OTHELLO CONCEPTS

Question 1

Othello Characters

Answer 1

iago, othello, desdemona, michael cassio, emilia
characters & intertwined relationships
character: motivation, downfall & behaviour

Question 2

Themes

Answer 2

jealousy, prejudice, guilt, reputation, guilt, reputation, deception, disguise/illusion, appearance vs reality, gender roles, socially acceptable, dualism, good vs evil

Question 3

key scenes

Answer 3

• iago’s prompts about jealousy to othello
• othello’s retribution on desdemona
• othello suicide
• opening convo
• iago scheming (asides and soliloquy)
• desdemona vs emilia (black vs white)
• iago alluding to his suspicions and set ups

Question 4

forms + features: metatheatricality

Answer 4

Iago is the metatheatrical director manipulating the plot

Question 5

forms + features: scenes opening in mid conflict

Answer 5

engagement reflects emotions of characters E.G. othello & hsi process of inference & assumption

Question 6

forms + features: motifs & props

Answer 6

E.G. bed & handkerchief - goes through process as play progresses