RESOURCE: Othello (published by Oxford University Press).  Please note that this is the text I have before me.  I will use act, scene and line references rather than page numbers as they will differ from publication to publication. Do not forget to make constant reference to the two booklets that were compiled for you, and which contain detailed explanations of the drama. Remember that you will not be tested on your ability to just retell the story!

The purpose of good literature

Let’s take a few minutes to consider the purpose of good literature.  Yes, you will undoubtedly have to be ready to respond to the questions in the examination, but beyond that, remember that words are also emotive and reactionary – you develop feelings about what you read or about what is said to you or those around you. The best way to appreciate Othello is to develop an emotional reaction to each of the characters.  It is essential that you are able to explain your reaction. For example, you may feel confused by Desdemona because Brabantio thought that his daughter was naïve, obedient and needed protecting from the world, but she is able to show independence and confidence before the Duke, when she defends her love for Othello.

In an examination you will need to quote from the text to support your reaction.  What would you choose for the aforementioned?  You could quote Brabantio: “She is abused, stolen from me, and corrupted by spells…for nature so preposterously to err.” Compare to Desdemona: “I do perceive here a divided duty…”

This is exactly the way we explain our everyday reactions to people and events.  Remember that this is a skill you have and which you must now apply to the literature you study.

The action unfolds against the backdrop of war.  War is associated with chaos, confusion, pain, death and destruction.  Shakespeare deliberately uses war as a metaphor for Iago’s impact on others. Similarly, at the beginning of Act2, we see a violent storm that foreshadows the turmoil that will ensue between Desdemona and Othello.

Looking back to Act 1

1.     Are you able to provide brief character sketches of the following characters: Iago, Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo and Brabantio? Use quotes to support your assessment of each character.

2.     Reflect on Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act1. What are his reasons for wanting to destroy Othello?

3.     Are his reasons justified?

4.     What does Iago mean by “double knavery”?

5.     In your own words, explain Iago’s assessment of Othello – “He holds me well, the better shall my purpose work on him” and “The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.”

6.     In your own words, explain Iago’s assessment of Cassio – “He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false.”

From the final two lines of this soliloquy we note that Iago has aligned himself with evil and the devil.  It is evident that he has studied his impending victims well – he watches them closely, notes what they say and mentally stores their virtues and weaknesses for exploitation. At this point Iago has a plan and is bent on destroying others.  Do you see him as a villain at this point or find him admirable? Are you able to explain your response?

Remember we evaluate characters by what they say, their actions and by what others say about them.  Your essays must include relevant quotes that link to the given topic. Read closely the conversation between Roderigo and Iago (Sc3, L 306 – 364).  These lines reveal much about Iago’s values and his skill at manipulation. Consider how you would incorporate the quotes below in an essay. 

Quotes from Act 1

“But he as loving his own pride and purposes…” (Sc1, L12).

“I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” (Sc1, L42)

“Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, but seeming so for my peculiar end.” (Sc1, L60)

“I am not what I am.” (Sc1 L65)

“For necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love…” (Sc1, L155).

“O she deceives me past thought.” (Sc1, L165).

“Let him do his spite; my services which I have done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints.” (Sc2, L17)

“I love the gentle Desdemona.” (Sc2, L25)

 “I must be found.  My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly.” (Sc2, L31)

“Keep up your bright swords.” (Sc2, L58)

“Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, would ever have incurred a general mock, run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou – to fear, not to delight…thou hast practised on her with foul charms.” (SC2, L66-73)

“Hold your hands, …were it my cue to fight, I should have known it.” (Sc2, L82-84)

“Rude am I in my speech and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace…and little of this great world can I speak more than pertains to feats of broil and battle.” (Sc3, L81-87)

“I saw Othello’s visage in his mind.” (Sc3, L249)

“Look to her Moor…she has deceived her father and may thee.” (Sc3, L289)

“My life upon her faith!” (Sc3, L291)

And just about every word from Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1.