OTHELLO Exam With Complete Solutions 2024

Shakespeare Context - correct answer-Wasn't born into a privileged family, received no more than a grammar school education Married Anne Hathaway (1582) but left his family behind around 1590 and moved to London, where he became an actor and playwright Was an immediate success and soon became the most popular playwright of the day Retired as a rich and prominent man to Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613, and died three years later Historical Context - correct answer-11th-15thC: Catholics battled to re-conquer Spain from the Islamic Arabs and Berbers ('Moors') who had occupied it since the 900s. The battle inspired intense prejudice and suspicion that lasted for a long time after. Lots of racial prejudice in the period as a result of political conflict In England during Shakespeare's time, views regarding "Moors" were slightly more complex because of strong anti-Catholic sentiment in England and English fears of invasion by the Spanish. In fact, England maintained independent trade relationships with "Moorish" Northern Africa, despite Spanish and Portuguese protest. The English slave trade also brought blacks to Europe, from mid-sixteenth century onward. Queen Elizabeth herself founded The Barbary Company, formally institutionalising this trade; in addition, she received a delegation of Moroccan diplomats in 1600. However, the English still felt a strong suspicion of Islam: Elizabeth issued a degree expelling Moors from Africa and Spanish "Moriscos" from the boundary of England in 1599 and 1601. Cuckold- Ultimate shame for males in Jacobean society, 17th century audience would perhaps sympathise with Othello's anger Masculinity manifested in male power over females- wife as a confirmation of control and status: Iago plays on Othello's fragile masculinity and pride (arguably his harmartia) Attitudes towards Venetian women and promiscuity/prostitution arguably influencing Othello's chauvinistic attitudes, allowing Iago to bring about his tragic fall from grace (by playing on ideas of his wifes infidelity) Patriarchal attitudes of renaissance Europe that ordered women to be obedient wives, lacking autonomy in relationships and society/Venetian chauvinisim Patriarchal society justifying female subordination as a result of the great chain of being 21stC audience might find her obed Context of the play - correct answer-Cinthio de gli Hecatommi thi: Collection of short Italian tales, explore pros and cons of love, 10 sections of 'decades' split into 10 stories, 'Desdemona and the Moor' (Decade 3 Story 7)- Othello is based on this, he is the 'moor' (unnamed and insignificant because of his racial inferiority) Differences to Cinthio: Iago isn't drven by lust for Desdemona, introduces secondary antagonists (Brabantio, Roderigo...), refers to war between Muslim Turks and Christian venetians to add political resonance for an early modern audience Iago refuses to confess his crimes, while Othello commits suicide to atone for his sins Aristotle's tragedies: Aim to bring back a "catharsis of the spectators"- to arouse in them sensations of pity and fear and to purge them of these emotions so they leave feeling cleansed and uplifted Six main elements- plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle and song- without action there can't be tragedy Central character must be a figure with whom the audience can identify Harmartia- hero's error or fatality Peripetea- where the opposite of what was planned/hoped for by the protagonist takes place Anagnorisis- when the protagonist recognises the truth of a situation, discovers another characters identity or comes to a realisation about himself Shakespeare's tragedies: 5 part structure- exposition, development, climax, further developments, final crisis and resolution Their darker contents may reflect the general mood of the country following Elizabeth's death- Jacobean period- tragic hero whose fatal flaw causes their downfall. Renaissance: 14th-17thC, spread to England in 1600s, began in Italy. Was about rediscovering intellectual ambition of the Classical civilisations There were several advancements, including gunpowder and proving the Earth orbited the sun Women: still disregarded, no po Key Facts - correct answer-Full Title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice Author: William Shakespeare Type Of Work: Play Genre: Tragedy Language: English Time And Place Written: Between 1601 and 1604, England Date Of First Publication: 1622 Publisher: Thomas Walkley Tone: 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. Setting (Time): Late sixteenth century, during the wars between Venice and Turkey Setting (Place): Venice in Act I; the island of Cyprus thereafter Protagonist: Othello Major Conflict: Othello and Desdemona marry and attempt to build a life together, despite their differences in age, race, and experience. Their marriage is sabotaged by the envious Iago, who convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. Rising Action: 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. Climax: 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. Falling Action: 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 unsuccessfully attempts to kill Cassio, and Othello smothers Desdemona with a pillow. Emilia exposes Iago's deceptions, Othello kills himself, and Iago is taken away to be tortured.