1
Q
Which scholar highlighted the 4 elements of a Shakespeare play? What are the 4 elements?
A
- Scholar: Fantasia.
- 4 elements:
- Chaos/ figure of authority/ dramatic action/ resolution (deaths in tragedies.)
2
Q
What type of Shakespeare play is “Othello?”
A
- Tragedy
3
Q
What play was Shakespare writing alongside Othello?
A
- Play with sexual themes; “Measure for measure”
- May have been an influence in sexual references used in Othello ie. Iago’s speech.
4
Q
What story is Othello based on?
A
- 1565 Italian “Cinthio.”
- Called “The Moorish Captain.”
- Ensign seeks revenge on Captain, making him believe wife is unfaithful.
5
Q
When was play first performed? Significance of time it was performed?
A
- 1604 .
- Jacobean Era.
- Dark times due to political instability ie. those questioning James I reign due to being Scottish (Gunpowder Plot.)
6
Q
How was play performed for contemporary audiences?
A
- Both public
- and private (for James I/ his Kingsmen.)
7
Q
Black people in Jacobean England?
A
- There were black people.
- Weren’t viewed as racially inferior.
- More viewed as exotic/ mysterious.
8
Q
Where is Act I of play set? Significance?
A
- Venice.
- Civilised yet passionate.
- Republic.
- Women had a lot of sexual freedom in Venice (as seen through Desdemona.)
9
Q
Where is Act 2-5 set in the play? Signifiance?
A
- Cyprus.
- In late 16th cent, was conquered by Turkey (part of Ottoman Empire.)
- Perceived by Europe as a babaric threat/ end of civlised world.
- Although Babaric, also FREE
10
Q
When is “Othello” set?
A
- Late 16th century.
11
Q
Marriage in 16th cent.
A
- Mixed marriages would’ve faced a lot of backlash.
- Hypothetical children of Desdemona/ Othello wouldn’t be accepted.
- Link to “Titus Andronicus” - Shakespare play -, black man has child with white woman. Described as a “sorrowful issue.”
12
Q
Context of tragedies in literature.
A
- Typically have 5 acts. Aristotelian model (classical form of tragedy.)
- Involves tragic hero with harmatia.
- Malcontent character (in this case Iago, not content with rank!)
Othello
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