Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) that explains your answer to the question. THEN, LIST 5 quotations (preceded by the context as described above) of VERY important examples throughout the play that illustrate your ideas--be sure to include page numbers in parentheses at the end of the quotation. Then, after each quotation, explain in a sentence or two why you chose that quotation. You must give 5 quotations for each question.

1. What are Oedipus' major errors in judgment throughout the play? Give 5 quotations. Reread directions.

2. How is Oedipus warned about some of the mistakes he is making? Give 5 quotations. Reread directions

3. In Antigone, what are the causes and consequences of the tragedy? Give 5 quotations. Reread directions

4. What does Aristotle say are the main elements of tragedy? Give 5 quotations. Reread directions.World Literature I

Shakespeare's Othello:

I. SELECTED MAJOR THEMES:

Deception/Manipulation

Appearance vs Reality

Jealousy

Revenge/Power

Good vs. Evil

Love and Hate

Loyalty and Betrayal

Racism

Women's position in society

For each theme ask yourself:

WHO does this theme apply to?

HOW does this character have to deal with this issue?

Does the character CHANGE over the course of the play?

What SCENES highlight this theme specifically?

What are our FINAL IMPRESSIONS of this theme?

Selected Characters:

The Character of Othello

1. The characteristics does Othello have that make him a tragic hero?

2. Othello's manipulation by Iago and the transformation of his character

3. Othello's strengths and weaknesses / virtues and flaws

4. Othello's feelings for and treatment of Desdemona

5. When does Othello recognize his flaws and gain enlightenment?

6. The extent to which Othello is responsible for the tragedy which occurs at the end of the play

Iago:

The centrality of Iago's soliloquies

Iago as possibly the real ‘main character' of the play

Iago's control and manipulation of the action and characters

Desdemona:

An idealized or a believable character?

What is her dramatic function in the play?

Cassio:

A symbol of goodness

The extent to which he contributes to the tragedy

SELECTED QUESTIONS:

A. Who is a more jealous person, Othello or Iago?

B. Who does Othello ultimately care about more - Desdemona or himself? Some critics have argued that Othello's love of Desdemona is ultimately egotistical. Would you agree? Does this mean that, without Iago, they would have lived happily ever after?

C. In Othello, most of the action takes place between only two characters: Iago and Othello, and this "action" is basically intense conversation and plotting. What are the most important things revealed by this?

D. Should we pity Desdemona or admire her? Even when Othello hits Desdemona and calls her a whore, she still says she loves him. Is Desdemona's unconditional love admirable? What would your advice to Desdemona be?

Some Issues in The Play Act by Act:

Act 1

1. What sort of person is Iago, as he appears in Act 1? What reasons does he give for hating Othello? What is Iago's relationship with Roderigo?

Act 2

1. What sort of person is Cassio? What passages show how Iago plans to use Cassio against plot against Othello?

What more do we learn about the nature of Iago in Act 2? What is the effect of having him share his thoughts and plans with us through his soliloquies?

Act 3

1. At the beginning of Act 3, Othello is completely in love with Desdemona. By the end of 3.3, Othello is ready to murder her for having an affair with Cassio. Why change he change so quickly? How does Iago plant the idea of Desdemona's infidelity in Othello's mind, and how does he make it grow?

Act 4:

How does Othello change in Act 4? What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?

What is the nature of the relationship between Emilia and Desdemona?

Act 5

1. How does Othello approach the killing of Desdemona? What does he think he is doing, and why? Does Othello justify his killing of Desdemona?

First Assignment:

Shakespeare's Othello

DIRECTIONS: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTONS EXACTLY WILL RESULT IN FAILURE ON THE ASSIGNMENT

You must give the full context of EACH quotation: that is, before you quote, state who is talking, to whom they are talking, and what they are talking about.

First, write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) that explains your answer to the question. THEN, LIST 5 quotations (preceded by the context as described above) of VERY important examples throughout the play that illustrate your ideas--be sure to include page numbers in parentheses at the end of the quotation. Then, after each quotation, explain in a sentence or two why you chose that quotation. You must give 5 quotations for each question.

1. In what ways does Iago try to cause Othello's downfall (e.g., ruin his life)? See directions above to answer the question.

2. What is/are Othello's tragic flaws? See directions above to answer the question.