Othello The Moor of Venice

The Cultural and Contextual Setting Examining your extract, decide what you think is particularly interesting. In groups get together to explore the areas listed below: Woman and attitudes towards them (1,2,4a,5a,6,8,13) Race, culture and religion (3,7,9a,11a,12) Venice and Cyprus (4b,5b,9b,10,11b,14,15) Collectively summarise what you have learned so far about the play and society of Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Add any questions you have.

Characters in order of appearance Roderigo, a gentleman of Venice (in love with Desdemona) Iago, Othello’s ensign (assistant) Brabantio, a Senator, father of Desdemona Othello, a Moor, general in the service of Venice Cassio, his lieutenant Duke of Venice Desdemona, daughter of Brabantio and wife of Othello 8. Montano, former govenor of Cyprus 9. Emilia, wife of Iago 10. Clown, servant of Othello 11. Bianca, mistress of Cassio 12. Lodivico, kinsman of Brabantio 13. Gratiano, brother of Brabantio Senators, Gentlemen, Messenger, Sailor, Herald, Musicians, Officers, Soldiers, Attendants, Servants

Act 1, Scene 1 Lines 1-42 What clues are there as to the nature of the relationship between Roderigo and Iago in these lines? What do we learn about Iago from line 42 “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”? Examine Iago’s first speech “Despise me if I do not…his Moorship’s ancient.” Identify as many themes and issues as you can in Iago’s first speech, e.g. money as a preoccupation “I know my price”. Try to connect words and phrases.

What is revealed about Iago in his second speech? How can tone and emphasis alter the presentation of this passage and Iago’s character? “We cannot all be masters.” Putting an emphasis on ‘masters’ strengthens the idea of Iago’s obsession with his poor status and his strong ambition. Following this speech, reflect on your view of Iago at this early stage of the play? Write a paragraph.

Recapping Act 1, Scene 1 so far… What do we learn about Iago up to line 42: Prone to jealousy (key theme of play) Deceptive Hates Othello and wants to take revenge on him ?

How is repetition used to effect in Act 1, Scene 1 Identify all features of repetition in Iago’s speech line 40 – 65. What effect does each example create? Group reading for meaning lines 66 – end of scene. As you read, try to be alert to one of 3 key themes, highlighting the text: Sexual language Honesty and deception Racism and animal imagery

Olivier Film version Act1, Scene1 What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder? Share! Reflect How has watching a performance of this scene illuminated your understanding? What do Shakespeare’s decisions suggest about what he wanted to emphasize in this opening scene?

What do Shakespeare’s decisions suggest about what he wanted to emphasize in the opening scene? Commentary on Act 1, Scene 1 Lines 81-138 2. How does Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic techniques lead us to form divergent impressions of Iago and Othello? What has been revealed/ implied/ suggested so far? Use close textual analysis to support your views.