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Othello Background Notes. WLC, Ferencz. Plot. Othello is a Moor and the general of the Venetian Army Othello and Desdemona fall in love Desdemona’s father does not approve Iago is jealous of Othello’s status and causes trouble. SETTING.
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Othello Background Notes WLC, Ferencz
Plot • Othello is a Moor and the general of the Venetian Army • Othello and Desdemona fall in love • Desdemona’s father does not approve • Iago is jealous of Othello’s status and causes trouble
SETTING • Venice, Italy and Cyprus, an island south of modern day Turkey • The play takes place In the late 1400’s-mid 1500’s
Religion and culture • Othello is Muslim • Hostility about Othello’s differences in religion and culture • Conflict between Venetians and Turks—Venice wants to protect itself from an invasion by the (Muslim) Turks
Key themes • Love • Trust • Jealousy • Betrayal • Power • Appearance vs. Reality
What is a moor? • A Muslim person from North Africa • In the play, this is used/seen in a negative way
The tragic hero is . . . . 1. a man of noble stature/birth
The tragic Hero is . . . 2. good, but not perfect, and his fall results from an “act of injustice”/error in judgment
The tragic Hero is . . . 3. responsible for his own downfall, which results from A. Hubris (pride) B. listening to the wrong people C. not listening at all
The tragic Hero is . . . 4. not wholly deserving of his misfortune; the punishment far exceeds the crime
The tragic Hero is . . . 5. one who gains some self-knowledge
The tragic Hero is . . . 6. defeated, but has dared greatly