Othello: Flashcards
What is a Zanni?
A villainous, manipulative and clever servant
What is the Second Zanni?
The absurd buffoon, usually a sidekick to the main villain
What is the Capitano?
A boastful, swashbuckling mercenary, often duped by the Zanni
What is the Pantalone?
A foolish old man, often duped by his wife or daughter
What is the Pedrolino?
A trusted servant, kind and very charming, but a bit naïve and easily tricked
What is the Inamoratas?
The female characters, usually long-suffering wives or rebellious daughters
- usually young, independent, and more sensible than the male characters!
What is Machiavellianism?
A personality trait construct characterized by manipulativeness, indifference to morality, lack of empathy, and a calculated focus on self-interest
What is a Tragic Hero?
A figure who is either larger than life or holds some position in the world that places them near the top of hierarchy
What is a Hamartia/Tragic flaw?
A fatal flaw that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero, often this is their on hubris or stubbornness
What is a Peripeteia?
A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, typically a turning point in the action
What does it mean to be Hubris?
Have excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence, often leading to a character’s downfall
What is a Tragedy?
A drama that depicts the downfall or destruction of a noble or heroic character, often resulting from a personal flaw, fate, or a combination of both, leading to a cathartic release from the audience
What is Catharsis?
A purging of emotions e.g. pity and fear, so they are left with a sense of peace
What is a Moor?
A term used to describe Muslim inhabitants of Northern Africa and the Mediterranean, however they weren’t a distinct group of people
What is Eponymous?
When a character gives their name to the title of the novel/play
e.g Othello and Gatsby
