Shakespeare/ Othello Test (Mr.P)

“Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless /Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds,” Othello says in Act III, scene iii, ll. 244-45. Who is the “honest creature” and how does this speech confirm Othello’s emotional decline? – Said by Othello- Iagos is the honest creature-Iago utilizes rhetoric to manipulate Othello and make him believe that he is honest, when he truly is not.- Iago’s manipulation is causing Othello to become skeptical and doubtful in his relationship with Desdemona- shows Othello is declining as he believes Iago and his lies.
Emilia says, “I have found this napkin./This was her first remembrance from the Moor.” What is Emilia talking about and why is it important in the play? – said by Emilia- the “napkin” is the handkerchief that Othello has given to Desdemona as a token of his love for her- the handkerchief was very important to Othello- serves as a symbol for marriage and their love- the handkerchief is lost there fore their relationship is drifting apart.- now that Emilia has it, iago uses it as proof to show Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio
Othello says that he wants “ocular proof” before he will believe that Desdemona has betrayed him. How is it that he is eventually convinced and why do you think that the evidence he is given is able to convince him that his wife has betrayed him? * – Othello is convinced of Desdemona’s betrayal as he hides while Iago and Cassio talk. While they talk Othello grows angry as he believes they are talking about Desdemona. Then Bianca enter with the handkerchief yelling at Cassio.- The handkerchief serves as Ocular proof of Desdemona’s infidelity
As Emilia prepares her mistress’s wedding bed, Desdemona talks of her mother’s servant Barbary who was forsaken by a mad lover, 4.3.25ff; then she and Emilia talk about whether they would be unfaithful to their husbands or not (4.3.60ff). What is the significance of this conversation? – the significance of this conversation is that Desdemona states that she would never betray Othello, she is faithful- this is ironic and contradicts Othello’s beliefs as he already thinks that Desdemona has cheated on him
“I do beseech you, / Though I perchance am vicious in my guess–/As, I confess, it is my nature’s plague / To spy in to abuses, and (oft) my jealousy / Shapes faults that are not” – said by Iago- metaphor comparing jealousy to a plague- Iago is being honest and showing his true intentions- he explains how jealousy is his natures plague and that he always looks for the worst in people and always suspects that they are plotting against him, even when they are not
“Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy./It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on.” – said by Iago- the extended metaphor compares jealousy to a green-eyed monster- he goes on to explain that that jealous feeds on peoples insecurities and that corrupts a person making it grow bigger and bigger until it consumes them. – Iago uses this extended metaphor to warn Othello of the effects of jealousy which is again dramatic irony because Iago wants Othello to be jealous.
“Trifles light as air ware to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.” -Iago is speaking in a soliloquy about the handkerchief, calling it “light as air” which is true physically as it is very light, but also metaphorically as it is circumstantial evidence at best. However in the mind of a jealous man, the handkerchief is all the proof one needs in order to be convinced of adultery.- plans to use the handkerchief as proof of the affair
“They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; They eat us hungrily, and when they are full they belch us.” -said by Emilia- Emilia equates men and women to gastronomic disorder- Emilia is referencing the treatment of women at the time, by “they” she means men- this quote demonstrates the Patriarchal society during this time and that women were treated as property to men.- Men use women and then dispose of them afterwards like food.
“Comfort foreswear me! Unkindness may do much, and his unkindness may defeat my life, but never taint my love.” -said by Desdemona-Desdemona speaks here after Othello had gotten angry at her. In the passage Desdemona questions what she could do to make him love her again because she never cheated on him or was bad to him so why must he be mad at her. Desdemona promises she won’t stop loving him though, even through all his unkindness.
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him” – Here Iago is stating that he will pretend to be loyal to Othello and serve him, when really Iago is serving himself. Iago is explaining that he plans to build up Othello’s trust and when Othello needs him the most, that is when he will not be there and strike.
“I am not what I am.” – said by Iago-Iago says this when talking about how he is pretending to be someone who he is not to get on Othello’s good side so he can then betray him
****I am one sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the moor are (now) making the beast with two backs.”**** IMPORTANT – said by Iago-metaphor- he is suggesting to Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, that Desdemona and Othello are having an affair. -equating the more and desdemona to beasts
“Rude am I in my speech, and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace.” – Here Othello is speaking to the Duke in response to the charges brought against him and is saying how he is not the best speaker but will try to explain what happened to make Desdemona and himself fall in love
“My life upon her faith.” -said by Othello- Othello is speaking to the duke/counsel and pleading his case about his true love for Desdemona -Othello says this about Desdemona as he puts his life in her hands. He needs her to tell the court she married him willingly or else he will face death for his crimes
Look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.” – Said by Iago- telling Othello that Desdemona lied to and deceived her father when running away with him and that she may due the same to Othello and by unfaithful.
“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” – said by Iago- Metaphor calling Roderigo a fool and comparing Roderigo to a purse as he steals his money and manipulates him.
“I have’t. It is engendered.” – said by Iago – act 1 , Scene 3
“My soul hath her content so absolute / That none other comfort like to this / Succeeds in unknown fate. -Othello is talking to Desdemona when they have both arrived at Cyprus and is telling her that seeing her is the best thing in the world. His soul could never be happier or more comforted by the sight of her.
“If I can fasten but one cup upon him…” – said by Iago- this is significant because Iago is discussing his plan to demote Cassio- he wants to get Cassio drunk so that he will get in a fight with Rodrigo and hopefully be demoted from his lieutenant position.
“O, you are well tuned now, / But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, / As honest as I am.” – said by Iago-Here, Iago is comparing his plan to sabotage Othello and Desdemona to the tuning of an instrument, to show that it is all methodical and under his control. This also shows Iago’s true menace, as he sees this sabotage as a game and does not feel any guilt.- Iago uses this metaphor to show how he is playing them.
“But partly led to diet my revenge / For that I do suspect the lusty Moor / Hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof / Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards / And nothing can or shall content my soul / Till I am evened with him, wife for wife” -said by Iago-In his soliloquy, Iago expresses his inner hatred towards Othello. His sexist ideas are expressed, as he accuses Othello as taking his job, which he sees as pleasing his wife. Iago says that he will not have content in his soul until him and Othello are even, and he ruins his marriage with Desdemona as Othello ruined his own marriage with Emilia.
“O, I have / lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of / myself, and what remains is bestial” – said by Othello- Here, Cassio cries out as his reputation is permanently tarnished. He feels dehumanized, as his reputation was the only thing that would live on when he died, causing him to simply be an empty body. His despair furthers the attitude of this time, showing that reputation was incredibly important to noblemen.
Where was Shakespeare born and when? Shakespeare was born in 1564, on the 26th of April, in Stratford Old England
Who were his parents? – Shakespeare’s parents are John and Mary Shakespeare- Mary’s family, the Ardens could trace their ancestry back very far- John Shakespeare was eager to join the new Tuden middle class and he and Mary left the country, moving to Stratford where he became a master glover. – John wanted to make his mark on Stratford society. John was elected as town counsel, to look over the townsfolk. – To enforce the queen’s laws and rules, they had to go against many opinions and had to deface many religious paintings and art.
Describe the political climate, and the source of political tension, during Shakespeare’s life and explain its influence on Shakespeare. During Shakespeare’s life, he was born in a time of revolution in which the during the 16th century, England was almost torn apart by religious conflict. England’s rulers changed the religion from Catholic to Protestant but it kept changing. The ruling family Tudas was a dysfunctional family. Henry the 8th started the revolution and his children continued it causing a religious divide.
How was he raised and educated? When did he go to school? Describe his education in detail and its influence on him. – Shakespeare went to school at age 7, in 1571. – England was going through an educational revolution and there were 160 new school in elizabeth’s reign. – His generation was to be the most literate in England’s history, they were the government’s target generation.- Shakespeare spent 6 days a week in the classroom, from 6 am to 5:30 pm. – the government had a tight control on education as well as the counsel who chose the teachers. – After school the students would act at plays with the overall message that “the queen was “good”. – Shakespeare was taught only what the queen wanted the kids to learn regarding the religion of her choice.
John Shakespeare, criminal? Explain. John Shakespeare was known to be a glover who quickly gained wealth and his business began to expand, but some wondered where all the fortune came from. John Shakespeare bought 200 tubs of wool illegally. Shakespeare’s father was a brogger or an illegal wool dealer and was eventually caught having to pay fines.
Coventry mystery plays and their influence on Shakespeare as a young boy? Coventry mystery plays told the great stories of the Bible, the creation, the flood and the fall. The plays were simple a tail in which everyone new, but the opened up the deepest feelings. William never forgot these plays even after they were shut down. He admired them for their raw power and rude humor, as demonstrated in William’s own plays.
Shakespeare’s education after age nine? Details After age nine Shakespeare moved into “big school” in which he was introduced to poetry. Shakespeare believed that poetry could fill the void of religious uncertainty during this time.
The Shakespeare’s money troubles when William was twelve? Relevance? Shakespeare experienced money troubles as his father’s business suddenly collapsed and his parents began to sell the family property, including William’s Inheritance. This was due to the recession that hit the wool industry as they tried to stop dealers like John. As a result of these troubles Shakespeare’s father took him out of school early, and was cut off by the chance of receiving a higher education, forced to work with his father at home.
Describe Edmund Campion’s arrival at Dover and his influence on Shakespeare. In the summer of 1580, jesuit missionaries sent by the Pope in Rome with their leader Edmund Campion who arrived at Dover in disguise. He disguised himself as a gentlemen but the police new he was coming and what he looked like, he was then interrogated but eventually let go. Campion wanted to save the soul of England and its history.
Shakespeare in love? Discuss his relationship with Anne Hathaway. How old was she? Why did they marry? When did they marry? Who married them? Shakespeare’s first Sonnet? When Shakespeare was 18 he fell in love with the daughter of a farmer and businessman of his father. Anne Hathaway was 8 or 9 years older than Shakespeare, making her about 26 years old. Not much is known about Anne Hathaway personality or looks. Anne and William got married on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 27 of November, 1582, at Worcester Cathedral. The got married because Anne was pregnant and they needed a marriage license quickly. They were married by John Frith, a priest who was known for marrying out of the appointed season and without the reading of the bands three times, for people who needed to get married quickly. William Shakespeare composed his first sonnet for his wedding feast and wrote it for his wife, Anne.
William Shakespeare, criminal? Explain. William Shakespeare was considered a criminal for poaching Sir Thomas Lucy’s deer. As result Lucy had him put in jail, he was beaten and banished for his crime.
Discuss the 26th of October in Warwickshire and the aftermath, and its impact on Shakespeare? On the 26th of October a man named John Summerville, Shakespeare’s cousin, arrived. Some believed that Summerville was mad because on that night when he arrived at the inn, he announced to the people that Queen Elizabeth was a heretic and that he was going to travel to London and assassinate her. This threat was heard by spies and they considered this to be a plot by the whole Arden family and the Queen went to Sir Thomas Lucy for help. He then issued a warrant for the arrest of the entire Arden family and too search the house of all friends and relatives. William’s mother’s family, the Ardens were all sentenced to death and executed. William never forgot these cruel, gruesome acts and they were forever ingrained in his head.
The Lost Years in Lancashire There is a gap in Shakespeare’s life in which no one knew any information on where or what Shakespeare was doing. it is believed that Shakespeare may have used an alias and changed his last name and possibly found a job in Lancashire working as a teacher at Horton tower.
Describe Elizabethan theatre and Shakespeare’s career as an actor. Shakespeare was hired to work at the Queen Mens Company after one of their actors died. The Queens Men’s company was an English theatre community made to spread the Queen’s propaganda. As Shakespeare worked with the company, he learned and developed a great amount of knowledge on theatre and eventually broke away from the Company and pursued a career in writing.
The influence and importance of King James I. After Queen Elizabeth died, King James I ascended the throne. He was able to unite England with his passion for theatre and the arts. King James allowed Shakespeare to explore love for theatre and was often paid by King James.
Diagram Iago’s plan for revenge on Cassio over the course of the novel/ Cassio’s downfall (freytag’s pyramid.) – Introduction/ ACT 1: Iago feels that he deserves more than he is receiving. He is in one of the lowest positions or status in the army and thinks that he should be promoted. – Conflict: ACT 1: Cassio gets appointed as lieutenant instead of Iago making him angry and jealous.- rising action: Act 2 Rodrigo and Iago devise a plan to take Cassio’s position and have him demoted. they try to get him drunk so that he will get in a fight with Rodrigo and he does. Othello demotes Cassio because of his violence and how he injured Montano – climax: ?-Act 3: Othello asks Iago what he thinks about Cassio and when Iago reluctantly answers Othello thinks he is hiding something. Iago tells him to observe his wife and cassio closely. Iago makes Othello doubt himself and become insecure. -Act 4: Iago is talking with Cassio about Bianca while Othello listens to their conversation and believes it is about Desdemona. Then Bianca comes in with the handkerchief and that’s all the proof Othello needs and plans to kill him and Desdemona.- falling action:Cassio’s reputation is lost, no longer Lieutenant. Iago and Rodrigo devise a plan to kill Cassio.- resolution/ conclusion: ACT 5: Iago coerces Rodrigo to kill Cassio (he fails) and then iago tries to do it himself and stabs him in the leg killing him. (1. Iago is jealous 2. Plot to get Cassio drunk and the brawl between him and Roderigo 3. Getting Othello jealous by placing doubt 4. Handkerchief-Bianca throws it back at Cassio and thinks he’s having an affair 5. Attempt to murder Cassio and framing bianca)
Trace the path of the handkerchief over the course of the novel. 1. Othello gave the handkerchief to Desdemona to have and keep safe, a token of his love for her.2. Iago asks Emilia to get the handkerchief, not realizing its significance. as Desdemona drops the handkerchief, Emilia retrieves it and gives it to Iago3. Iago then plants the handkerchief in cassia’s chambers, 4.Cassio thinks it is pretty and asks Bianca to copy it5.As Othello is spying on the conversation between Cassio and Iago, Bianca enters with the handkerchief, yelling and throws the handkerchief in his face and saying how it must be another women, Othello saw this take place and is furious, he thinks they are talking about Desdemona6. He wants revenge on Cassio7. he questions Desdemona furiously and realizes that she does not have it anymore- symbol for the end of their relationship/ marriage (it has fallen apart)
Open response question: Is Othello’s current state/ death as a result of his own actions or Iago’s – it’s Iago’s fault – it was fate. this only happened to Othello because of Iago (its not Othello’s fault)- He manipulated Othello by pointing out his insecurities and filling him with jealousy as he fed him lies about Cassio and Desdemona’s affair ( ago placed the handkerchief in Cassio’s chambers and pointed out othello’s insecurities making him doubtful)- Iago is a satanic archetype: or a recurring character possessing same qualities from iteration to iteration – ( Iago is a higher power than mortals- this was fate (suppose to happen))- he’s an agent of fate -Iago is the maker of the plan to destroy Othello and seek revenge- he is the reason for Othello’s decline and eventual death
What type of poetry are the last two lines of the poem?”Myself will straight aboard, and to the stateThis heavy act with heavy heart relate.(5.2.434-35) said by Lodovico A Heroic couplet
In what theatre was Othello first preformed? The Globe Theatre, November 1st, 1604
What type of speech was Othello’s death speech? A monologue
what is an aside? It is as if the character is speaking aloud to the audience and no one else on stage can hear them.
what is a soliloquy is a device often used in drama when a character speaks to himself or herself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby also sharing them with the audience, giving off the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections.
what does Othello say in his death speech? – Othello wants venetian gentlemen to preserve his legacy.- he asks them to remember this day and him exactly how he was: – someone who loved to much and was not wise about it – someone who was not easily made jealous but once i was manipulate i worked myself into a frenzy – a fool who through away a precious pearl (Desdemona) with his own hands -and a loyal venetian soldier
What type of poetry or pattern is Othello written in? – Blank verse- Iambic Pentameter