Othello: Act I

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Setting and Background context of the play

- 16th Century Venice, Italy and Cyprus

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Outline of Act I

- Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello. Immediately Iago's views and opinions of Othello's unworthiness are revealed.

- Iago complains about Othello

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Page 3

-Character descriptions

Othello

- A black army general in the service of the Duke of Venice

- Loyal and open and honest

- Royal with measured tones

Iago

- Othello's ensign ( standard-bearer)

- Envious of Othello

- Angry that he was not chosen for promotion

- Planning Othello's demise

- Suspects that Othello is having an affair with his wife

- Dishonest and two faced

Desdemona

- Othello's wife, daughter of Brabantio

Brabantio

- A Venetian senator, father of Desdemona

Roderigo

- A Venetian gentleman, in love with Desdemona

Cassio

- Othello's Lieutenant

Bianca

- In love with Cassio

Emilia

Iago's wife, companion to Desdemona

Gratiano

Brabantio's brother

Lodovico

- Brabantio's relative

Montano

- Governor of Cyprus

The

Page 4

Key themes

Forbidden love

Appearance Vs. Reality

Racism

Jealousy

Loyalty

Honour

Murder

Betrayal

Passion

Page 5

Quote analysis- Language + Technique + Tone

Quotes

Iago

Act 1, Scene 1: " In following him, I follow but myself."

" I am not what I am."

Technique: Religious imagery and vague biblical allusion

Description: Iago reveals his evil nature to the audience and Roderigo. He also makes a vague reference to Gods

Act 1, Scene 3- line 381-2

" The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that seem to be so."

This bold statement by Iago proves his manipulative nature and his awareness of Othello's naivety and gullibility.

Techniques or language used

Iambic Pentameter

Example/s:

Effect:

Blank Verse

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Effect:

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