OTHELLO: AN INTRODUCTION

1. OTHELLO: AN INTRODUCTION

2. William Shakespeare: A Short Biography • 1564 - William Shakespeare is born in April (probably the 23rd) in Stratford-On-Avon (94 miles from London.) • 1582 - Marries Anne Hathaway on November 27. • 1583 - Susanna Shakespeare is born. • 1585 - The twins Judith and Hamnet Shakespeare are born. • 1592 - After leaving Stratford for London, William was recognized as a successful actor, as well as a leading poet. He was a member of 'The Chamberlain's Men'. • 1596 - Hamnet dies at the age of eleven. Shakespeare becomes a "gentleman" when the College of Heralds grants his father a coat of arms. • 1597- He bought a large house called "The Great House of New Place".

3. William Shakespeare: A Short Biography • 1599 - The 'Globe Theater' is built from the pieces of 'The Theater' in July. • 1603 - 'The Lord Chamberlain's Men' became 'The King's Men' on May 19. • 1613 - The 'Globe Theatre' burns during a performance of Henry VII when a canon fired on the roof sets fire to the straw thatch. The theatre is rebuilt, but Shakespeare retires. • 1616 - April 23, in Stratford, on his 52nd birthday he died.

4. Othello: A Tragedy • Othello” is a Shakespearean Tragedy • It encompasses the elements of tragedies: • By the end, numerous characters have died, including the title character • It involves historical and military details • The protagonist has a fatal flaw, as well as having admirable traits • The protagonist has the capacity for both good and evil • The protagonist can exercise free will at any time to change the tragic course of events; however, he does not choose to redeem himself until it is too late.

5. The Plot of Othello • developed from a story in Cinthio's collection, the Hecatommithi, which it follows closely • The first known performance of the play occurred on November 1st 1604 at Whitehall Palace in London

6. Setting • Venice, Italy and Cyprus • Takes place in late sixteenth century

7. Law and Governance • In the 16th century, Venice was a city state, ruled by a Duke • Laws were made by a body of senators • The Military was run by a General • The General’s second in command was a lieutenant • General’s personal servant and third in command is the Ancient

8. Characters in Othello • Othello: A moor and officer/general of the Venetian army • Desdemona: Othello’s young wife • Cassio: Othello’s lieutenant • Iago: Othello’s ensign/ancient • Emilia: Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s handmaiden • Brabantio: Desdemona’s father • Roderigo: in love with Desdemona, asks for Iago’s assistance

9. Information on Othello • Othello is a Moor (a native of North Africa, usually a Muslim) • In Elizabethan England, the term “Moor” could be used to refer to a wide range of non-European persons, including black Africans, North Africans, Arabs, and even Indians • Othello was once a slave but is accepted into Venetian society due to his skills as a military man • He is converted to Christianity for social acceptance

10. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero • 1.  The tragic hero is a character of noble stature and has greatness.  This should be readily evident in the play.  The character must occupy a "high" status position but must ALSO embody nobility and virtue as part of his/her innate character.

11. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero • 2.  Though the tragic hero is pre-eminently great, he/she is not perfect.  Otherwise, the rest of us--mere mortals--would be unable to identify with the tragic hero.  We should see in him or her someone who is essentially like us, although perhaps elevated to a higher position in society.

12. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero • 3.  The hero's downfall, therefore, is partially her/his own fault, the result of free choice, not of accident or villainy or some overriding, malignant fate.  In fact, the tragedy is usually triggered by some error of judgment or some character flaw that contributes to the hero's lack of perfection noted above.   This error of judgment or character flaw is known as hamartia and is usually translated as "tragic flaw" (although some scholars argue that this is a mistranslation).  Often the character's hamartia involves hubris (which is defined as a sort of arrogant pride or over-confidence).

13. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero • 4.  The hero's misfortunate is not wholly deserved. The punishment exceeds the crime. • 5.  The fall is not pure loss. There is some increase in awareness, some gain in self-knowledge, some discovery on the part of the tragic hero.. Source: http://vccslitonline.cc.va.us/tragedy/aristotle.htm

14. Othello: Anticipation Guide • Read each statement below and state whether you AGREE or DISAGREE • The consequences of jealousy are often destructive to a relationship. • It can sometimes be difficult to determine the honesty of a friend. • A person’s honesty can not be determined by his or her physical appearance. • When a person’s reputation has been tainted it is difficult to regain respect.

15. Othello: Anticipation Guide 5. Sometimes parents know what is best for their children. 6. A person’s love can be gained through material wealth. 7. Racial and age differences in a marriage are easily overcome. 8. Secondhand information is reliable.