Othello Act 5

1. At the end of this scene we witness the murder of several characters. Did this ending satisfy you? Why or why not?

 

Yes, the ending did satisfy me becuase it was both saddening and exuberant. The death of Desdemona saddens me, but she died as she always had been- faithful and loving. Although saddness was a part of the ending, I was also happy because Iago finally got caught up in the very mess he had started and was to be tortured as a result.

 

2. This play is considered to be one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Why is it so tragic (avoid the answer: they all died).

 

This play is tragic because it connects to the audience, meaning that no matter the time period the concept of "trust not what others say" still rings true today. This is a key factor into why Othello is so tragic. It also display a lot of passion and affection, which becomes manipulated by a villain.

 

3. What does the handkerchief symbolize?

 

I believe the handkerchief symbolizes Othello's jealousy and love for Desdemona at the same time, becuase if he didnt really love Desdemona in the first place, he most likely would not have become jealous.

 

4. Examine Othello's last words. What do these words show us about him?

 

I feel as if Othello redeemed himself, because he shows he is more than what has become of him in the time that the viewer has known him. Although he does seem a little more worried about the chances of a stain in his title than his wife who he murdered, he restores peace with the audience in a sense that he kills himself to get rid of the evil that has consumed him.

Othello Act 4

1. In Act 4 we learn the character of Desdemona. Choose two quotes that you believe best illustrate her character.

"So would not I. My love doth so approve him

That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns—

Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor."

"And his unkindness may defeat my life,

But never taint my love."

2. How is Othello changing in Act 4? What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?

Othello has drastically changed in Act 4 due to Iago's evil plan. He has become more ill tempered and jealousy has gotten the best of him. Othello's anger now overflows from the once suttle man. His anger runs so deep that he actually slaps Desdemona, which brings him a great deal of public humiliation because the others who witnessed it (aside from Iago) did not know of why he would commit such a harsh act of cruelty to a perfect and faithful wife, such as, Desdemona. He is publicly viewed as a crazed man who is losing his head and the people are questioning if he is really fit to govern.

3. At the end of Act 4 we get a glimpse into the private world of women. How does Shakespeare portray this world?

Given the time period, Shakespeare takes a deep risk, meaning that women were viewed as a prize and not really treated as they should be. Shakespeare depicts how women take advantage of their husbands without their knowing and get away with it. This was very risky considering that this is indeed a play, which was on stage with an audience watching. He shows the world that this does indeed happen and that women are capable of being regular people rather than just prizes; I also believe he raised a couple eyebrows of the men watching the play.

4. Analyze "The Willow Song". What is the literal meaning of this song? What does this song symbolize?

The Willow Song is about how both men and women are unfaithful to each other. Desdemona sings this song because she seems to feel weak and is promptly accepting the fact that the man she loves is slipping away from her, sort of like an acceptance. This song also leads the two women, Desdemona and Emilia into talking about the private world of women.

Othello Act 3

1. What is a tragic flaw? What do you believe is Othello's tragic flaw? What is your tragic flaw? Explain.

A tragic flaw is flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist that brings about his/her downfall. I believe Othello's tragic flaw is being conceited, in that he is very overly confident and trusts everyone to much. My tragic flaw may be that I hold myself to such high standards, that when I do come short of my goals, I am distraught, but on the other hand after the failure I do everything in my power to be better as a result.

2. Examine the quote about a good reputation. What does Iago mean through this quote? How valuable do you believe a reputation is? What is your reputation? What kind of name do you have amongst others?

     Iago means that a reputation is very valuable, and that whatever someone may take or provoke him about, if it be money it is nothing but a material possession, that is needless to the persons true nature. Although if one shall take one's reputation, they shall be stained, and left hollow because they then have nothing left to live for.
     I believe a reputation is valuable to certain people, but for others like me who are confident and know who they really are it doesnt mean that much, beacuse reputation is only what a collection of people think they know about you.
     Although it does not matter to me, I believe my reputation is good, becuase of the way i carry myself, the people I associate with, and the high standards in which I hold myself. I also have a good name among others, by being a leader, peer, and hero amonst others and for others.

3. Connect this quote to another film/movie/book or to your own personal life.

Ideas can be like poisons. At first they hardly even taste bad, but once they get into your blood they start burning like hot lava. Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons. Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood Burn like the mines of sulfur.

 

Ideas can be like poison to you, if you let others infect your mind. I choose to selectively hear certain "ideas" of others or friends beacuse I know whats best for me, but if one does not selectively hear their peers, the ideas can quickly become poison to the ear, mind, and heart. I am not one to let things get to me, but this quote is a great teacher of how many people do. Their so called "friends" will poison their mind with thoughts that are untrue and you will think no more of it, but once it enters your thought and they advocate it, the accusations or whatever it may be seemingly appear true and it corrodes the inside of your mind, then eventually you end up doing something that you will regret.

 

Othello Act: 2

1. Choose one of Iago's soliloquies (end of 2.1 or end of 2.3) and thoroughly analyze it.

Iago is conversing to himself about how his plan is going to pan out. He demonstrates his willingness to do anything to get revenge on Cassio and Othello, although praising them for being good people. Iago discusses how he believes both Othello and Cassio has slept with his wife and how he will not stop until he gets revenge. Iago's tone is one of hate and bitterness; he is very conceited, thus doing all of this evil to better himself and no one else by being manipulative.

 

2. In Act II Iago launches his plan to destroy Othello. What is his motive? Jealousy? Racism? Is he opportunistic? A sociopath? All of the above? None of the above? Use TEXTUAL SUPPORT.

 

I feel as if Iago's motives for destroying Othello are more directed towards jealousy and racism. Iago says he believes Othello has slept with his wife, would indeed make him jealous of Othello. Iago also calls him a worthless moor, which is a racial slur in those times. Iago is so self-centered that all his motives are agianst any others and for the benefit of himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Choose another character (from film, books, etc) that reminds you of Iago. Explain

 

Loki from the movie Thor reminds me of Iago becuase he is selfish and self-centered. Like Iago, Loki just looks out for himself and acts as if he is friends with others (like his brother Thor), but he actually plots against him. Loki also manipulates others for his own good and for his personal benefit, just like Iago does to the other main characters in Othello.

3. Create two discussion questions from Act II that you would like to discuss with the class

 

How does Iago's motives affect the other characters besides Othello?

 

Is Othello overconfident in himself? If so, How?

No Fear Shakespeare

1. What conflicts do you already see beginning to emerge? Choose two quotes from Act I that expose these conflicts. Explain why each quote is significant and what it reveals about the characters.

 

One conflict involves the womans rebellion against her father, in marriage to the black man, Othello.
"My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.To you I am bound for life and education.My life and education both do learn me how to respect you. You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband." - DESDEMONA

Another conflict emerging is the brink of war between the Turks and Cyprus.
"Of thirty sail. And now they do re-stem, their backward course, bearing with frank appearance.

Their purposes toward Cyprus." - MESSENGER

 

2. Create three discussion questions of your choice based on Act I

 

Why do you think Iago left before Brabantio came down to speak to them?

Why does the Duke so readily accept Othello’s version of what happened, despite his race?

How do you think Iago and Roderigo are connected, is one of them corrupt? How?

 

3. In a paragraph each, analyze the character of Othello and Iago (so far).

 

     The character Othello seems to be a very diligent, noble, and hard-working man. Although he has been troubled all his life, mostly because of his race, he has made the most of it and continued on helping others as well. He is a highly regarded military officer and will do anything asked of him in order to better of keep Cyprus safe from harm. He has married a noble's daughter, which brought the wife's father great despair. Despite certain accusations and threats, Othello keeps his composure and calmly pleads his case as well as his wife Desdemona. In my opinion, Othello is a trusted man of color and is willing to do what is asked of him, but is somewhat gullible.  

 

     The character Iago is potrayed at first as a normal, hard-working man just looking out for himself, but as Act I is laid out in full he appears more and more corrupt. Iago is a very self-centered man who is looking to stir up trouble. I believe he is using his friend Roderigo to better himself. He also seeks to destroy Othello's career somehow by acting as his good friend, but only soon to betray him to get what he wants. Iago manipulates others and tells them what they want to hear, in order to get his way. I believe as the story continues he will continue his evil ways.