2 act 1 scene 1
- 1. Act 1 Scene 1 1. Act 1 Scene1 opens with which characters? 2. For what reasons are the two characters angry? 3. What do the characters then decide to do and why? Friday 7th June Fact: ‘Splood and Zounds are Shakespearean swearwords
- 2. Michael Cassio • Why does Iago dislike him? Iago explains why he believes he has not been promoted to the rank of lieutenant (Lines 8-27) – Look carefully at the way Iago describes Cassio and pick out any key phrases which suggest why Iago is jealous of him. Add these to your Michael Cassio page
- 3. First impressions of Iago • Write Iago in the centre of the next page and collect together any key things Iago seems to say about himself. • Include anything that reveals something his character or motivation. Iago “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (shows he’s following him to get revenge!) “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at” (Shows he is revealing all, regardless of the outcome) “I am not what I am” (There is more to Iago than meets the eye!)
- 4. Iago winding up Brabantio • Have a page in your book with the heading: Animal Imagery – you are going to collect quotes to do with animals as we go through the play: Start with these tricky words • “Barbary horse” --- a North African breed • “Coursers” --- Racehorses • “Jennets” --- small Spanish horse • Note down any animal related lines that Iago uses whilst shouting up at Brabantio.
- 5. Othello in Act 1 Scene 1 • Throughout the whole scene, nobody has used Othello’s name – although all three men have referred to him several times. • Collect the terms used to describe him and add to your Othello page: State who speaks it and what it says about the speaker Term used Aspect of Othello Spoken by What does it say about the speaker? “the moor” His race Iago Takes away his individuality “thick-lips” His physical features Racist, purposely insulting “the devil”
- 6. A Who’s Who guide to Othello The handkerchief in question once symbolised the commitment between this “dream couple” – By the end the villain in Othello has used it to leave both husband and wife DEAD. Thursday 6th June
- 7. A Who’s Who guide to Othello Othello is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. This mean the hero has a fatal flaw which leads to his downfall. Like Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, Othello ends with a large body count! Thursday 6th June
- 8. Othello • General of the Venice army • Highly respected but not a native – originally from Africa, known as a Moor • Eloquent (Clever speaker) and powerful figure • A racial and cultural outsider • Before the play starts, has secretly married Desdemona – but her father doesn’t know this yet! (Despite his status in the army, being a Moor means Father would not approve)
- 9. Desdemona • New bride of Othello • Young daughter of the powerful Venice senator (politician) Brabantio • Was seduced by Othello’s heroic war stories and tales from abroad • Her handmaid (Emilia) is Iago’s wife.
- 10. Iago • The villain of the play! • Othello’s ensign – a senior soldier: Believes he should have been made lieutenant on experience instead of Cassio. • Hates Othello but the general considers him trustworthy, loyal and honest: Often it is only the audience who know the truth! • Tricks and manipulates many of the other characters – including his close friend Roderigo!
- 11. Roderigo • Young, rich and a bit of an idiot! • Hopelessly, in love with Desdemona – convinced that if he gives him all his money, Iago will help him win Desdemona’s hand (ie. Very Gullible) • Jealous of Othello having married his dream girl!
- 12. Othello Desdemona Iago Cassio Roderigo • Unlike some Shakespeare plays, there are not LOADS of characters to get to know • And there is only one plot to get your head around – how one cunning villain can plant a small seed that can not only “get revenge” but destroy everything he holds dear. Brabantio Emilia
- 13. Desdemona’s supporting cast Emilia – Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s handmaid – loyal to her mistress Brabantio – Desdemona’s father: senator of Venice, old fashioned – does not believe in such interracial relationships!