Ok folks, it looks as if most of you have a basic idea of the plot, although there are some misconceptions, which is to be expected. So .... you will be reading Act One. With Leo Africanus in mind, pay attention to the animal references, and discuss their significance. Post discussion questions as you have in the past for each act (5 per act). You may post new questions/discussion points, or respond to one someone has posted. These posts will be worth 10 points, so take time and thought:)
All who contributed earned 5 points for the introduction.
love
Fergie.
well Fergie. i wasn't too sure who Leo Africanus is so i thinkk i'll jsut ask.. who is that? is he from the winter break reading or something? i missed it...
ReplyDelete1. "an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise,
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you"
ok. that's just rude. does roderigo and lago already know that orthello and desdemona are married? or are they just assuming they're off together? also why would they choose a ram specifically-i was thinking maybe becasuse a ram is fierce, but still weak like a lamb, also they put a few racial slurs in here about the ram being black and the ewe being white, and also the "thick-lips" being african.
2. if orthello has done so much for these people, why do they want to get rid of him? if orthello is the besta at what he does, why get rid of him?at least the duke appreciates him.
3. i like how brabantio so easily forgives orthello and desdemona for being in love, marrying and hiding it from him. i also like how he is greatful desdemona is an only child because then he would've sheltered and locked up all his other children so this decieving wouldn't happen again. hhahaa but isn't their marrige not the normal social happining because they hid it from everyone? or maybe because he's african?
4. roderigo is such a loser whimp. he teases Othell for beinga man and takinga wife, and since orthello's wife is desdemona, he want's to kill himself becuase "life is so awful and unfair". AND Iago is taking all his money behind his back and when he finds out about it he hardly does anything.
I'm with Hannah, I didn't know about the Leo Africanus reading either. I must have been absent or something. Anyways here are my questions/comments/discussion topics.
ReplyDelete1.In my opinion, Roderigo is pretty pathetic because of the fact that he can't even woo Desdemona himself. He has to pay Iago to help him gain her love. How can he expect her to love him if she isn't even fully aware of his existence let alone his love for her? Honestly, Iago wouldn't have even used Roderigo in his plan to get rid of Othello if he hadn't been involved with Roderigo and his love triangle.
2.Brabantio makes the quick assumption that Othello is involved in witch craft because he doesn't see how his daughter could fall for him unless she was under some kind of spell. Barbantio says to Othello, "...Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her; For I'll refer me to all things of sense,If she in chains of magic were not bound...Would ever have, to incur a general mock,Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou..." (1.2.76-84) which just proves he thought he was involved with witchcraft. Does he make that assumption because of his race? How can he make such an assumption when he knew most of Othello's life story about his heroism?
3. I love how Barbantio quickly forgives Othello and Desdemona for being married secretly because Desdemona talks to him about it. She seems like a daddy's girl. Just took a little convincing from him for him to forget even being mad about it.
4. Iago uses other people to get to Othello. If he was actually mature and brave and wouldn't use other people in a plot to ruin him. He would confront Othello in a mature manor and talk about his problem with him. Does this act show that he's really a coward?
5. Othello is so calm and handles the situation of defending his marriage to Desdemona respectfully and calmly. Most people would have reacted in a negative way and been very upset at that kind of accusation. Does this temperament last through out the rest of the play?
It seems that the animal imagery is a tool used by Iago. Like when he was telling Brabantio about Desdemona marrying Othello, he refers to Othello as an "old black ram" and Desdemona as a "white ewe". He plays on the fear of mixing races to rile Brabantio. By continually referring to Othello as an animal he makes him out to be inhumane and violent. He also implies that Othello's animalistic sexuality currupts Desdemona("barbary horse").
ReplyDeleteBrabantion claims Othello is a thief for marrying his daughter. What does this say about his view on women? Are they just property? Does he love her as a person at all, or is his love the love he might have for his favorite horse? And why is it so easy for him to believe that Othello didn't trick her by her saying she loves him? Why should he take the word of a 'mere girl'?
Iago claims that Othello gave Cassio the promotion that he deserved. But it seems that his hate goes deeper than that. What gives, Iago? Was that jealous statement merely aimed to manipulate Roderigo?
Hmmm. Jade mentioned how calm Othello handles the accusitions against him after he marries Desdemona. I wonder- Is there something that predisposes him to the kind of insanity that overtakes him when he is brought to doubt Desdemona's fidelity. He's sure of himself when it comes to his position and even his skin color. So why now her trust too?
What makes Iago think that he can so easily plant the seeds of doubt in Othello's mind? Surely true love isn't so easily corrupted. But what does Iago know about Othello's character that leads him to believe that he can? Is it his understanding of himself that allows him to do it? And if so, how different is Othello from Iago really? (((SPOILER after all, Iago didn't go killing his wife when he thought Othello slept with her. Who's the better of the two? But wait! Does Iago actually believe this? Mr. "I know Othello so well I can play him like a harp" could he just be creating new reasons to hate the moor? Is aware of it if he is?)))
Once again I ask myself: where are the mom's in this play? Maybe Shakespeares characters wouldn't all be so pathetic if they had a nice matronly lady who isn't young and innocent or whore-ish or crazy or confused giving them a good talking to. Oh I can see it now. "Iago, you twit. Quit sulking around and get thee gone to a nunnery!" Sigh. Idiots.
I agree Maria, animal imagery is used as a tool to rile Barbantio...but I think a deeper purpose of using these images of Othello as some dark beast is to make him seem less than human. Iago wants to make Othello seem like some kind of barbaric animal.
ReplyDeleteThe Leo Africanus article really shows the kind of attitude that was had towards people like Othello. In the article he says that the Africans are smart and knowledgeable, but then goes on to say that they are barbarians...in Othello the characters seem to know that Othello is a good general and that they need him, but when they are given suspicion about him, they immediately jump to the conclusion that he is barbaric and untrustworthy.
Hannah, in response to your discussion point #2, people want to get rid of Othello for several reasons, one of the main ones being jealousy. Iago wants Othello's rank and status, and Roderigo wants Desdemona, who he has failed to woo...
Here are some discussion points!
1. Has Iago been spurned in his attempts at getting promoted before? He seems to harbor a deep resentment that has been festering for quite some time...why did he wait till now to act on that jealousy?
2. Did Barbantio pay any attention to Desdemona? He is completely surprised to find that she isn't in his house any more, let alone married to Othello! What does this say about the father-daughter relationship between them?
3. If Othello and Desdemona had a reasonable explanation for getting married, then why did they keep it a secret from her father? Were they afraid of what his reaction might be?
4. Why does Othello listen to so much Iago says? Iago isn't his favorite officer, because he hasn't promoted him, and Iago says things that are direct attacks on the people Othello trusts the most...should Othello be more careful with who he believes?
5. I wonder the same thing as Jade and Maria...why is Othello so much more receptive to the accusations later on in the play when he handles them so well at the beginning? Is he more likely to trust himself than his wife?
I agree with Austin and Maria's comments about the animal references - Iago knows that Othello is actually a good person and not the beast he has been making him out to be, but Iago is Iago and wants to build up Brabantio's opinion against Othello.
ReplyDeleteLeo Africanus...that seems to be the view that everyone but those who know Othello best jump to when they first hear that he 'stole' Desdemona from her father. That essay was really strange, with the author spending half the time building up a nice image of African people and then tearing it back down.
Discussion Points!
1. What made Iago hate Othello so much? So far, all we know is that Othello didn't give him from the army position he wanted, but I don't think that would be cause for the plotting hatred he shows.
2. The status of women in Venice is obviously not very high - the fact that Roderigo, Iago, and Brabantio all refer to Desdemona as Brabantio's property and how Othello had 'stolen' her were pretty strong indicators. Also, in reference to Austin's second point, that goes along with the relationship between Brabantio and Desdemona.
3. The play starts pretty suddenly in what is presumed to be the middle of the conversation between Roderigo and Iago, en media res with little setup of the previous story. Why did Shakespeare choose to do this?
4. Where are Othello's parents and how long has he been in Venice? It seems like he would have had to spend a long time working to get so high up in standing in the army, especially with the prevailing attitude toward his heritage.
5. Roderigo seems really unbalanced as a character. He knows that Othello and Desdemona have gotten married, but then suddenly decides that he wants to kill himself only after failing the process of trying to get Brabantio to break their marriage apart. Then somehow he gets pulled into Iago's ruse to take his money with the thinly veiled plan of re-wooing Desdemona. What is his significance in all this?
1.Why do Roderigo and Iago wake up Barbantio?
ReplyDelete2.How does Roderigo know that Desdemona isn't in her bed, and is with Othello?
3.Didn't Barbantio notice how Othello and Desdemona would act when Othello was at his house telling stories?
4.Why did Barbantio forgive Othello and Desdemona so easily for getting married, when just moments before he was saying how she could never fall in love with him?
5. How can Othello stay so calm when he is being accused of doing magic and there are swords out?
1. I too am wondering the samething as Austin, how can Barbantio not notice that his only child is missing? He throws such a fit that she is gone but really how hard is it to keep track of one child?
ReplyDelete2. Othello is looked at as a very noble man for all he does in battle and the story he tells of how Desdemona falls in love with him is very real. Why is the marriage a secret? Why was it not a celebration of the union of a great man a beautiful girl?
3. What has caused Iago to hate Othello so much? What has happened?
4. How old is Othello? At the end of Act one scence three othello tells the duke that he does not want Desdemona with him for intimate purposes becuase he is to old for that desire but he wants her with him so he can care for her and love her. So how much older is he then Desdemona?
5. I also agree with Maria in saying where is the Mother figure? Desdemona metions her mother's faithfulness to her father when talking about her love for Othello but where are the mothers? So much could be solved if the mothers were there to keep things in balance.
I also wanted to comment on the animal references. I think they are used in a way to try and make Othello seem like the villan when everyone knows that for the moment he is the hero that everyone loves and adores.
1. To attempt an answer to Taylor's 2nd question, it's very easy to say that the answer is simply race. Before people start asking why would Othello have his rank if that were the case, remember that history is full of people using natives as instruments of war, despite the prejudices held against them. So could it be that Othello got his promotion precisely because he is viewed to be a savage because of his race?
ReplyDelete2. Nobody's just "born" like Iago. What created the Iago we all know? What could have twisted him into the character he is at the beginning of the play?
3. Barbantio makes obvious his animosity towards Roderigo, and is likely distrustful of him as a result. Why, then, does he take so little convincing to believe Roderigo's story? Why does he never question how Roderigo knows of Desdemona's disappearance?
4. Embellishing further on the assumption that Desdemona and Barbantio have at least a strained relationship, could her and Othello's relationship have begun from her desire for rebellion against her father? Not to say that the two aren't in love now, because they do seem to be, but I mean is that how their relationship started?
5. Is Barbantio's seemingly quick acceptance of the union of Othello and his daughter just an appearance? Could he still harbor deep distrust and resentment towards Othello?
In the Leo Africanus article they build up Africans saying they are knowledgeable and wise, and then tare them down calling them barbaric and relating them to animals. I agree with Austin and Maria, that they call them beasts and animals to make them seem less than human, but I believe whites make Africans seem barbaric to make their horrendous terror upon them acceptable. If whites looked at blacks as people they would never be able to continue the kidnapping and enslaving that they were doing. Comparing them to animals acts as a vice that allows them to continue slavery.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Austin's third point, I believe they do not tell Barbantio solely because Othello is a Moor. Racism is just an ingrained belief that it clouds the judgment of very reasonable people. I think Othello doesn't tell him for fear of his life. Also, I like Mary's points about the status of women and the lack of Othello's parents.
Discussion Points
1) When Iago compares Othello to a black ram defiling a white ewe, what is this referencing in regards to animal imagery? Is this a biblical reference of the devil (Black Ram) trying to muddle the sinless Jesus (white ewe)?
2)In sports, when a player is called a beast it is generally a person of African decent, and white players are generally noted for their skills and intangibles. Why are once terrible, degrading put-downs, such as calling an African player a 'beast', acceptable in the present time?
3)What causes Othello to not give the position to Iago? Did Othello see the conniving, manipulative side of Iago that comes out in this tale?
4)"If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black." The Duke says this to Barbantio. Is the Duke trying to equate Othello to being white? And do you believe the Duke will be the voice of reason in this play?
5)Shakespeare makes the black Othello honest and white in soul, while he makes the white Iago a liar and black in nature. Why did Shakespeare decide to make this juxtaposition?
1) Racism seems to run deep within the culture of this play. given the racist remarks made and the overall idea that Moors were considered to be inferior. So how is it that Othello got to be a general, this being a seat of political and militaristic authority?
ReplyDelete2) Barbantio's character seems rather childish considering his age and social stature. Why is it that he acts this way, changing from enraged bigot one moment to a reluctant father-in-law?
3) Othello has an extreme tolerance for tense situations, seeing as he remains honest and calm in the face of danger. Where does Othello's good nature and level-headedness stem from? Does this provide an idea of his past experiences?
4) Roderigo is, obviously, a very weak character. This paired with his emotional desires and frustrations make him extremely vulnerable. How is it that Iago saw this and so quickly formulated a plan to take advantage of him? What does this tell us about Iago as a character?
5) Iago's strength of character and of wit are in some instances formidable. Despite his being a man who seemingly knows what he wants and how to get it, his hatred of Othello seems childish and unjustified. Why is it that he struggles with his hate for Othello and how to go about it?
1) "I am not what I am." Explain what Iago means in this famous quote.
ReplyDelete2) What fuels Iago's hatred toward Othello, if anything?
3) Why does Shakespeare suddenly switch to rhyming verse during a part in the middle of Scene 3?
4) Why does Brabantio change from enraged to forgiving so suddenly after Desdemona confirms Othello's story?
5) What role has race and racism played in the play so far? Who are the real villains and the real heroes?
In response to alecias question, I think that Othello managed to stay calm because he knew that the accusations were not true. He was willing to bet his life if Desdemona testified against him. He is in love with Desdemona. Nothing can be more powerful or true than love.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion topics:
1)What exactly happened in the past to make Iago hate Othello so much?
2) I don't understand why Brabantio Does not believe the calls of Iago and Roderigo when they are screaming at him that his house is robbed.
3)How can Brabantio be so forgiving about Desdemona's and Othello's marriage when he was so angry at them 10 minutes before Desdemona confessed her love for him?
4)When Brabantio tells Othello not to be deceived by Desdemona, is he foretelling what happens in the future of the book?
5)Is Roderigo aware that Iago is using him?
1) Jealousy is an extremely powerful emotion and is common in the works of shakespeare. Is it jealousy the fuels Brabantio's dislike for Othello because his relationship with Desdemona?
ReplyDelete2) Why does Shakespeare have the audience hate Iago right of the bat? We instantly see how perfectly evil he is in Act 1.
3) To respond to Irene's question, i think that Roderigo is completely aware of the fact that Iago is using him, but does not want to accept it. Mainly because Roderigo is afraid of the power that Iago possess and he would rather be with him and being obviously used, or without him and hated by Iago.
4) Would the color of Othello's skin really change Iago's perspective and hate towards him? Or would Iago despise Othello regardless?
5) Describe "beast." Why does Iago refer to Othello as a beast? It is because a moor is like living on thew outskirts of society at this time?
1)In response to Kindra’s first question, I definitely think that it is jealousy that makes Desdemona’s father so angry, in that she would rather be with Othello than be home with him. Along with this, it seems to me that another contributing factor to his anger is that he had no idea that his daughter loved Othello, and he is a bit ashamed of the fact that he didn’t know his daughter as he should have had, or else he would have known of their mutual love, and perhaps Desdemona wouldn’t have felt the need to elope.
ReplyDelete2)Along the same lines, I think that Brabantio forgives Othello and Desdemona so quickly because his selfless part of his love for his daughter (as opposed to the jealous half) prevails when he sees that Desdemona is actually happy, so he gives in.
3)Also in response to Irene’s question, I would have to say that I think Roderigo doesn’t know that Iago is manipulating him. One, because who in their right mind would agree to being manipulated when it doesn’t benefit themselves, and two, later on in Act one, when Roderigo sees that Iago was with Othello, he questions Iago’s loyalty to himself, which shows that he had no idea that he was being controlled by him. When Iago reassures Roderigo that he is “for him”, then Roderigo is back in his thrall again, without any evidence of his thinking that Iago is a super villain.
4)Why was Desdemona so calm when she was taken before her father, in declaring her love for Othello in front of high brass people, when earlier Brabantio said that Desdemona would blush at even the thought of love?
5)I thought that it was interesting how the play opened up directly with the Iago, the villain, already manipulating people. Is this Shakespeare trying to get the readers to hate Iago right from the beginning, as opposed to Macbeth, who could be sympathized for?
~Just had to add this last note: Who is the protagonist in the play? So far, it almost seems as if Iago is, because it is he who manipulates Roderigo into telling Brabantio about Desdemona running off and marrying Othello, which starts a whole chain reaction.
~Ok, now just one more – when Brabantio warns Othello “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee”, is Shakespeare foreshadowing the future actions of Othello, by planting a seed of doubt in his head?
Regarding Brabantio's contempt for Othello; I got the notion that most of the hatred was spurned by Rodorigo and Iago's unwarranted nightly visit to his house. Their tone was aggressive and condescending and was probably humiliating for Barbantio. They insulted his daughter openly, but because of the racial stigma associated with the situation, he was only looking to protect his family's reputation, rather than his daugther's whereabouts and possible love. Othello, while defending his healthy love for Desdemona and her love in return, he states that "her father loved me" (1.3.142). And judging by the character and integrity of Othello established by this first act, this is honesty. So... Barbantio's fury must have stemmed from embarrassment and provoked by the insideous Iago and Rodorigo.
ReplyDeleteI think I have successfully rambled... but I learned from the best. Thank you, Robert Plant. Ramble on.
On to some to discussion points....
If the most honorable character in the play (Othello) believes the vile Iago to be an honest person who he entrusted the welfare of his new wife to, what does this mean for battle of good and evil? Does evil have the upper hand in life? Why or why not?
Othello stays calm and collected while he is denounced and his reputation pissed on throughout the entire first act. Do you think this calmness will boil as the play progresses?
Is Othello's military success the only quality keeping his honorable, credible status? The Duke's appreciation and relationship with Othello seems to transcend these bigoted bounds. Do you agree?
Desdemona reveals herself to be a confident, independent, strong woman in the first act. How will she deal with the evil Iago?
The language of Othello and the language of Iago and Barbantio is quite different. Othello's lines sound calm and noble, whereas Iago and Barbantio's, especially Barbantio's lines sound so angry and chaotic. How did Shakespeare do this?
I AM TAYLOR KINGMAN.
ReplyDeleteSo - some thoughts. When two people are in love, is it anybody else's business? Why not keep it to yourselves. Keep that precious secret?
ReplyDeleteNobody seems aware of Iago's duplicity. Desdemona can easily match wits, as you will see in Act 2 - but notice the change from verse to prose. Why do you think Shakespeare does this?
Discuss the dramatic irony present already:)
Act 1 Discussion Points:
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Brabantio was very quick to forgive Othello and accept him as his son in law. Will his feelings of forgiveness and acceptance remain throughout the play?
Why was Brabantio unaware of his daughters presence let alone the fact that she is now married? It seems odd that he is so protective over her when it comes to other men yet at the same time he is oblivious to her actions and whereabouts.
Are there comparisons to be made with the fathers in Shakespeare’s plays, specifically Duke Frederick and Brabantio?
Iago must have done something to gain Othello’s trust before the play. Did Iago always have feelings of hatred towards Othello or did they start to appear after Othello’s trust was gained?
Why is Roderigo so willing to follow and trust Iago?
what are we supposed to do for Act 2? 5 more discussion points?
ReplyDeleteTo answer Evan’s second question, sometimes those closest to you are the blindest. There’s a reason we call love blind: when we love a person, truly love them, we tend to choose to ignore any faults or oddities, especially if we believe our love would never ‘betray’ us. Brabanzio trust for Desdemona, as well as his undying love, left him open for her eventual ‘betrayal’. Many times the harder we try to see, the blinder we are.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion Questions
1. The play opens to Roderigo and Iago discussing a “him”. They only refer to this “him” through the vaguest of pronouns and racial slurs. We only discover “his” true name until later. Why is it that Shakespeare shrouds Othello in such a way? How does it set the mood for the ensuing acts?
2. Iago is furious with Othello for not giving him the lieutenant position. If the two of them are such good friends, why doesn’t he award the position to him? Is it that Othello sees past Iago’s kind façade? Is it something more innocuous, like wanting to give a man an opportunity he would never otherwise have? Or is it as simple as Iago not being as good as he professes? And on that note:
3. Is the friendship between Othello and Iago really that? How is it that one who so professes his love for a man just as quickly stabs a knife in his back? What motivates Iago’s hatred, and is there even a motivation?
4. Why does Shakespeare give the audience so much information about Iago’s innate evilness? Why not have it a surprise at the end? How does this dramatic irony affect the play? How would the perception of the play be changed if the audience was kept in the dark?
5. What is the significance of the switch from verse to prose (1.3.300-376) during the discussion between Iago and Roderigo? What does this say about the perception of this dialogue? Why does Shakespeare then switch again as soon as Roderigo leaves?
Act I questions
ReplyDelete1. What in the world does "I am not what I am" mean?!
2. It sounds like Desdemona has turned away several other suitors...so what convinced her to choose Othello over the others?
3. What makes Brabantio jump to the conclusion about Othello's use of magic on Desdemona so quickly?
4. If Brabantio really did originally like Othello so much and invited him to visit again and again, then why is it such a big deal for Othello and Des to be together?
5. How is Brabantio settled so easily once he hears that Othello and Des are truly in love? What happened to the anger and indignation of a moment ago?
6. Is the repeated "put money in thy purse" line a way to say 'that's one thing in your favor?'
Act 2 Discussion Points:
ReplyDeleteWhat makes Iago think that Othello is sleeping with his wife? Did something happen before the play to make him suspect his wife’s unfaithfulness?
Why do the characters in the play refer to Othello as Moor Othello instead of his appropriate military title?
Why is Rodregio so easily convinced to start the quarrel with Cassio?
It is interesting that Othello is a general, but the only orders he has given so far are to stand down and not fight. Is Shakespeare trying to say that even those with military power should assert peace instead of violence?
Does Othello already know that Iago is not trustworthy and thats why he didn’t make him a lieutenant?
Discussion Points for Act 2:
ReplyDelete1) When the ship arrives and Iago is belittling women, why doesn't Desdemona stick up for women instead of just laughing it off?
2)"With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio."(II.i.169) Seeing that jealousy is a huge part of the plot, what is the significance of this quote?
3) When Iago goes off on the women, is he really mad at them? Or is it coming from another source of jealousy such as a strong person like Desdemona who is also higher in class?
4)In the soliloquy in the end of Act.2, why does it seem like he is mocking the audience?
5)Why is Othello so stuck one the idea that Desdemona was unfaithful?
It is my firm belief that Iago crafts his words, full of animal references as they are, to better instill hatred and ill humour into the hearts of those he converses with. "An old black ram is tupping your white ewe" provides an image of such clarity unto the point Iago wishes to convey, that the listener's mind is easily twisted to his side.
ReplyDeleteIt is also my belief that Roderigo is weak-willed, feeble-minded, and altogether ill suited for few jobs but what Iago finds use for him to do--as in, to be his own personal bank. So said, what does Roderigo gain from letting Iago use him as he does?
Brabantio too seems rather feeble-minded, to be so easily tricked by both his daughter and Iago. Granted, Iago is a master at what he does--master enough to trick Othello into believing he is loyal. He is a good man though, good to hear his daughter and to give his blessing to her marriage that he so despised. Good to lay down arms and no longer follow Iago.
That Roderigo would want to kill himself seems overly dramatic. Perhaps he wants Desdemona for his own and is truly distraught over her marriage, but is it that--or is he simply so disgusted by the thought of a Moor with Desdemona, or of his wanting something that a Moor got, that he is throwing a temper tantrum?
As for Iago... well now. I despise him. Such a vile character, one loves to hate him. The very fact that he spells out his wicked intentions for us, and we know in our hearts that he shall get at least some portion of his way, makes for a character of such despicable origins that, were it not for Othello's redeeming presence, I would wish to do such things as burn the words of Iago.
to respond to act one comments, I find it very fairy tale like that a girl would run away in the night to go and see a boy, then the dad wakes up in the morning to find his only daughter gone and freaks out. I know thats what my dad would do! So if the old man was sleeping, and she snuck off into the night, its obvious that he couldnt catch her if he was asleep.
ReplyDeleteKindra I think that Her dad definitely is jealous othello and the thought of him taking her away from her dad, not in a nasty way but in a companionship type attitude.
Also, some one said something about othello insanity that overcomes him later on coming up earlier in the play. Which I can see, yet i would not call othello insane so much in doubt. He trusts two people and has to choose between them, which is a horrible situation in itself. But othello most definitely doesnt go insane like Lady Macbeth insane.
So as to not look foolish tomorrow, here are my Discussion points for Act II:
ReplyDelete1. Could the fact that Othello and Desdemona arrive on separate ships be foreshadowing of what's to come?
2. Cassio, though told to be on watch, is easily swayed to join the drinking, knowing full well his lightweight capacity for alcohol. Is it possible that Iago chose Cassio to be his patsy because he sees how mentally weak he is, much in the same way he uses Roderigo?
3. To respond to Evan, I do not think that Othello suspects Iago's treachery, and that this suspicion leads to his not promoting Iago. However, could it be because of the company Iago keeps? Othello could easily already bear mistrust towards Roderigo, who seems to frequent Iago's company.
4. I, much like Evan, wonder why Iago suspects that Emilia had an affair with Othello. However, I also wonder if it goes unexplained as a literary device, giving the audience the feeling of knowing more about Iago's motives, while actually raising more questions.
5. At the beginning of scene three, Othello urges Cassio to use restraint, revealing that he has at least some knowledge of Cassio's problem with alcohol. Why then does he sill entrust him with standing watch? Could is be a sign of Othello's distrust of his colleagues that Cassio and Iago are the two soldiers whom he trusts the most?
Act 2:
ReplyDelete1. What do the first few lines of Act 2 symbolize?
2. Evan- I think that Iago is simply somewhat suspicious that Othello is sleeping with his wife. Perhaps he is just making assumptions because he hates Othello so much- maybe he is trying to convince himself that Othello is truly a despicable man. Interestingly, in his soliloquy at the end of Scene 1, Iago offers us many more possible reasons why he hates Othello ...what really motivates his hatred?
3. Although the play is titled Othello, Iago has many more lines than even the titular character. Who do you think is the central character to the plot of the play: Othello or Iago?
4. There seems to be more than a dualism in Iago's personality...a deeper pluralism, since he acts as "Honest Iago" while in the presence of others; speaks with his partner in crime, Roderigo, when they are alone(although he is really simply using Roderigo); and reveals his true plots and intentions when speaking aside. Iago is truly the ultimate actor.
5. There are now POSSIBLY three other men who desire Desdemona's love: Iago, Roderigo, and Cassio. What about her character makes Desdemona so attractive, or it is simply physical appearance?
6. What does the fact that Iago makes the reputable Montano and Cassio fight say about his manipulative abilities?
Act 1 Discussion Points
ReplyDelete1. I think that we are so quick to hate Iago because we see something he wants get taken from him and he doesn't like that one bit. Not only is it taken from him, but it's taken by someone who he thinks should be inferior, making it all the worse. So now the question is, did Iago respect Othello beforehand? Or has he always hated him, and now this is the final straw?
2. When Barbantio totally trashes on Othello's reputation, Othello remains calm. I would expect this calmness if he was used to these remarks. Is he used to these remarks from Barbantio? Barbantio seems to have high respect for him, so I'm not sure why Othello is calm... unless his new wife knows how to really relax Othello....
3. Barbantio uses the term "black magic" several times... is this supposed to be referring to the fact that Othello is black, and is supposed to be a really bad joke? or does he actually mean an evil magic?
4. The Duke appears to be siding with Othello. Why does he do this? is it because he needs him to go to battle for him, or because Othello is an honorable and honest man?
5. Barbantio totally sounds like Duke Frederick when he banished his own daughter when all she wanted was Rosalind! Hm...... Parallel much?
Act II questions
ReplyDelete1. Does Iago really believe Cassio loves Desdemona? If not, why would he try to convince Roderigo he does?
2. Considering the conversation between Iago and Cassio (as well as previous bits from Act I), is Iago in love with Desdemona too??
3. Cassio brings up the animal theme twice when talking about being drunk: "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial!" Why is this such an important theme in this play?
4. Man, Iago knows perfectly well that he's practically playing the devil's advocate here. "Divinity of @#!*% ! When devils will the blackest sins put on they do suggest at first with heavenly shows as I do now." What gives? What are Iago's motives anyway??
This is act2 and 1
ReplyDeleteI don't remember who Leo Africanus is. I think I missed something.
To Fergies question when 2 people are in love its not everyone else's business but people like to try and make it they're business.
Why is Othello called moor Othello?
Barbantio is jealous that his daughter is choosing Othello over him. He thinks that Othello has "enchanted" her to make her choose him.
When the ship arrives, Iago is belittling women, why doesn't Desdemona stick up for women instead of just laughing it off?
Reina is right about love. Love blinds us but yet we search for love. someone to love and someone to love us. Does that mean we also are trying to blind our selves to? We know what love does yet we still try to find it.
otay thats all I got. My brain died.
Act II Discussion
ReplyDeleteWhen a play shifts from verse to prose it is a very big attention grabber. In Othello, Shakespeare makes this change at very interesting times. This switch is made when Iago starts to manipulate his next victim. In act II he manipulates Roderigo and Cassio, and both times there is a switch from verse
to prose. I believe this is Shakespeare letting us know that these moments are crucial, that they will ultimately influence Othello's demise.
Also, I thought it was ironic that the Moor, Othello, tells the white Iago to get his luggage from the ship. That most likely would not have happened in Shakespeare's time.
Discussion Points
1) When Iago sees Cassio hold Desdemona's hand, he tries to think of ways to make this benefit him. He is thinking of ways to become Othello's lieutenant and states, "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." (2.1.183-84) Do you believe getting the position Iago desires so much will stop him from killing Othello? Or is he already more focused on the murdering than the reason for the murdering?
2)In Act 2 the Turks are swallowed by the sea, while the Venetians are spared and make it to Cyprus. How is this biblical reference of the Jews escaping Egypt while the pharaoh and his men are swallowed in the Red Sea important to the play?
3)Why is it important that Roderigo is not present when Othello inquires what happened in the scuffle between Cassio and Montano?
4)In this play, many characters lust after Desdemona. Cassio seems to be enthralled by her wit and charm, and even Iago admits to wanting her. Will Desdemona's wit and prominence help lead to her husband's death? And if so in what ways?
5)Does the fact that Iago does not commit the deed of killing Othello alone, but brings in many others make him even more villainous; because he manipulates so many others, does that make him worse than other murders in Shakespearean play?
Lauren I really love the idea of Desdamona and Othello's love being a fairtale. Very nicely put. And Fergie I completely agree with a relationship between two people and it is no one elses business to know that going on!!! I do however think Othello should have asked for Desdamona's hand in marriage but that's just me, I tend to be old fashion.
ReplyDeleteSo some qustions about Act Two
1. First of all why did Iago's wife Amilia ever go for a man like him? Was she forced becuase no woman deserves to be treated and slandered the way she is.
2. The love that is shared between Desdemona and Othello in this act is so strong you can hear the worry, and pure love in every word they speak. How can something so beautiful and strong in this act be split apart in the next? What snaps in Othello.
3.I don't understand why Cassio's reputation has to be destroyed in order to screw up Othello. Is Iago just trying to make everyones life misrable?
4. Why Doesn't Desdemona defend herself more when Iago goes off on his little rant about women?
5. I am wondering the same thing as Evan, what makes Iago think that Othello slept with his wife? Is this a true accusation or is it something Iago has made up to distroy the Moor who has taking everything from him?
Act 2:
ReplyDeleteOthello and Desdemona are very public about their love indeed, and I think it might be because they are still in the "honeymoon phase" of their relationship. Their love seems so pure that it would be better to keep to themselves, but they are still very happy together and want everyone to know.
1. Dovetailing with Aidan's point - Cassio is so gullible! His refusal of the alcohol is so weak, and he does not even step in on his own behalf after the fight. Why? He could have prevented a lot of what Iago does afterward by this.
2. Prose and verse were interesting indicators in this act, though I also wanted to mention them for act one. Othello and Desdemona speak only in verse to each other when we have seen them together. Iago speaks almost exclusively in prose, except for his soliloquies.
3. "Honest Iago." HA. I don't even know how many times I have heard that adjective attached to his name so far, but it's definitely ironic. It seems a little much after awhile, though. Why did Shakespeare choose to continue this so long?
4. Iago is a genius. Horrible and scum, yes, but still nevertheless brilliant. He is pulling the strings of this whole elaborate plan, knows exactly how each person will react and how to reap the most benefit for himself. The dramatic irony he provides in his soliloquies is intense - I just want to slap him because he is vile and I know what he says is going to end up happening no matter how much I don't want it to.
5. Desdemona. Going along with what Jordan said, how does she act towards men? Iago, Cassio, and Roderigo are all attracted to her for different reasons, and she is famously beautiful. So far, all that we know of her is a virtuous wife to Othello, yet Iago so easily figures out how to use her own goodness against her.
I suppose we've decided to post Act 2 on here as well! Fine by me.
ReplyDeleteMadi, in response to your first point, Iago would try to convince Roderigo that Cassio loves Desdemona because it helps his plan. He wants Roderigo to become more and more jealous, because he he loves Desdemona. Iago is a master of creating jealousy, which leads me to my first discussion point...
1. Iago is a very jealous character...he is jealous of Othello, jealous of the promotion of Cassio, and seems to be jealous when he suspects his wife of cheating on him with Othello. Is this ingrained jealousy what makes him intentionally put jealousy into the minds of those around him?
2. Why is Othello so quick to denounce Cassio as an officer? He looses his trust in one of his most trusted men in an instant...
3. Does Iago really think himself so honest? He keeps referring to himself as "honest Iago" but the basis of his plotting is planting lies, jealousy, and distrust in the minds of his enemies.
4. Othello and Desdemona seem to have a very true love at the beginning of the play...how does it deteriorate so greatly towards the end of the play? Is it because of a lack of trust?
5. Why does Iago keep switching back and forth from blank verse? It's understandable in the drinking scene, but why during his monologues does he often stop?
Act 2 Discussion Questions:
ReplyDeleteI based most of them on Iago.
1.Iago talks badly about women in the first scene. How could others not see his bad attitude towards women as a sign that he isn't a good person? Shouldn't rude comments like that show people his true nature which is cruel and judgmental.
2.Roderigo is also oblivious to Iago's villainy and believes everything he tells him. Why is this?
3.It seems as if Iago's real resentment lies in those that are of a higher social class than he is. Why is that?
4.Does Iago have a secret love for Desdemona? That would give him another reason, other than ruining Othello, for trying to break Desdemona and Othello up.
5. Iago states he does his most evil when he does good. He helps Cassio in scene three get closer to Desdemona and then closer to Othello in hopes of regaining his job as lieutenant. But really Iago hopes Cassio's closeness with Desdemona will break her and Othello's relationship up. Why does he even bother doing something good for someone? Maybe that's a sign of some kindness, or maybe it was just how the plan had to work out.
Act II Discussion points-
ReplyDelete1) During his conversation with Desdemona, Iago suddenly switches from prose to not just verse, but rhyming verse. (II.i.148-158) Why?
2) When Othello says “O my fair warrior!” (II.i.145) is he addressing Desdemona? While she answers him, that seems like an odd thing to say to her.
3) Iago seems to sort of mimic the speech patterns of whomever he is speaking to. While talking with Desdemona, who primarily speaks in verse, he speaks verse; but when speaking to Roderigo he switches to prose.
4) If Iago seriously suspected Othello of sleeping with Emilia then wouldn’t he consult her about it? Or, if he is so ready to not only punish Othello but ruin his life over this supposed affair, wouldn’t he do the same to Emilia?
5) To answer Austin’s discussion point, Iago doesn't think himself to be honest. Iago is quite aware of how evil and manipulative he is, and he enjoys it. When he calls himself “honest Iago” he is enjoying the irony that everyone thinks and calls him honest, while he knows how he is quite the opposite.
Good discussions folks. Sorry - I am to blame for adding act 2 here - I fixed it this morning, so the other posts are on another "page".
ReplyDeleteIago is the consummate actor who shows people what they want to see in him (hence his ability to switch prose/verse/rhyming verse at a whim). I feel that the comment about Othello having slept with Emilia is a throw away - almost as if he has to justify to himself why he hates him so much. However, I wonder if Iago really understands why he hates Othello, or if Shakespeare is using him as a vehicle to show the capacity for human beings to hate without reason? Had Othello really slept with Emilia, I think that relationship would be more prominent in the play perhaps?
Desdemona reacts so clearly to the base misogyny that spews from Iago in the early part of the act. She is calm, and does not rise to his bait. I love the purity of her words.
There are many biblical allusions in this play, as Kale points out. So ... dun, dun, dun - who is the Christ figure?
To what Jade said, his rude comments about women didn't make people think differently about him because people were more sexist in general back then. Women weren't as highly regarded.
ReplyDelete1. I like how Iago is an intense sexist, I think i just adds to how much of a jerk he is.
2. I also think it's interesting how much of this play revolves around Desdemona, and how she's being used by Iago as a tool to do his bidding.
3. Iago seems mainly to speak in prose when he's being evil.
4. When he's being deceptive, however, he speaks in verse.
Act 1:
ReplyDelete1.Why is Barbantio so against a man like Othello marrying his daughter? Is it only because she's all he has left and doesn't want to lose her? Or does it have more to do with Othello himself?
2.Iago seems to treat Roderigo like dirt, but what is it that makes him stay and be faithful to a bitter jealous man rather than side with Othello? Roderigo knows knows how much Iago can't stand Othello, so why not tell him instead of staying with Iago and being kicked around?
3. If Barbantio cares so much about his daughter, why did it take a stranger at the window, in the middle of the night, to figure out she had gone missing? Wouldn't they be gone for more than just one night of Othello and Desdemona went off the marry in secret.
4. Othello tells everyone in the court about how Desdemona's father would invite him over all the time and the men became friends, how can he not realize the relationship and love blossoming right under his nose?
5. Iago is just so dang evil and manipulative! Why? What happened to make him so bitter? How can NO ONE notice?
1. Iago thinks it’s stupid to wear his heart on his sleeve, so hides his true feelings from everyone. Does he only tell Roderigo so the AUDIENCE can hear his plan? Why does Shakespeare do it like this, rather than in a soliloquy?
ReplyDelete2. Does Iago not think he could enrage Othello by merely insulting him? He chooses to turn to the ones AROUND Othello, rather than Othello himself, thereby making all those Othello loves turn against him- is this more effective than damaging Othello’s own appearance?
3. Brabantio truly hates Othello. Would he still feel the same if he hadn’t married Desdemona? Also, when accusing Othello of practicing “arts inhibited and out of warrant” (I.ii.82), or black magic, is that meant as a pun on Othello’s heritage?
4. “The Duke himself,
Or any of my brothers of the state,
Cannot but feel this wrong as ’twere their own.
For if such actions may have passage free,
Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be.” (I.ii.97-101)
When he says this, is Brabantio inferring that Othello should still be one?
5. Does Iago have any more reason than rumor and jealousy to hate Othello? His hatred for him runs so deep, it seems like there should be more to it. And Iago seems like the kind of person who wouldn’t believe a rumor anyways. Is he just so determined to hate someone, namely Othello, that he will put faith in something untrue?
I found it interesting how often Iago used animal references, it really helped show the emotions he feels towards Othello. When Iago refers to Othello as the "Mooreship" it is very mocking, as well as the use of "black ram", and "Barbary Horse". There is definitely more than meets the eye with Iago. "I am not what I am" in contrast to God's words "i am that I am" very powerful!
ReplyDelete1. The fact that Iago leaves Roderogo just before Barbantio discovers his daughter is missing from her bed, this is very shady.
2. Why is it so important to Iago that Barbantio knows about Othello and Desdemona. It is know one's business other than theirs if they wed or not, and if they are truly in love why does it matter who knows or doesn't.
3. I absolutely love how Iago is so deceitful and manipulative, he continuously pulls people back into his grips even if he hased benn the cause of harm.
4.Barbantio is so hostile towards Othello when he first discovers him, is this disgust from the fact that he is black or that he ran with his daughter or was part of this caused by Iago and RRodergio's rude awakening.
5. Bible references