2. Background
Renaissance England became interested in classical plays (Greek and Roman).
Comedies – happy ending, not necessarily humorous
Tragedies – main character (the tragic hero) comes to an unhappy end
Shakespeare also wrote histories and romances.

3. The Greek philosopher Aristotle defined tragedy as:
Arousing pity for the hero
Arousing fear in all human beings (who are subject to an unknown destiny)
Producing cleansing of the emotions (catharsis)

4. Classic tragedy characteristics
Tragic hero comes to an unhappy end
Tragic hero is important in society (nobleman, king, etc.)
Tragic hero has a tragic flaw, or a weakness of character
Antagonist contributes to the hero’s downfall
Tragic resolution occurs at the end
Tragic hero recognizes his tragic flaw by the end and gains the sympathy of the audience
Tragic hero meets his doom with courage and dignity

5. Literary techniques used by Shakespeare
Soliloquy – a speech a character gives alone on stage in order to reveal his thoughts to the audience.
Aside – a remark made in an undertone to the audience or another character. Others onstage are not supposed to hear it.

6. Setting and Themes
Setting - seventeenth century Venice, Italy, and Cyprus (island off the coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea). The Turks are the enemies of Venice.
Themes –
Appearance vs. Reality (Do we ever really know another person?)
Society’s treatment of the outsider
Jealousy is a destructive emotion

7. Main Characters in othello
Othello – Moor (Northern African) who is a professional soldier who is employed by Venice as general of its forces. He is sometimes called General and sometimes Captain, and he is greatly respected.
Desdemona – Venetian Lady whose father is a senator. She is of the nobility.
Iago – lower class, serves as ancient (ensign) or flag-bearer, which is third in command to Othello

8. Roderigo – Gentleman from Venice, landowner, and rich
Roderigo – Gentleman from Venice, landowner, and rich. He wants to marry Desdemona.
Cassio – Gentleman, member of the nobility from Florence, educated, lieutenant, which is second in command to Othello, and Othello’s friend
Emilia – Lower class, servant to Desdemona, wife of Iago
Brabantio – Desdemona’s father and a senator