Othello Act 1 Scene 1 Quiz & Summary Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does Roderigo seek the help of Iago in the beginning of Othello?

To win the hand of Desdemona (correct)

To secure a promotion in the military

To seek revenge against Othello

To frame Brabantio

What is the main reason for Iago's hatred towards Othello?

Othello's victory in battle

Othello's recent promotion of Michael Cassio (correct)

Othello's friendship with Roderigo

Othello's marriage to Desdemona

How does Iago pretend to serve Othello while waiting for an opportunity to further his own interests?

By constantly criticizing Othello behind his back

By being loyal and trustworthy

By pretending to be his friend while plotting against him (correct)

By openly defying Othello's orders

What does Iago advise Roderigo to do to spoil Othello's pleasure in his marriage?

Rouse Desdemona's family against Othello Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brabantio initially not believe that he has been robbed by 'thieves' outside his house?

He thinks it is a ruse by Iago and Roderigo Signup and view all the answers

What position did Othello give to Michael Cassio, causing resentment in Iago?

Lieutenant Signup and view all the answers

Which character in Othello is a Venetian senator?

Brabantio Signup and view all the answers

Why does Roderigo cry out that Brabantio has been robbed outside his house?

To create a distraction for Iago's plan Signup and view all the answers

What has the discovery of a double time scheme in Othello been ascribed to?

Articles written by John Wilson in Blackwood's Magazine Signup and view all the answers

Why is the whole question of a double time scheme sometimes rejected as 'academic nit-picking'?

Because it is considered too insignificant or pedantic Signup and view all the answers

According to Michael Attenborough, what is his suspicion regarding Shakespeare's consideration of the double time scheme in Othello?

Shakespeare did not actively think about the time scheme Signup and view all the answers

What does Michael Neill suggest as a solution to many of the problems associated with the double time scheme in Othello?

Accepting that Othello was aware of Cassio and Desdemona's affair before their elopement Signup and view all the answers

Why does Michael Neill describe the issue of the double time scheme in Othello as 'no more than a particularly striking side-effect'?

Because it reflects a general indifference to naturalistic handling of time and space in Shakespeare's era Signup and view all the answers

Where was Othello originally performed by the King's Men?

Both the Globe and Black-Friers Theatres Signup and view all the answers

What were the key differences between the Globe Theatre and Black-Friers Theatre where 'Othello' was performed?

One was indoor while the other was outdoor Signup and view all the answers

When did 'Othello' receive its first performance at Court by the King's Men?

'Othello' premiered at Court during King James I's reign Signup and view all the answers

'Moorish characters were conventionally played' how in productions of 'Othello'?

[B] with turbans, long white gowns, and red trousers, darkened faces with lampblack or coal Signup and view all the answers

'The original Iago was likely' played by whom?

[B] John Lowin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Othello

Written by William Shakespeare around 1603, Othello is a tragedy exploring themes of passion, jealousy, and race.
The central characters include Othello, a Moorish military commander, and Iago, his envious ensign.
Othello is married to Desdemona, a wealthy Venetian lady, contrary to her father's wishes.

Plot Summary

Act I:
- Roderigo, in love with Desdemona, seeks Iago's help upon learning of her secret marriage to Othello.
- Iago harbors resentment towards Othello for promoting Cassio, leading him to manipulate others against Othello.
- Brabantio, Desdemona's father, accuses Othello of witchcraft, but Othello defends their love, and Desdemona supports him.
Act II:
- The party arrives in Cyprus, celebrating the defeat of the Turkish fleet.
- Iago orchestrates a scheme involving alcohol and fights to disgrace Cassio, who is stripped of his rank.
Act III:
- Iago fuels Othello's suspicions regarding Cassio and Desdemona.
- He obtains Desdemona's handkerchief, leading Othello to believe in her infidelity.
Act IV:
- Iago further manipulates situations to confirm Othello's jealousy, resulting in violent confrontations between Othello and Desdemona.
Act V:
- A series of fatal misunderstandings culminate in Desdemona's death at Othello's hands.
- The plot unravels, revealing Iago's treachery, leading to a tragic ending for Othello and others.

Themes

Jealousy:
- Central to Othello's tragic downfall; portrayed as a monstrous and destructive force.
- A.C. Bradley notes it as a force that liberates the beast within man, leading to chaos.
Race:
- Othello's identity as a Moor marks him as an outsider in Venetian society.
- The play explores racial prejudices through Iago's derogatory remarks and Othello's struggle for acceptance.

Historical Context

Written during a time of heightened awareness around race, imperialism, and cultural differences, influenced by contemporary events like the Ottoman Empire's threats.
Othello's setting during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus reflects a significant historical backdrop known to Shakespeare's audience.

Sources and Influences

The primary source was Cinthio's "Gli Hecatommithi," with the character of Desdemona and themes of infidelity.
Othello also reflects influences from Virgil, Chaucer's works, and earlier Shakespearean plays, showcasing Shakespeare's interconnected literary landscape.

Publication History

Othello was not published during Shakespeare's lifetime; it first appeared in a quarto in 1622, followed by the First Folio in 1623.
There are notable differences between these early editions, contributing to ongoing scholarly debates.

Critical Interpretations

Different interpretations of Othello's jealousy, ethnicity, and motivations have emerged, indicating its complexity and relevance.
Modern critics often analyze race and jealousy in greater depth, reflecting contemporary issues in society and literature.### Racism in Othello
Disdemona expresses fear of becoming a warning to young girls against interracial marriage, alluding to societal prejudices.
Thomas Rymer critiqued the play in 1693, suggesting it served as a caution against marrying without parental consent, particularly to "Blackamoors."
Coleridge and Lamb in the 19th century questioned whether Othello could be classified as a true tragedy due to its portrayal of interracial relationships.
Martin Orkin's 1987 essay recognizes racist views in the play, primarily through characters like Iago, while stating Shakespeare critiques such racism.
A discourse emerged in 1996 highlighting differing interpretations of the play by black and white audiences, indicating racial sensitivities experienced by black viewers.
Ben Okri's reflections suggest Othello is a stereotype rather than a fully developed character, emphasizing the loneliness of black individuals' empathy towards whites.

Patriarchal Themes

Brabantio's suspicions of sorcery in Desdemona's choice of husband underscore the view of women as property.
Othello's possessive view of Desdemona is exemplified by his comment on not selling her for a perfect jewel.
The term "whore" is frequently used, illustrating male perceptions of female sexuality as negative projections unconnected to women's identities.
Desdemona transforms from a strong figure to a martyr, incrementally losing agency, while Emilia actively defies male oppression, standing up to Iago.

Symbolism of the Handkerchief

Early criticism labeled Othello's plot as overly reliant on the trivial prop of the handkerchief.
Othello claims the handkerchief has magical properties, while viewers question whether he truly believes this or uses it manipulatively.
The handkerchief symbolizes the bond between Othello and Desdemona, with its loss representing the breakdown of their relationship.
Its whiteness symbolizes Desdemona’s purity, while red strawberries indicate blood from her hymen and virginity.
Some interpretations suggest the handkerchief represents Othello himself, challenging conventional symbolism.

Character Dynamics

Othello and Iago hold two of the longest roles in Shakespeare, with Iago possessing the most lines after Hamlet and Richard III.
Iago’s characterization merges Renaissance references, with unclear motivations leading to various interpretations, including possible repressed desires.
Iago refuses to clarify his motives, embodying the complexity of malevolence within trusted relationships.

Time Structure

Othello features a double time scheme; the action unfolds over an estimated 33 hours, establishing urgency in the narrative.
The fast-paced events challenge the plausibility of Cassio and Desdemona’s alleged affair occurring within this short timeframe.
Shakespeare’s adaptation from Cinthio's source, which suggested a longer timeframe, enhances dramatic tension while creating potential plot inconsistencies.

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Test your understanding of Act 1, Scene 1 of Othello with this quiz. Questions will be based on the argument between Roderigo and Iago in Venice, and the dynamics surrounding Desdemona's marriage to Othello.

Othello Act 1, Scene 1 Summary Quiz

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