Overview

• When was Othello thought to have been written?

  1603
• Where is Othello set?

  Venice and Cyprus
• How many acts does Othello consist of?

  Five acts
• What type of play is Othello considered?

  A Shakespearean tragedy
• What leads to Othello's downfall in the play?

  His flaws and misjudgements
• Who is the antagonist in Othello?

  Iago
• What does Iago falsely convince Othello of?

  That his wife has been unfaithful
• What themes does Othello explore?

  Love, jealousy, racism, deception, manipulation, revenge, and justice
• What is the central focus of Othello?

  Love and revenge
• What are the two different tragic paths in Othello?

  • The tragedy of Othello's fall from grace
  • The love tragedy of Othello and Desdemona's relationship breakdown

  
• What is Othello's hamartia?

  Jealousy
• How does Othello's jealousy affect him?

  It enables him to be tricked and manipulated by Iago
• What is anagnorisis in the context of a tragedy?

  A moment of realization of mistakes and misjudgements
• What follows anagnorisis in a tragedy?

  Catharsis
• What does catharsis refer to?

  An emotional release and cleansing of wrongdoing
• How does Othello's language change throughout the play?

  It becomes fragmented and confused by Act IV
• What does the breakdown of Othello's language signify?

  His mental state breaking down
• What are the key themes in Othello?

  • Love
  • Jealousy
  • Race
  • Truth and deception
• How is love portrayed in Othello?

  As initially genuine but ultimately manipulated
• What metaphor does Shakespeare use to describe jealousy?

  "The green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on"
• How does Iago use racist language in the play?

  To dehumanize Othello
• What does Brabantio believe about Desdemona's marriage to Othello?

  That she could not have married him willingly
• What does Iago imply about Moors in the play?

  That they are changeable in their wills
• What does Othello's insistence on honesty reveal about his character?

  His integrity as the protagonist
• How does the setting of Venice contribute to the play?

  It serves as a place of wealth and cultural mixing
• What is the significance of Cyprus in the play?

  It represents a further breakdown of relationships and civility
• What does the term 'Moor' refer to in the context of Othello?

  A term used to describe people of North Africa, with various connotations
• Who is Othello in the play?

  The protagonist, a Moor and military general
• What is Desdemona's relationship to Othello?

  She is his wife
• How does Desdemona demonstrate her loyalty to Othello?

  By following him to war in Cyprus
• What is Iago's role in the play?

  He is Othello's ensign and the antagonist
• What motivates Iago's actions against Othello?

  Jealousy and racially-motivated hatred
• What is Emilia's relationship to Iago?

  She is his wife
• What is the significance of the handkerchief in Othello?

  It is used as false evidence of Desdemona's infidelity
• How does Othello's character change throughout the play?

  He transforms from a composed figure to one consumed by jealousy
• What is the role of the audience in experiencing catharsis?

  They feel a strong emotional release as they witness the tragedy
• How does Shakespeare's portrayal of Othello challenge stereotypes?

  By presenting him as a complex character rather than a mere stereotype
• What is the significance of the play's title, Othello?

  It highlights the central character and his tragic journey
• Who is Desdemona in "Othello"?

  Desdemona is the daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio and the wife of Othello.
• What character traits define Desdemona?

  Desdemona is portrayed as a good and loyal wife who is strong-willed.