Overview Shakespeare+Othello

Question 1

How many acts in a play?

Answer 1

5 acts (comes from Aristotle)

Question 2

First act

Answer 2

The exposition which introduces conflicts and characters.

Question 3

Second act

Answer 3

Rising action

Question 4

Third act

Answer 4

Rising action

Question 5

Fourth act

Answer 5

Contains climax or turning point of the play

Question 6

Fifth act

Answer 6

Resolution of all plots.

Question 7

Many of Shakespeare’s plays contain a

Answer 7

“play within a play”

Question 8

The role of women

Answer 8

During Shakespeare’s time, young boys would have played the women’s roles because it was illegal for women to act. In 1660, English law changed allowing women to perform, but for many years following this legal change, women who performed were treated poorly, we’re ridiculed and we’re considered lower than common prostitutes.

Question 9

How many plots?

Answer 9

Most of Shakespeare’s plays have 3 plots.

Question 10

Symbol in Othello

Answer 10

The handkerchief: although a symbol of innocence, the handkerchief is crucial to Iago’s evil plot.

Question 11

Setting plays in general

Answer 11

Shakespeare’s plays set in Italy are renowned for erroneous facts about geography and culture since Shakespeare had never travelled to Italy.

Question 12

Othello setting

Answer 12

Othello is set in Venice in Cyprus.
The military setting is of paramount importance to the plot.

Question 13

What does Cyprus signify

Answer 13

Cyprus signifies a place of disorder in Othello. It is called a ‘war-like isle’ and many turbulent events of the play unfold there.