Othello
A Tragedy by William Shakespeare
Welcome to our page on Shakespeare's Othello. As we read the play, please use this page for resources, including our study guide questions and links to important topics.
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Othello Resources and Links
Background Video on Shakespeare's Tragedies
No Fear Shakespeare - a side-by-side modern translation of the play
Audio Version of the play - listen as you read
Background Video on Shakespeare's Tragedies
No Fear Shakespeare - a side-by-side modern translation of the play
Audio Version of the play - listen as you read
Reading Assignment
As we read the play, you will be individually responsible for:
- copying the daily pre-reading notes and questions into your note book.
- tracking theme/meaning notes in your book with sticky notes or in your notebook.
- completing the assigned reading questions.
- writing the in-class quizzes on the play. You may use your notes.
If you are absent, you must complete the daily reading and submit your questions on time. You may use your text or the attached "No Fear Shakespeare" link.
You are also responsible for any missed notes.
Themes to Track
Jealousy
Deception and Trust
Reputation and Honor
Race and Difference
Justice and Revenge
Motifs
Animal/Bestial vs. Human or "Divine"
How does Iago use Othello's race to suggest that he is more animal than human?
Where do you see contrasts between heaven and hell? Evil and Divine?
Who is truly human? Whose behavior is bestial?
Blood, Violence
How does the language of blood and violence enter the play?
Heaven/Divinity vs. Hell/Evil
How does the imagery change in the play from heaven to hell, good to evil, etc?
Soldiers and Civilization
How does the city setting of Venice differ from military setting of Cyprus?
How does Othello's experience as a life-long soldier harm him in the "civilized" world?
Symbols
Desdemona's Handkerchief
Desdemona's "Willow Song"
Other Techniques
Dramatic Irony: Iago makes his plans known to the audience through a series of asides - direct addresses to the audience that other characters cannot hear. We also learn of his plans through his soliloquies, or speeches made alone on stage. The tension between what we know and the other character's ignorance is called dramatic irony.
Language: Pay attention to the use of puns (words that have two meanings) or double entendres(puns that have a second, usually suggested or provocative, meaning) in the play.
Pun Example:
A Bicycle can't stand on it's own because it's too tired.
Double Entendre Example:
I hate alcohol. I can’t stand drinking—I keep falling down.
And still more puns...because they are so fun!
"I told the board of education, I was bored of education…”
l"Cause I'm like Shakespeare retired
I never play right"
"I've been the truth since the cradle
While most of y'all are so good at lyin‘
I thought Simba raised you"