriarchal society this would have been viewed as quite shocking. Women could speak in court but for a man in such a high position to get a woman to speak on his behalf it makes him appear vulnerable.
What stories does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
He tells stories of a world unfamiliar to Venetians. He also mentioned 'men whose head do grow beneath their shoulders.' Which we know not to be true.
Why do the senators listen to Desdemona and what does she persuade them to do?
They listen to Desdemona because Othello has requested them too and both her father and husband are of high status. She persuades them to let her go with Othello to Cyprus.
What praise (though simultaneously racist comment)does the duke offer Othello?
That he is more white than black. 'your son in law is far more fair than black'
What is significant about the rhyming couplet used by Brabantio ?
It stands out to the audience as the last line doesn't rhyme showing he wants them to get back on track with the court trial.
What is Ironic about Othello's retort and his subsequent description of Iago?
He says 'my life upon her faith' this is foreshadowing because when he looses faith in her it ends in death. He also calls Iago 'honest' which is ironic since he is betraying Iago.
Why is Roderigo so Distruaght and how and why does Iago convince him to keep going?
Roderigo is distraught after seeing everything work out between Othello and Desdemona and Iago convinces him too keep going by telling him he is being to emotional and that he could fix everything if Roderigo pays him. Men weren't expected to be emotional in that society and Iago uses this to manipulate him.
Focus on Iago's Soliloquy what reasons does he give for wanting revenge against Othello?
He views him as gullible and Is still angry that Cassio was promoted as opposed to him.
Saturday 6 February 2016
Thursday 4 February 2016
Othello Act 1 scene 2
Our thoughts on Othello after act 1 scene 2.
Calm - he avoids conflict and violence when possible. 'tis better as it is'
Respected
Authoritative
Noble position 'my services which I have done the Seigniory shall out tongue his complaints'
Honourable
How does Othello respond to Iago's baiting?
Responds obediently and willingly because he trusts Iago and values his opinion.
How does Brabantio react upon meeting Othello?
He acts extremely angry 'thou foul theif''. This contrasts with Othellos laid back reaction.
How does Othello react to Brabantios Charges?
Passively
Confidently
Calmly
Pleads his case well but asks Desdemona to speak on his behalf.
Calm - he avoids conflict and violence when possible. 'tis better as it is'
Respected
Authoritative
Noble position 'my services which I have done the Seigniory shall out tongue his complaints'
Honourable
How does Othello respond to Iago's baiting?
Responds obediently and willingly because he trusts Iago and values his opinion.
How does Brabantio react upon meeting Othello?
He acts extremely angry 'thou foul theif''. This contrasts with Othellos laid back reaction.
How does Othello react to Brabantios Charges?
Passively
Confidently
Calmly
Pleads his case well but asks Desdemona to speak on his behalf.
Act 1 scene 1 questions
Thoughts on Othello
- 'epithets of war' = Egotistical
- Not loyal to Iago as he promotes Cassio instead even though Iago is more experienced. Cassio has 'Never set a squadron in the field.
-Shallow = we are told he has married Desdemona for sex and wealth.
Why do we believe Iago?
Because Roderigo believes him so easily.
Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Because of the racist views held by society concerning interracial marriage. Also because Desdemona has disobeyed him and in a patriarchal society this would have been frowned upon. He also cant understand her motives behind being with Othello because of his race so much so he thinks she's been drugged or been a victim to magic.
Whats wrong with Cassio?
Only problem is that he's too attractive 'damned in a fair wife'
Lack of war experience 'Never set a squadron in the field'.
Why/how is Iago the perfect venetian man?
He's had experience in war unlike Cassio.
He's white in a racist society.
How does Brabantio believe Othello won Desdemona?
Magic.
Charms.
Drugs.
Is there anything in his words and actions to make us doubt Iago's honesty?
Topic shifts.
- 'epithets of war' = Egotistical
- Not loyal to Iago as he promotes Cassio instead even though Iago is more experienced. Cassio has 'Never set a squadron in the field.
-Shallow = we are told he has married Desdemona for sex and wealth.
Why do we believe Iago?
Because Roderigo believes him so easily.
Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Because of the racist views held by society concerning interracial marriage. Also because Desdemona has disobeyed him and in a patriarchal society this would have been frowned upon. He also cant understand her motives behind being with Othello because of his race so much so he thinks she's been drugged or been a victim to magic.
Whats wrong with Cassio?
Only problem is that he's too attractive 'damned in a fair wife'
Lack of war experience 'Never set a squadron in the field'.
Why/how is Iago the perfect venetian man?
He's had experience in war unlike Cassio.
He's white in a racist society.
How does Brabantio believe Othello won Desdemona?
Magic.
Charms.
Drugs.
Is there anything in his words and actions to make us doubt Iago's honesty?
Topic shifts.
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