Act IV, Scene 2

1) What does Othello ask Emilia at the beginning of the scene, and how does Emilia respond?
2) What does Othello say to Desdemona and how does Desdemona respond? Is Othello treating Desdemona fairly?
3) When Desdemona and Emilia tell Iago about Othello’s behavior, how does Iago respond? What does Iago say he thinks is the cause of Othello’s anger? What does Emilia think is the cause?
4) Why is Roderigo angry and how does he threaten Iago? In response, what does Iago say Roderigo must do and why? According to Iago, what will be Roderigo’s reward if he follows Iago’s advice?

Othello Questions – Act IV Scene 1

Act IV, Scene 1
1) What are Othello and Iago discussing at the beginning of the scene? What physical reaction does Othello have to Iago’s information?
 
2) Whom do Iago and Cassio discuss while Othello is hiding? What does Cassio say about her? Whom does Othello think they are discussing and why?
 
3) Who enters at the end of Iago’s and Cassio’s conversation? What does she say to Cassio and what does she give him?
 
4) How does Othello plan to kill Desdemona? How does Iago suggest he do it? What is Othello’s response to Iago’s suggestion?
 
5) Who is Lodovico? How does Othello treat Desdemona in Lodovico’s presence, and what does Lodovico say about Othello’s behavior? What does Iago tell Lodovico about Othello’s behavior?

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 3

I had rather be a toad

And live upon the vapour of a dungeon

Than keep a corner in the thing I love

For others' uses. (3.3.274-278)

1. How does this scene relate to Othello and hubris (excessive pride - part of the tragic elements)? How might Othello's pride mean he is more concerned by Iago's suggestions about his wife's possible infidelity? Consider:
1. How he reacts to Iago's suggestions once Iago has left, and what he says about Desdemona (262-281)
2. How Othello may feel, knowing that Iago seems to be holding back information about Desdemona - it seems like Iago knows something he does not

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 2

She did deceive her father, marrying you,

And when she seemed to shake, and fear your looks

She loved them most. (3.3.209-211)

For she had eyes and chose me. (3.3.192)

1. How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene? Consider:
1. How Othello is reminded of the fact that Cassio helped him to woo Desdemona (lines 70-74) (Remember, Othello is insecure about how he speaks compared to Italian people 'rude am I in my speech')
2. How Iago reminds Othello of how different he is to Desdemona (lines 232-242)
3. The reasons Othello thinks that Desdemona may fall out of love with him (lines 267-270)

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 1

O beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. (3.3.167-169)

These questions concern Act 3 scene 3 up to line 303.

opportunist

ɒpəˈtjuːnɪst/

noun

1. 1.

   a person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

   "most burglaries are committed by casual opportunists"

strategist

ˈstratədʒɪst/

noun

1. a person skilled in planning action or policy. A person responsible for implementing a plan or strategy.

   "he is a cunning military strategist"

Reflect on Act 3 scene 3 so far. Do you think Iago is an opportunist or a strategist? You must give reasons for your response, with quotations from the play to support your opinion.

Act 2 scene 3

These questions apply to Act 2 scene 3, lines 1-254. Answer them in full sentences, with quotations. 

1. Iago switches from verse to prose when he speaks with Cassio, and Cassio follows. What does this indicate about the exchange? What might it indicate about Cassio? AO2 LFS
2. What language does Cassio use when speaking about Desdemona? How does it compare to the language Iago uses to sexualise her? Why do you think Iago is speaking about Desdemona in this way to Cassio? (lines 15-25) AO2 LF  
3. How does Iago persuade Cassio to drink? Use your close reading skills to analyse the language he uses. (Note how ‘but’ is used as an adverb here) AO2 LFS
4.  Why does Iago try to subvert the social order and bring others down to his level, rather than try to climb the ladder and raise himself up? Consider ideas about social order at the time AO3, context.
5. Othello says “My blood begins my safer guides to rule/And passion, having my best judgements collied/Assays to lead the way.” (lines 201-203) What does this quotation reveal about the effects of Iago’s knavery in this scene?

       BIG QUESTION: Why is this scene important in relation to the play as a whole?

     Consider:

       How Iago is presented

      What happens in the scene

      What this scene indicates about key characters

Writing your extract responses

In today's lesson we are going to begin writing our first piece of A Level work.

Extract assessment prep and feedback act 2 sc1 from Mr Smith

I have included two example responses to help you recognise the formality and depth required for the higher bands.

EXAMPLE ANSWERS

EXTRACT

The structure of a tragedy

The images below explain the structure of a tragedy. Using this information, apply this structure to Othello and identify the events which fit this model.

Act I: Exposition, Exciting Force, Rising Action

Act II: Rising Action

Act III: Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action

Act IV: Falling Action

Act V: Falling Action, Catastrophe

Exposition
The exposition describes the mood and conditions existing at the beginning of the play. The time and place will be identified as well as the main characters and their positions, circumstances, and relationships to one another.

Exciting Force

Also sometimes called the complication or initial incident, the exciting force is what “gets things going.” The exciting force thus begins the conflict which will continue throughout the play.

Rising Action

The series of events leading to the climax comprise the rising action. These events provide a progressive intensity of interest for the audience. The rising action will involve more than one act.

Climax

The climax represents the turning point of the play. From this point on, the Shakespearean hero moves to his inevitable (often grisly) end.

Falling Action

The falling action includes those events occurring from the time of the climax up to the hero’s death. The episodes will show both advances and declines in the various forces acting upon the hero.

The Catastrophe
The catastrophe concerns the necessary consequences of the hero’s actions (death). The catastrophe will be characteristically simple and brief.

Critical approaches to Othello and Misunderstanding in Othello

Read the articles below and answer the guided reading questions which follow. You made need to use Wikipedia to find the definitions to some terms.

TASK 1

http://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/critical-approaches-to-othello

Critical approaches to Othello

What do new historicists do?

Read the summary of Cinthio’s De Gli Hecatommithi, 1565 by clicking on the "view images from this item tab" immediately below the image of the book. Now answer the following questions

What does Cinthio's collection of short stories explore?

How does Shakespeare adapt Cinthio's tale in Othello?

Post colonialism

What is post colonialism?

What do post colonial readings focus on in the play?

What real life event was the inspiration for the plays rising action?

How does the play undercut the Christian/Turkish binary?

What are Brabantio and Desdemona fascinated by and why?

New historicist reading: ‘far more fair than black’

What debate are new historicist critics currently having?

What evidence is there that Othello was held in high esteem by other characters?

What references establish his liminal position in society?

Feminist reading: ‘a maiden never bold’

What is endogamous marriage?

What has changed in the audiences reading of the character of Desdemona since the plays original performances and the 20th century?

What is the current feminist perspective on the play?

Can you find evidence in the text to support this (include quotations)

Marxist reading: ‘’Tis the curse of service’

What are marxists critics concerned with?

What is the hierarchy (pecking order) in the play?

What have fuedal obligations of service been replaced with?

TASK 2

http://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/misunderstanding-in-othello

According to the article, where does the texts tragedy spring from?

How does Iago manipulate Othello?

The handkerchief

READ the explanation of Italian handkerchiefs to gain a better understanding of its significance.

What two things does the article believe the handkerchief represents?

What does the pattern on the handkerchief represent?

The Venetian ‘state of mind’

How does the play Othello characterise Venice?

What did the Venetians have an appetite for?

How did John Leo view Africans and why is this a significant difference to Venetian's?

War

Why does this section believe misunderstanding is inevitable?

Gender

In the play, what do Venetian men have little grasp of?

What is Emilia's function?

Summarise this section from a feminist perspective.

Summer Work

Your Summer work can be found here

https://englishatlc.com/2016/07/03/a-level-english-literature-summer-work-for-incoming-year-13/

Transition Work - Final Week

During the final week you need to complete the following tasks:

Research Tasks

1. Read the interview with Terry Eagleton and answer the following questions in detail.

Terry Eagleton Interview – Asking Important Questions

(a) What, according to Eagleton, is the role of literary theory when analysing texts?

(b) What does Eagleton believe makes a good English student?

2. Read this article from the British Library and answer the following questions.

(a) When Keats’ admirers praised him for thinking ‘on his pulses’, what did they mean?

(b) When did Keats die?

(c) In which year did the first biography of Keats appear?

(d) Where did Keats originally train before giving it up for poetry?

(e) Which two social upheavals influenced Romantic poets like Keats?

3. Read this article from the British Library and then summarise, in your own words, what makes a Shakespearean tragedy.

4. Read the article from emagazine below, and then writer half a page in response to the following statement: ‘Simon Bubb argues that Iago’s lack of humanity is what Shakespeare is most interested in sharing.’ To what extent do you agree?

eMag – on Iago

5. Read the task sheet titled The Canon (link below). For each of the authors listed, write the title of at least one of their works and the genre.

The Canon

Iago. A closer look.

Click the image to access some key critical thoughts about Iago. 

• Read through all of the ideas as a class. Ensure we understand what each critic is saying about Iago.
• You will be split into pairs. You will each be given two of the critical quotations to work with
• Imagine the quotation is the starting point for a whole-text question about Iago, and you are going to have to respond 'to what extent do you agree with this view?'. In your pair: create the outline of an argument in response to the critical quotation. Your argument must:
• Have a clear angle/viewpoint
• Track through the play chronologically, explaining which quotations you would use to support your groups' argument (make sure you track right through to the end of the play)
• Address the possible counter-argument (BRIEFLY)
• Conclude.

Type up the outline of your response either using Word of PowerPoint, then upload it to your blog using Scribd (for Word doc) or Slideshare (for ppt).

Othello - Reviewing The Mock

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwqZRopnG_XKd0pNc1NuX0JHS1E/view

Othello - Act 5 scene 1

How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5 scene 1? Consider:

• Setting
• Language
• Structure of lines
• Use of characters
• Other dramatic methods

Your response should be no less than 1/2 a side of A4, and no more than 1 side of A4.  It should include quotations. Track the scene chronologically. Upload your response to your blog.

Othello - Act 5 scene 2. Lines 1-233

"Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!" Emilia [5.2.192-193]

Questions: Act 5 scene 2 lines 1-233

Answer in full sentences, with quotations. Type your responses and post to your blog.

1. What reasons does Othello give for having to kill Desdemona?
2. What evidence is there to suggest that Shakespeare adhered to racial stereotypes in this scene? Consider:
• irrational behaviour
• emotions
• danger
• the 'mystical negro' stereotype
• representations of the 'other'
3. Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has confessed to sleeping with her (line 68). What was this 'confession'?
4. Emilia says "Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!" [5.2.192-193] what does this indicate about Emilia and society? Consider the circumstances the characters are in.
5. How is Emilia presented in lines 125-233. Consider the language she uses, how she behaves and what she says to Othello and Iago.
6. List all of the names Emilia calls Othello when she realises what he has done. How does this contrast with how Othello was portrayed at the start of the play?

Othello and Iago

Watch the video and answer these questions. Type up your responses and post to your blog:

1. According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
2. According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
3. What increases Othello's status in Venice?
4. Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
5. What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
6. Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?

Thank you to Miss Kirkpatrick for the resource

Desdemona and Emilia in Othello.

Watch the video, then answer the following questions. Post responses to your blog.

1. What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?
2. Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Thinking question:

“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? Discuss and write down your ideas - post to your blog. Be ready to feedback.

HINT: Non-specular = not reflective; different.  (Consider, not reflective of what?  Different to what?)


Thanks to Miss Kirkpatrick for this lesson. 

Othello Questions – Act IV

Act IV, Scene 1


1) What are Othello and Iago discussing at the beginning of the scene? What physical reaction does Othello have to Iago’s information?



2) Whom do Iago and Cassio discuss while Othello is hiding? What does Cassio say about her? Whom does Othello think they are discussing and why?



3) Who enters at the end of Iago’s and Cassio’s conversation? What does she say to Cassio and what does she give him?



4) How does Othello plan to kill Desdemona? How does Iago suggest he do it? What is Othello’s response to Iago’s suggestion?



5) Who is Lodovico? How does Othello treat Desdemona in Lodovico’s presence, and what does Lodovico say about Othello’s behavior? What does Iago tell Lodovico about Othello’s behaviour?

Desdemona and Emilia in Othello.

Watch the video, then answer the following questions. Post responses to your blog.

1. What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?
2. Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Thinking question:

“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? Discuss and write down your ideas - post to your blog. Be ready to feedback.

HINT: Non-specular = not reflective; different.  (Consider, not reflective of what?  Different to what?)

Act 3 Scene 4 UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

1. Read Act 3 Scene 4 or use the audio guide HERE (password: girlsaloud)


2. Next answer the following questions in full sentences as well as supporting references and post to your blog

Act 3 Scene 4

1. In line 25, why do you think Emilia lies to Desdemona about the handkerchief?

2. In line 107, how does Emilia's view of men differ from Desdemona's view of Othello?

3. In line 126 what is the irony in Desdemona's statement?

4. Who is Bianca? How does she endup with Desdemona's handkerchief?

5. What does Bianca agree to do for Cassio?

6. Do you think Othello is telling the truth about the handkerchiefs curse?

BIG QUESTION 1

booby

(ˈbuːbɪ)

n, pl -bies

1. an ignorant or foolish person

2. Brit the losing player in a game

Othello: A Bloody Farce
by THOMAS RYMER

Thomas Rymer on the handkerchief


So much ado, so much stress, so much passion and repetition about an Handkerchief? Why was not this call'd the Tragedy of the Handkerchief? … Had it been Desdemona's Garter, the Sagacious Moor might have smelt a Rat: but the Handkerchief is so remote a trifle, no Booby, on this side Mauritania, cou'd make any consequence from it. [160]


1. Reflect on Act 3 scene 4 so far. Do you think Rymer's criticism that Shakespeare's use of the handkerchief as a dramatic device is flawed is valid? You must give reasons for your response, with quotations from the play to support your opinion.
 - Consider what Othello says about the handkerchief
 - Consider Emilia's feelings towards the handkerchief




Post your answer to your blog, and be prepared to share what you think with the rest of the class. (You can present your answer in whatever form you like, as long as it can be posted on your blog.)

UPDATED GUIDANCE/THINKING

Perhaps we might think about the handkerchief as Iago does:

Trifles light as air

Are to the jealous confirmations strong

As proofs of holy writ.


•

Judged by this reasoning, it is no wonder that Othello is driven to distraction and illness, bringing on a fit of epilepsy, by something as seemingly trivial as a handkerchief. Its very triviality highlights the infectious, irrational nature of jealousy and in so doing, highlights the weak foundation of this tragedy: which is, in its essence, that a piece of mundane fabric can destroy even the most loving of relationships. Such is the fragility of the tragic hero. (FutureLearn website)

BIG QUESTION 2

‘Othello’s nature is all of one piece.  His trust where he trusts is absolute.  Hesitation is almost impossible to him.  He is extremely self-reliant and decides and acts instantaneously.  If stirred to indignation … he answers with one lightning stroke.  Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must live or bear no life.  If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-nigh incontrollable flood.’

 

A. C. Bradley Shakespearean Tragedy  (Palgrave Macmillan)

1. Reflect on Act 3 scene 4 so far. Do you think Bradley's view that Othello is 'extremely self -relient' is accurate? You must give reasons for your response, with quotations from the play to support your opinion.
 - Consider whether this contradicts the belief that Othello's status as an outsider is his fatal flaw.
 - Consider whether you think Othello required a lot of persuasion to doubt Desdemona or whether Iago was able to easily manipulate him


Post your answer to your blog, and be prepared to share what you think with the rest of the class. (You can present your answer in whatever form you like, as long as it can be posted on your blog.)

Today's lesson

Post your completed Act 3 Scene 3 answers onto your blog


Scan in your big question answers and upload to blog


Answer today's 'even bigger question'


Make improvements to your extract answer and type up onto your blog

An even bigger question

A. C. Bradley Shakespearean Tragedy (Palgrave Macmillan)

 ‘Othello’s nature is all of one piece. His trust where he trusts is absolute. Hesitation is almost impossible to him. He is extremely self-reliant and decides and acts instantaneously. If stirred to indignation … he answers with one lightning stroke. Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must live or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-nigh incontrollable flood.’


Having read Act III how far do you agree with A.C. Bradley’s view of Othello?
 

Act 3 Scene 3 Study Questions

Answer the questions below and post to your blog


Scene 3:

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an imposrtant piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

What is Iago's final 'proof'?

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?  

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTIONS

BIG QUESTION 1

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 2

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 3

I had rather be a toad

And live upon the vapour of a dungeon

Than keep a corner in the thing I love

For others' uses. (3.3.274-278)

1. How does this scene relate to Othello and hubris (excessive pride - part of the tragic elements)? How might Othello's pride mean he is more concerned by Iago's suggestions about his wife's possible infidelity? Consider:
1. How he reacts to Iago's suggestions once Iago has left, and what he says about Desdemona (262-281)
2. How Othello may feel, knowing that Iago seems to be holding back information about Desdemona - it seems like Iago knows something he does not

Post your response to your blog and be prepared to share your ideas with the rest of the class. You can present your work in whatever format you wish, as long as it can be uploaded to your blog.

Othello - Act 2 Scene 3 lesson pptx

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwqZRopnG_XKVENRb2VqaXozYlU/view?usp=sharing

Coursework mark scheme. Conventional task.

READ THIS WHOLE POST, CAREFULLY.

The mark scheme for your coursework can be found by clicking the CAT GIF, above.

PLEASE NOTE: this is a big document, and the correct mark scheme for the coursework can be found on pages 30-34 only.  You already have a paper copy of this.

Use it to ensure you have met each AO, and to the standard that you are aiming for. 

Coursework Focus: AO5. Using critical interpretations and ideas.

This whole piece of coursework is all about using the critical anthology to support your views.

So: you need critical quotations.  

Top tips for using critical quotations:

• Use them to support your argument
• SHOW HOW they support your argument - never leave a critical quotation hanging
• Once you've shown how it supports your argument, question and point out the critical viewpoint's limitations or weaknesses, to show you can evaluate the sources you use
• Use tentative language to do all of this: 'possibly', 'perhaps', 'arguably', 'could', 'may', 'might'.

Critical quotations should be used to frame and shape your argument.  They add another dimension and add weight and authority to your own ideas.  

You have lots of critical essays to choose from, as well as the critical anthology.

Do not miss opportunities to demonstrate that your argument has been influenced by your reading and research.  Before redrafting you should spend a considerable amount of time reading around the subject.