Exploring class and status in Othello - The Opening

Exploring class and status in Othello - The Opening

1. Duke of Venice - Royal

   • Offical authority in Venice
   • Great respect for Othello

2. Othello - general

   • eloquent and physically powerfulfigure
   • Respected by everyone around him
   • Easy prey to insecurities because of his:
     • Race
     • Age
     • Life as a soldier
   • Presents himself as an outsider
   • Composed/loyal
   • Confident in military matter
     • Socially insecure

3. Cassio - Othello's Lieutenant

   • Inexperienced soldier
   • His high position is resented by Iago
   • Devoted to Othello

4. Iago - Othello's Standard-bearer

   • Uses people who are naive to his games, to get back at Othello
   • Angry at Othello when he isn't assigned Lieutenant
   • Underatsnd and manipulates the desires of those around him
   • Makes him a powerfull and compelling figure
   • Very persuasive
   • Treats others as fools
   • Reputation for honesty, reliability and direct speaking
   • Risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement
   • Acts against his reputation
   • People constantly rely on him - he lets them down
   • Sinuous as a snake

5. Roderigo - Wealthy Venetian gentleman

   • Young, rich and foolish
   • Blind to the fact that Iago is taking advantage of him
   • Unintelligent - tries to win Desdemona over by giving her expensive presents

6. Desdemona - Barbantio's daughter

   • Stereotypically weak and submissive
     • Fulfills her duties
   • Treated like a possesion
   • Independant and strong-minded
   • Direct and honest
   • Commits to Othello as his wife

7. Barbantio - Venetian Senator

   • Rich and important Venetian politician
   • Thinks his daughter is his property
   • Is agasint interracial marriage

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