10.2.5: Getting to Know Shakespeare’s Play “Othello”
(25 points)
Directions: Use the website, http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/facts.html, to fill out the chart below.
Questions
Answers
1. What is the formal title of “Othello”?
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
2. What is the genre of “Othello”?
Tragedy
3. When and where was “Othello” written?
Between 1601 and 1604, England.
4. When was “Othello” first published?
1622
5. What is the tone of any story, play, etc.?
(Look up the definition if you cannot remember.)
The tone is the way the author expresses his attitude through his writing.
6. What is the tone of “Othello”?
Shakespeare clearly views the events of the play as tragic. He seems to view the marriage between Desdemona and Othello as noble and heroic, for the most part.
7. What is the setting of “Othello”?
(Don’t forget time and place.)
Late sixteenth century, during the wars between Venice and Turkey.
8. A. Who is the protagonist in “Othello”? B. We can then assume that this person is the who in the story. (Think about the definition of a protagonist.)
Othello
9. What is the rising action of “Othello”?
Iago tells the audience of his scheme, arranges for Cassio to lose his position as lieutenant, and gradually insinuates to Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful.
10. What is the climax of “Othello”?
The climax occurs at the end of Act III, scene iii, when Othello kneels with Iago and vows not to change course until he has achieved bloody revenge.
11. What is the falling action of “Othello”?
Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s room and later arranges a conversation with Cassio, which Othello watches and sees as “proof” that Cassio and Desdemona have slept together. Iago