Othello Questions

Othello DVD Venice sequence

 

Thinking Question – Critical audience 0-30 minutes.

 

In classical tragedy a tragic hero is a person of noble birth with heroic or potentially heroic qualities. Thomas Rymer did not believe that Othello was a ‘tragic hero’ “We see nothing done by him, nor related concerning him, that comports with the condition of a General, or, indeed, of a Man,” as you watch the film adaptation can you find any evidence to support Rymer’s belief? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.

 

Basic plot

 

Why do Iago and Roderigo wake Brabantio?

Because they’ve come to tell Brabantio about the marriage between Desdemona and Othello.

 

How does Brabantio believe Othello ‘won’ his daughter, Desdemona?

He accused him for using sorcery to seduce his daughter.

 

How does Othello believe he ‘won’ Desdemona?

With his stories of him being in war and the adventures he’s had by travelling.

 

What two reasons are there for Othello appearing before the senate?

One of the reasons is is that he’s being sent to Cyprus to go to war, but also because of his marriage to Desdemona and what he has to say about it.

 

What do we learn about Othello’s past?

That he was sold into slavery.

 

What terms are used to describe Othello whilst in front of the senate?

Moor, more fair than black, thick lips

 

What is significant about Brabantio’s rhyming couplet “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.”?

What’s significant about Brabantio’s rhyming couplet is that he’s explaining to him that if can deceive her father, then she could also deceive you too.  

 

 

Can you find an example of dramatic irony in Othello’s retort?

‘My life upon her faith’ this shows dramatic irony because if he loses faith in her, then he will die so it shows a glimpse of what will happen.

 

What does Iago persuade Roderigo to do?

He persuades Iago to give him a lot of money and then he will help him get Desdemona.

 

What do we learn from Iago’s soliloquy?

That Iago is not being genuine and that he is not doing it to help him, he’s just doing it to get revenge.