OTHELLO SECTION A

Question 1

ACT 1 SCENE 1 - pg3-7 (just before Brabantio introduced) Overview + significance
significant
what comes after
what ideas does it present

Answer 1

• first scene (used to establish) , we are at the beginning of the tragic journey
  section after:
• Brabantio enters the scene ‘from above’, the tactical Iago has hidden under Brabantio’s balcony and shifts slyly to hide behind the podiums as he warns Brabantio of Desdemona and Othello’s elopement

what does this extract set up?

• themes of jealousy, millitary+reputation established through characters and their actions
• how shakespeare audience are position to understand aligned with Iago’s motivations
• characterisation is a major dramatic method (Iago as sly, Roderigo as trusting and a vehicle for Othello’s villainy)
• establishes our tragic villain, and his methods
• the audience is positioned to in anticipation of Othello’s

MAIN AOT

• tragic villain
• isolation
• tragic setting

Question 2

act 1 scene 1 pg7-14

Answer 2

before :
Iago recalls his motives and underhand method to take the position of Michael Cassio.

what does this moment set up for :
The audience is positioned in anticipation of Othello’s entrance as Iago prefaces the characterisation of the ‘lascivious Moor’ with his own racial prejudices. sets up for a dramatic irony that propels Othello into the position of the ‘tragic hero’

after: