Othello revision Questions And Answers

Context of the play - ️️"Othello" demonstrates many aspects of dramatic tragedy. Shakespeare wrote the play in 1603, giving it the full title of "The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice." The play is a good example of how tragedy works as a dramatic form. The play is widely viewed as a domestic tragedy between a husband and a wife that STEMS FROM FUNDAMENTAL FEELINGS OF JEALOUSY. There is the wider context of the conflict between the Venetians and Turks that is happening as part of the backdrop, however the unfolding tragedy remains tightly focused on the central characters. Within the play, Othello can be viewed as a classic tragic hero (sticking to tragedy conventions), one who foolishly continues to believe that he is right almost to the end of the play. His wife is portrayed as an innocent, tragic victim who like her husband is caught in Iago's web. The play is often considered a work that EXAMINES ISSUES OF RACE AND ETHNICITY. This can be seen as one of the reasons why the tragedy occurs, as Othello is an outsider operating in Venetian society. It is also seen as a STUDY OF MANIPULATION AND DECEIT, which arises from the evil and unscrupulous ways of Iago. The play focuses on three central characters unlike a lot of Shakespeare plays (Othello, Desdemona and Iago), perhaps making the play more intense. As well as understanding the play, to take the exam you need to understand how Shakespeare constructs his characters and how he develops particular tragic themes, and how this may represent the time in which Shakespeare wrote the play. It is also worth considering how the play has been presented on stage, in film and on television over the years. Structure of the play - ️️-Act 3 marks a key turning point in the plot, showing Iago's sudden control over Othello. Act 3 is often the "turning point," in Shakespeare's plays, most of which have 5 acts. Lines from Iago that illuminate his sudden manipulation of Othello in Act 3 scene 3 are "Ha! I like not that," "Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady, know of your love?" and "I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eyes thus: not jealous, nor secure." In the tragedies, the inevitable message of the second part of the play is that time brings defeat, disaster and death. This contrasts with the comedies, with the message being time brings healing, resolution and peace (in the second half.)