1. thello: O The Power and Influence of One Person

2. Before we get started, let’s look at some of your opinions before reading... Take a few minutes to complete the “Anticipation Guide” individually. Make sure to put your name on it! This is not a test and you are not judged in a sense of correct or incorrect answers.

3. Some background info... Othello is a famous tragedy by William Shakespeare that was first performed around November 1, 1604. Unlike his other tragedies, Othello is very tightly constructed and the entirety of the play only takes place over a few days. Tragedy: Its function is to arouse pity and fear in the audience so that they may be purged or cleansed of these unsettling emotions. Another word for this emotional cleansing or purging is catharsis

4. Review: What does it mean to be a “tragic hero?” Neither good nor bad Highly renowned/prosperous (high social class— wealthy or elite) Must fall from a tremendous good fortune (tragic reversal of fortune) Hero must have a tragic flaw or character weakness that leads to this tragic reversal of fortune or downfall—not a random act of “the gods” or fate (Example of tragic flaws: hubris—excessive pride, ruthless ambition, obsessive jealousy) In the end, the tragic hero comes to recognize his or her own error and to accept its tragic consequences The real tragic hero is humbled and enlightened by the tragedy The effect of this tragedy leads to the audience’s catharsis

5. Journal “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” -Iago from Othello, Act 3, scene 3 What does the above quote mean to you? Describe a time you were jealous or envious. How did it affect your emotions and your ability to think and act rationally?

6. Now some vocabulary practice... Work with your group to complete the “Act I Pre-reading” Vocabulary. When your group completes the pre-reading portion of the worksheet, raise your hands and Mrs. Smith will come stamp them and give you the “Act I Reader’s Log” questions to start working on with your group. Scenes I & 2 questions are due typed up and in class on Thursday, February 9 th.

7. Journal: February 9 th, 2012 Describe several examples of Iago manipulating other characters in the play in order to serve his own needs (Roderigo, Brabantio, Othello). How does he make it appear he is “helping” each of these other characters and not himself?

8. Journal: February 10, 2012 “Two-faced people are the only people who survive.” Would Iago agree with this statement? Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

9. Journal February 13 th, 2012: Free write!

10. Options for Vocabulary Test Format: Multiple choice: Fill in the blank: Matching:Synonym replacement: Sentence creation:

11. Act I, Scenes 1 & 2 Reader’s Log Questions 1. Describe the source of Iago’s hatred for Othello. Why is he so motivated to destroy his leader? 2. Describe Iago’s initial plan to ruin Othello’s reputation. What do you learn about Iago’s character from this plan and his manipulation of Roderigo? 3. Why is Brabantio, supposedly a friend to Othello, so upset upon hearing that his daughter has married Othello? How do racial stereotypes play a role in Brabantio’s reaction to the news of this marriage?

12. Journal February 14 th, 2012: “Some people are always in control of their emotions and they never let emotions control them.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Write a journal supporting your opinion with evidence from your personal experiences and observations.

13. Act I, Scene 3 Questions Describe the military conflict that seems imminent in this scene. Why does Othello appear to have such an important role in this conflict? How has Othello, a foreigner in Venice, gained such high status within its society? How does this status help him when Brabantio appears before the duke to make his accusations against Othello? What do we learn about the character of Desdemona from this scene? Describe her and her most prominent characteristics.

14. Setting for Scene 3 The place the play takes place in is Venice, Italy. During this time, Venice is at war with Turkey Cyprus is an outpost controlled/occupied by the Venetians Brabantio is trying to find the Duke and the other senators for an impromptu meeting about: The scene starts during a meeting...