Othello

Question 1

When was Othello written?

Answer 1

Early 1600s - just after the death of Queen Elizabeth I

Question 2

What city does Othello open in?

Answer 2

Venice - filled with wealth and cosmopolitanism and strong military power. Sea-facing.

Question 3

Othello

Answer 3

-Hired by the Venetian army
-Described as a moor
-In the beginning of the play he elopes with Desdemona
-

Question 4

Iago

Answer 4

-Soldier hired by the Venetian army.
-Questionable origin - represents stereotypical Venetian gentleman.
-Causes Othello’s downfall.

Question 5

‘an old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe’

Answer 5

Iago act 1 scene 1 when talking to Brabantio.
-Bold and vivid imagery
-Othello is a dangerous and threatening force.
-Desdemona as passive and submissive.

Question 6

Raymond Briggs

Answer 6

‘blackness was associated with the devil, evil doings and death’

Question 7

‘You’ll have your nephews neigh to you, you’ll have coursers for cousins, and jennets for germans’

Answer 7

Act 1 scene 1 Iago - animalistic description.
Use of alliteration almost makes it sound lyrical.

Question 8

‘O unhappy girl/ Who would be a father?/O she deceives me’

Answer 8

Brabantio Act 1 Scene 1 -
- Repetition of ‘o’ emphasizes despair.
- Implies that Desdemona is unable to have an opinion of her own - patriarchy.

Question 9

‘But that i love the gentle Desdemona’

Answer 9

Act 1 Scene 2 Othello - signifies pure love with no sexual connotations.