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Grand Master Questions Packet Othello
Grand Master Questions Packet Othello
Act One - following the plot. Provide textual evidence that supports the following two
statements.
Act I, Scene i
Plot Summary
Roderigo is unhappy with Iago for failing to
promote his marriage to Desdemona.
Textual Evidence
We do not actually meet Othello in this first scene, we only hear about him from others.
Note how the Moor is described. Make a list of quotations and note who said what.
This opening scene is laced with dramatic irony, all of which centres on Iago. This villain
reveals himself very early on. Make a note of instances where the audience knows
something that a character on stage does not. What effect does this have? What
theme does this suggest?
Note significant quotations that show Iagos true personality and anything else that gives us a
sense of what type of person this man is.
Read the following lines 5 times, emphasizing a different word each time. How does changing
which word is emphasized change the tone?
We cannot all be masters
We cannot all be masters
We cannot all be masters
We cannot all be masters
We cannot all be masters
Act I, scene ii
Plot Summary
Othello is called to the Venetian council
on urgent military business.
Textual Evidence
4) Compare & contrast the two men of power in this scene, Othello and Brabantio. Who
puts forth a nobler persona? Who is more reasonable? Who is more in control of his
emotions? How do you know?
Textual Evidence
Deceitful Iago! In your own words, write Iagos plan for Othellos downfall:
Act I Review:
From what you have heard about him, what he says of himself and how you imagine he might
appear in a stage production, highlight the five descriptions below that best summarize
your view of Othello so far.
An untrustworthy stranger
a worthy soldier
a calm, measured, statesman-like man
a man of high principles
a Moor
an exotic figure
dangerous and unreliable
an exotic and attractive figure
a highly respected leader
a man for whom sexual desire is paramount
a man who has earned high office because of his virtues
a man with enemies
a dangerous man
FINALLY!
In your group, provide comment & textual evidence to PROVE one of the following
statements. Write a short paragraphas a groupbelow!
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Plot Summary
The Turkish Fleet is destroyed in
a storm.
Textual Evidence
2. Review the social banter scene (Iago as joker, puns, double entendre, dramatic
irony)& respond to these possible interpretations, why do you agree or
disagree? Use evidence from the play.
This is a scene
which is strictly comic, in which sexual flirtation and verbal humor are used to
provide light relief before more serious scenes
.. which is wrought with sinister undertones, in which the joking has more worrying
and threatening implications, provoking anxiety in the audience
Textual Evidence
In this scene, everything hinges on Iagos ability to persuade those around him
that he can be trusted, not just by Othello but by Cassio as well. Try your best to find
examples of ALL Of Iagos persuasive techniques then you will uncover how a true evil
mind operates!
-
Cajoling:
Insinuating:
Lying:
Reassuring:
(1) Translation:
(3) Highlight all the literary features you see, then write about the effect of one!
Plot Summary
Cassio asks Emilia to help him
gain access to Desdemona
Textual Evidence
Comic relief Poor Cassio is in despair while the Clown engages in some word play. He makes
crude jokes (bawdy humor) with double meanings for wind instrument and tail/tale and
pipes (remember the clyster pipes from II, I, 172?) and stirring.
1. Why does Shakespeare insert this humor HERE?
Textual Evidence
Not much to say about this scene except that Othello is doing mundane tasks, blissfully
unaware of Iagos plotting. Iago knows Othello is heading out for a walk so Iago knows he will
be occupied for some time.
Textual Evidence
As you read lines 93-259, consider who is in control. Who has the power?
Investigating HONESTY:
Iagos success depends on Othellos perception that he is honest. Skim ead Act 3
looking for references to honesty (eg. L.371-88). Make a note of the context in which each
reference occurs. What is the value and significance of this word in the play?
Textual Evidence
Read/listen to III, iv When listening, explore the following: (in chronological order)
Show how Othello and Desdemona are talking at cross purposes in their exchange about
hands (L. 32-44) How does Othello interpret her moist hands?
Emilias silent presence would be noted on stage - what might she be thinking? (l.48-72)
Notice that Emilia still keeps quiet about the handkerchief even when alone with
Desdemona. WHY NOT? Is there a clue in her speech Tis not a year or two IS she thinking
of Othello, or Iago? (L. 48-101)
Desdemonas first speech is heart breaking. Look particularly at what she is saying. (L.134161)
WHY does she blame herself?
How many differences can you find between the tone and language Cassio uses with Bianca
and with Desdemona? Does this affect your opinion of Cassio in any way?
1. What does Othello's language in lines 35-43 suggest about his state of mind? How is his
language now much more like that of Iago than it was?
Plot Summary
Iago gets Cassio to talk
about Bianca but makes it
seem as if hes talking about
Desdemona
Bianca comes in with the
handkerchief and Othello is
enraged!
Textual Evidence
Textual Evidence
Textual Evidence
Emilia:
Translation:
2. State the context of this passage and the importance of it at this point in the play:
3. Choose the THREE most important literary features that you feel best show Emilias
tone (attitude). Explain these features being sure to explain the effect on tone,
characterization, and audience.
a.
b.
c.
4. Finally, make a statement about what Emilia suggest about the role of husbands and
wives:
b. What role does Bianca play (Why is the saucy strumpet key now? Think in terms
of Cassio and Iago)?
5. What does Emilia learn upon her entrance? What does Iago tell her to do?
6. Iago begins and ends the scene? Why is this important? What does he suggest with his
final aside, This is the night / That either makes me or fordoes me quite.
1. Why does Othello think he must kill Desdemona? Write the line that tells you this:
4. How does Emilia knocking on the door add tension to the death scene?
6. How does Emilia respond to Desdemonas death? Why do you think she exposes Iago at
this point and not previously?
7. For the second time in this act, Iago stabs someone from behind and then exits (Emilia
in this case, Cassio earlier). What does that show you about his personality?
8. Othello finds another sword, but can't use it because the sight of dead Desdemona
overwhelms him with guilt and grief. Write a few lines that SHOW this grief:
10.What is important about Othellos last two lines? What do you notice about these lines?
What features stand out to you, what patterns do you notice?
I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee: no way but this;
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
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