1. THE PLAY Othello Background

2. Take notes on the following Prezi introduction. Some of this information will appear on your final exam. Shakespeare Introduction Link

3. Terms & Concepts MOOR. In Shakespeare's time, equivalent to "African," with the expectation that such a person would be black. Originally, it meant "native of Mauretania," a country in north Africa (present day Morocco), but its meaning had become generalized by the 17th century. OTTOMAN, OTTOMITES. These terms (I.3.49, 11.3.170) refer to the Turks.

4. Setting: Venice & Cyprus

5. Setting 1: Venice

6. Venice A city-state of enormous mercantile wealth (from trade) Venice in Shakespeare's time was synonymous with luxury and culture Its trade was partially choked off by the growing power of the Turkish empire in the 16th century, which extended into Europe as well as Asia and Arabia, hence the importance of the port of Cyprus.

7. Cyprus Island near Turkey and Syria Was annexed by Venice in 1489 and conquered by the Turks in 1571.

8. Shakespeare’s Language Iambic Pentameter Most common rhythm in English poetry Iamb: 2-syllable foot Foot: unit of rhythm in poetry and drama Unstressed, stressed I.e. today = to DAY Pentameter: five foot line Blank verse: unrhymed iambic pentameter

9. Ways to Understand More Easily Read in sentences Don’t break/pause at ends of lines Get the “gist” of each scene Don’t worry about every single word Use the side notes on the left hand side of the page The play was written in 1599 so it might help to become familiar with some of the archaic language

10. Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare’s language may seem confusing and in need of translation, but it’s actually a lot closer to contemporary English than you realize. Early Modern English (or the version of English spoken in Elizabethan England and used by Shakespeare), includes words that are still used today, but defined differently. For example, if you wanted to say “maybe” back in Shakespeare’s day, you would say, “perchance.” As in, “perchance you could go to Wawa with me for a hoagie later?” You have been provided with a list of Elizabethan terms and their modern translations to use in a creative activity that allows you to familiarize yourself with some of these terms.

11. Option One: Perform a brief skit! In pairs, compose a script that captures a dialogue/interaction between two characters. (Each partner will need a copy to perform.) The subject/plot of your skit is up to you, but it should be something relatable or an everyday event. The skit should be between 1-2 minutes long. You must use at least 10 Elizabethan terms! Option Two: Write a letter! In pairs, write a letter to a friend you haven’t seen in a while telling him/her about what’s new with you and then have the partner write a response letter. Be descriptive! Each letter should be at least two full paragraphs (10 sentences) and should use at least 5 Elizabethan terms for a total of 10 in both letters!

12. Read the article titled “A Cultural Context for Othello” and answer the corresponding questions.

13. Main Characters Othello: Soldier from North Africa; Employed as a general by the city-state of Venice; Highly respected, but still an “outsider” because of his skin color; Marries Desdemona

14. Main Characters, cont. Desdemona Beautiful and accomplished young Venetian woman; Protected by her father; She stands for love, trust, and purity—all that makes life meaningful and worth living

15. Main Characters, cont. Iago Soldier who works with Othello; Wants to be Othello’s second in command but is passed over for Cassio; Seeks vicious revenge; Plots to destroy all that Othello values Emilia Maidservant to Desdemona; married to Iago; loyal to Desdemona, but will tell lies if it will help her husband

16. Main Characters, cont. Cassio Gentleman soldier, Not much real experience Man of ability, loyalty and grace; Respects Desdemona and Othello; Is NOT a love interest for Desdemona; Suffers from a drinking problem Brabantio Father of Desdemona; Venetian nobleman and senator Roderigo In love with Desdemona; Listens to Iago’s plan to get Desdemona away from Othello; A fool!

17. Monologue Moderately lengthy speech given by one character when other characters are present Often important in revealing themes

18. Soliloquy Character’s inner thoughts (truthful) spoken aloud in a moderately lengthy speech No other characters present; character is usually alone on stage

19. Aside Character’s inner thoughts spoken aloud to audience Other characters may be present but out of earshot Often brief and add humor and dramatic irony

20. SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY

21. What is ironic about this product? http://www.houzz.com/photos/2504508/Des demona-Bedding-Set-contemporary- bedding-vancouver

22. The Five-Part Dramatic Structure Act II Rising Action, Or Complications Act I Exposition, or Introduction Act III Crisis, or Turning Point Act IV Falling Action Act V Resolution, or Denouement

23. Tragedy Drama in which the main character suffers a disaster after a serious struggle Faces downfall in a heroic way

24. Tragic Hero 1. Noble/influential person who… 2. Meets with destruction because: Error in judgment (fatal flaw) Opposition of others Othello fits this description 3. Harsh punishment (arouses pity in audience) 4. Character gains self-knowledge 5. Catharsis resulting in compassion Catharsis = cleansing or release of tense emotions

25. Fatal Flaw Error, weakness, mistaken judgment or misstep that causes the downfall of the hero Also called hamartia from Greek Hero is not perfect & may make errors from Ambition Ignorance Pride Jealousy Gullibility (believes others too easily)

26. Static & Dynamic Characters Dynamic Character– Character changes from beginning to end Static Character – Character does not change

27. Static & Dynamic Characters Dynamic Character– Examples? Static Character – Examples?

28. Static & Dynamic Characters Othello is a strong example of a DYNAMIC CHARACTER Courageous Venetian soldier Well respected Has reputation as man of honor Has vicious temper Becomes enraged with jealousy

29. Static & Dynamic Characters Iago is a STATIC CHARACTER Corrupt character Hypocritical Evil Selfish Focused throughout the play to destroy Othello

30. Foil FOIL—character who highlights or emphasizes certain traits of the main character by contrasting them Examples??

31. Foil FOIL—character who highlights or emphasizes certain traits of the main character by contrasting them EX: Emilia is the foil to Desdemona EX: Cassio is the foil to Iago

32. Conflicts, Internal Man vs. Self A conflict within a character; could be a decision being weighted or a battle between opposing forces within. Examples?

33. Conflicts, Internal Othello vs. Himself Doesn’t want to distrust Desdemona Insecure about his qualities to enable Desdemona to love him

34. Conflicts, External Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Examples?

35. Conflicts, External Iago vs. Othello Iago hates Othello and plots to bring about his downfall Iago vs. Cassio Iago is jealous of Cassio, and works to ruin his reputation, as well as separate him from Othello’s friendship

36. Irony – 3 Types Dramatic Irony: a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows to be true Situational Irony: an event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the characters, readers, or audience Verbal Irony: words are used to suggest the opposite of what is meant (i.e. sarcasm, double-entendre, etc.)

37. Irony – 3 Examples Dramatic Irony: Situational Irony: Verbal Irony:

38. Motifs MOTIFS—Major topics related to theme Animals Jealousy Light and darkness Peace vs. chaos The handkerchief Magic Evil and the devil

39. Themes Destructive nature of Jealousy Iago jealous of Cassio’s position Othello suspecting Desdemona’s unfaithfulness Importance of Honor and Reputation Cassio Desdemona Being an outsider Prejudice against Othello Skin color –Black & White Imagery From Africa, not Venice Animal imagery (negative stereotypes)

40. Themes Appearance Versus Reality “Honest Iago” Desdemona & Cassio Loyalty vs. treachery Role of Fate No free will “ill-starred” Desdemona