Why Study Shakespeare???
I hear this every year..."Why do we have to study Shakespeare, sir?" Here are a number of ideas to consider prior to dismissing Shakespeare and deciding you don't like him.
1. Quality of work - The rare quality of Shakespeare's works make him a natural choice to study in English courses. His intriguing plots, memorable characters, and way with words set Shakespeare above most other authors in any age. His ability to address a wide range of human interactions and emotions make his stories compelling and still relevant.
2. Biblical & mythological allusions - Shakespeare's regular direct and indirect allusions within his works make his works important study tools; his frequent Biblical allusions also help shed light on the nature of society in Britain at a particular time.
3. Cultural Background - Given the significance of Shakespeare's language, works, and influence in not only literature, but also contemporary culture [ex. films, graphic novels, music, pop literature], it is clear that Shakespeare is among the most important literary figures in history. Not only is it relevant to read and understand Shakespeare, but students who do not study Shakespeare will likely feel short-changed in the long run.
Shakespeare’s plays have been studied, remade, and modified over the last 400 years because the content of his plays deal with timeless topics. Taking the studied themes into consideration, write a one-page analysis of how the themes in Othello relate to our modern-day world. Consider text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections.
1. Quality of work - The rare quality of Shakespeare's works make him a natural choice to study in English courses. His intriguing plots, memorable characters, and way with words set Shakespeare above most other authors in any age. His ability to address a wide range of human interactions and emotions make his stories compelling and still relevant.
2. Biblical & mythological allusions - Shakespeare's regular direct and indirect allusions within his works make his works important study tools; his frequent Biblical allusions also help shed light on the nature of society in Britain at a particular time.
3. Cultural Background - Given the significance of Shakespeare's language, works, and influence in not only literature, but also contemporary culture [ex. films, graphic novels, music, pop literature], it is clear that Shakespeare is among the most important literary figures in history. Not only is it relevant to read and understand Shakespeare, but students who do not study Shakespeare will likely feel short-changed in the long run.
Shakespeare’s plays have been studied, remade, and modified over the last 400 years because the content of his plays deal with timeless topics. Taking the studied themes into consideration, write a one-page analysis of how the themes in Othello relate to our modern-day world. Consider text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections.
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Othello: The Moor of Venice - Electronic Text & Audio
Audio version of Othello available online
Follow along with electronic text version at http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/MobOthe.html
No-Fear Shakespeare - Modern Text Help
Need some help with Shakespeare's language stylings? This site may help...
Othello Questions and Activities
Act I
Scene i
1* Compare Iago and his position in society to Bernard (Brave New World).
2* Explain the relationship between Brabantio, Roderigo, Iago, and Othello.
3* The sexuality in the play is not suggestive as in many Shakespearean plays, but fairly explicit. Suggest why Shakespeare chooses this approach when dealing with Othello.
Scene ii
4* Compare the use of manipulation between
a) Iago towards Othello
b) Bernard towards John in Brave New World.
What emotions / feelings do you have about each? How would you deal with it if it were you being manipulated?
5* a) A common thread in many stories throughout time has been the awkward acceptance (or indeed animosity) between the father and lover of a woman. In what ways is Othello's relationship the same?
b) Have you had friends that your own parents were less than thrilled with? What steps did you take in order to ease tensions?
6* Of what importance is the Duke to a) Othello and b) Brabantio?
scene iii
7* How do the varied reports of the approaching Turkish ships link to the main plot and the theme of appearances v reality?
8* How did Othello meet Desdemona? Why is this ironic?
Prepare a storyboard, kids' book, comic, pixton, or news report that relates one of Othello's adventures. You may choose various forms of characters for your purposes.
9* Compare Othello's blind sense of loyalty to Iago with King Duncan's to Macbeth.
10* Why does Iago tell Roderigo to save up his money? What does this indicate about Iago's values?
11* How is rumour and hearsay important to
a) Iago's hatred of Othello
b) Iago's plans for Othello
* Put Iago's first soliloquy into your own words. What does this passage reveal or confirm about Iago's character? See video below.
Othello's Adventures...Student Comics
Other options for your digital comic or storyboard:
http://www.storyboardthat.com/
http://www.storyboardthat.com/comic-maker
http://www.toondoo.com/
http://www.storyboardthat.com/
http://www.storyboardthat.com/comic-maker
http://www.toondoo.com/
Act II
1. Othello is set during the 1560s-'70s, prior to the Ottoman Empire decisively capturing Cyprus. In this scene, however, we see the Turkish fleet decimated by weather conditions and terrible seas. Review the history link below about the Spanish Armada and its invasion of England in 1588 - during Shakespeare's life.
a) In what ways does this refer to the 1588 Spanish Armada's invasion of England?
b) In what ways is the turbulent weather symbolic?
2. How does Iago's treatment of his wife help to define his character? Is this part of his act, or do his complaints seem sincere?
3. Re-read Iago's second soliloquy. Create a brainstorm of key traits for Iago, adding key quotes, lines, or descriptions that help to define his character at this time.
4. a) With a partner, role-play the conversation that could occur between two people at a party. One is trying to convince the other to drink, do drugs, etc., while the other is trying to defend his / her position to remain sober. Be prepared to share your conversation.
b) Debate why peer pressure so often works to make us do foolish things.
5. "O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil!"
Throughout history, it is clear that alcohol has had a negative impact on society and behaviour.
Create a modern meme that promotes abstinence from alcohol. This may be explicit or suggested through the ideas of your meme. A short analysis should also accompany your meme.
6. How are Iago's plans proceeding at this point?
a) In what ways does this refer to the 1588 Spanish Armada's invasion of England?
b) In what ways is the turbulent weather symbolic?
2. How does Iago's treatment of his wife help to define his character? Is this part of his act, or do his complaints seem sincere?
3. Re-read Iago's second soliloquy. Create a brainstorm of key traits for Iago, adding key quotes, lines, or descriptions that help to define his character at this time.
4. a) With a partner, role-play the conversation that could occur between two people at a party. One is trying to convince the other to drink, do drugs, etc., while the other is trying to defend his / her position to remain sober. Be prepared to share your conversation.
b) Debate why peer pressure so often works to make us do foolish things.
5. "O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil!"
Throughout history, it is clear that alcohol has had a negative impact on society and behaviour.
Create a modern meme that promotes abstinence from alcohol. This may be explicit or suggested through the ideas of your meme. A short analysis should also accompany your meme.
6. How are Iago's plans proceeding at this point?
The Spanish Armada - 1588
Act III
Scene iii - iv
1. How is scene iii the turning point or climax of Othello? How does Iago trick Othello into believing his lies and treachery?
2. What do Othello's soliloquys reveal about his character? What is his tragic flaw?
3. Do Othello's reactions fit his character? Explain your opinion. What does this demonstrate about the characters of this play?
4. How does scene iii foreshadow events for the coming scenes?
5. Explain the irony of the following quotes:
a) "There's magic in the web of [the handkerchief]" (III.iv. 69)
b) "I think the sun where he was born / Drew all [jealousy] from him" (III.iv. 30-31)
c) "Pray heaven it be / State matters, as you think, and no conception / Nor no jealous toy concerning you." (III.iv.154-156)
6.How does Bianca and her reactions to Cassio echo Othello's reactions?
1. How is scene iii the turning point or climax of Othello? How does Iago trick Othello into believing his lies and treachery?
2. What do Othello's soliloquys reveal about his character? What is his tragic flaw?
3. Do Othello's reactions fit his character? Explain your opinion. What does this demonstrate about the characters of this play?
4. How does scene iii foreshadow events for the coming scenes?
5. Explain the irony of the following quotes:
a) "There's magic in the web of [the handkerchief]" (III.iv. 69)
b) "I think the sun where he was born / Drew all [jealousy] from him" (III.iv. 30-31)
c) "Pray heaven it be / State matters, as you think, and no conception / Nor no jealous toy concerning you." (III.iv.154-156)
6.How does Bianca and her reactions to Cassio echo Othello's reactions?
Act IV
scene i
1. Iago's plan comes together with perfect timing and without any opposition. Some might say it plays out a little too easily, not unlike a fairly typical soap opera or melodrama. Why do you think Shakespeare made this aspect of the play so simplistic? What conclusions might one draw about the nature of jealousy, as Shakespeare sees it?
With your three-member group, stage the scene featuring Othello, Iago, and Cassio as it might appear in a theatre, TV, or film set. Consider actions, props,and other details the actors might need when presenting this scene.
scene ii
2. Why might the audience feel frustration or even anger towards Emilia in this scene?
3. Is Emilia aware of Iago's plans? How do her comments about the "insinuating rogue" help reinforce your view?
4. How does Roderigo's entrance provide, paradoxically, hope AND dismay?
scene iii
5. "My love doth so approve him / That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns...have grace and favor." (IV.iii.18-20) What makes you blindly love certain people? Are there actions or traits that one can present that would definitely be a 'deal-breaker'?
6. Why do you think Desdemona reflects on the tale of Barbary?
7. Are people in today's world more likely to follow Desdemona's advice or Emilia's advice? Write a fictional "Dear Abby" letter and respond to it from one of the views.
Act V
scene i-ii
1. How is suspense built through Act V?
2. Prepare a 250-300 word character analysis for either Iago or Othello. Review how to write a character analysis at my ENG 2D website.
3. What is the dramatic importance of
a) Emilia?
b) Cassio surviving Roderigo's attack?
c) the entrance of Lodovico and Gratiano?
4. In what ways is justice served at the end of Othello?
1. Iago's plan comes together with perfect timing and without any opposition. Some might say it plays out a little too easily, not unlike a fairly typical soap opera or melodrama. Why do you think Shakespeare made this aspect of the play so simplistic? What conclusions might one draw about the nature of jealousy, as Shakespeare sees it?
With your three-member group, stage the scene featuring Othello, Iago, and Cassio as it might appear in a theatre, TV, or film set. Consider actions, props,and other details the actors might need when presenting this scene.
scene ii
2. Why might the audience feel frustration or even anger towards Emilia in this scene?
3. Is Emilia aware of Iago's plans? How do her comments about the "insinuating rogue" help reinforce your view?
4. How does Roderigo's entrance provide, paradoxically, hope AND dismay?
scene iii
5. "My love doth so approve him / That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns...have grace and favor." (IV.iii.18-20) What makes you blindly love certain people? Are there actions or traits that one can present that would definitely be a 'deal-breaker'?
6. Why do you think Desdemona reflects on the tale of Barbary?
7. Are people in today's world more likely to follow Desdemona's advice or Emilia's advice? Write a fictional "Dear Abby" letter and respond to it from one of the views.
Act V
scene i-ii
1. How is suspense built through Act V?
2. Prepare a 250-300 word character analysis for either Iago or Othello. Review how to write a character analysis at my ENG 2D website.
3. What is the dramatic importance of
a) Emilia?
b) Cassio surviving Roderigo's attack?
c) the entrance of Lodovico and Gratiano?
4. In what ways is justice served at the end of Othello?
Passage Analysis
Identify who is speaking and to whom ; the context of the passage; and the dramatic purpose of the passage. Organize your ideas into a clear and concise paragraph for each. Complete your rough notes to the right of the passages you choose.
Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: [380]
For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane,
If I would time expend with such a snipe.
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor:
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if't be true; [385]
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassio's a proper man: let me see now:
To get his place and to plume up my will [390]
In double knavery--How, how?--Let's see:--
After some time, to abuse Othello's ear
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false. [395]
The Moor is of a free and open nature,
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose
As asses are.
I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night [400]
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.
Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: [380]
For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane,
If I would time expend with such a snipe.
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor:
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if't be true; [385]
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassio's a proper man: let me see now:
To get his place and to plume up my will [390]
In double knavery--How, how?--Let's see:--
After some time, to abuse Othello's ear
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false. [395]
The Moor is of a free and open nature,
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by the nose
As asses are.
I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night [400]
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.
Othello - Summary
Cliffs Notes version of Shakespeare's Othello.