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.