Introduction to Shakespeare's Othello

Who was Shakespeare

Born in April 1564

Had a classic Education

Began as an actor

Wrote 28 plays: Comedies, Tragedies, and Romances

Wrote 4 Poems

Othello Terminology: Moor

Moors invaded Spain (8th-15th Centuries)

"Very Black"

Focused on devilish aspects

Othello Terminology: Cuckold

Has an unfaithful wife

Has horns coming out of forehead

Othello: A Tragedy

Written in 1604

Represents Evil

Studies deadly sins of a spirit and involve hate and jealousy

Othello Setting

From Venice, Italy to Cyprus

Othello: Poetic Images

Focuses on Natural World

"Light and Dark"

Domestic and Animals

Othello: the Villain

Evil

Cunning, Sinister

Related to evil, Vice

Is very confident and clever

Content of the notes (6)