Billy Shakes
This is the name of Shakespeare's wife. No, not the actress!
Who is Anne Hathaway?
This is the name of the city-state in which most of the action of "Othello" takes place.
What is Venice?
This character is an outsider in Venetian society, but is respected for his military abilities
Who is Othello?
Iago and Roderigo rudely wake this character up in Act I, Scene 1. "Thieves, thieves!" (1.i.88)
Who is Brabantio?
This is ONE of the reasons why Iago "hates" Othello. BONUS 100 points if you can tell me the other reason!
What is Othello gave the lieutenant-ship job to Cassio instead of Iago?
Shakespeare wrote plays in three different sub-genres. Name at least TWO of these sub-genres for full points!
What are: TRAGEDY, COMEDY, & HISTORY PLAYS?
This is the name of the movement in arts, science, and culture occurring during the time the play is set.
What is the Renaissance?
This character is fair and gentle, but betrays her father's trust to be with the man she loves.
Who is Desdemona?
At the end of Act I, Scene 3, Iago consoles the distraught Roderigo, who thinks he has lost Desdemona to Othello forever. He advises him multiple times to "put money in thy purse" (I.iii.382).
This is the reason WHY he wants Roderigo to get so much money together.
Because he thinks Othello & Desdemona will break up soon, and Roderigo needs money to be an acceptable suitor when the time comes:
"When she is sated with his body she will find the
error of her choice. Therefore, put money in thy
purse" (I.iii.393-5)
This is the reason why Brabantio hates Othello.
He is racially prejudiced against outsiders, especially Muslims with a darker skin tone.
Shakespeare journeyed to London to write and perform plays for two monarchs. Name at least ONE of these English rulers!
Who are Queen Elizabeth and King James?
This is the name of the city-state the Turks invade, and to which Othello is sent at the end of Act I.
What is Cyprus?
This character was passed over for a promotion that he felt he deserved. Time to start plotting!
Who is Iago?
In Act I, Scene 3, Desdemona tells the Duke & Co.
"I do perceive here a divided duty." (I.iii.209)
Who does she feel a duty to and WHY? (Both characters for full points)
Who is Brabantio for her "life and education" as her father, and Othello, as her husband.
This is the reason why Iago is using Roderigo in his plot against Othello.
Roderigo is gullible and rich, so he will go along with Iago without questioning much, and will be able to fund his schemes.
This is the name of Shakespeare's theater company!
What is Lord Chamberlain's Men?
One of the Duke's officers advises the Venetians not to divert their ships to this island, and instead remain focused on the main target of Cyprus.
What is Rhodes?
This character is an old senator in Venice. He holds prejudice for anybody who is not a white, Christian Venetian. Hands off my daughter!
Who is Brabantio?
At the end of Act I, Scene 3, Iago says:
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit."
This is the name of the character he is referring to as a "snipe"
Who is Roderigo?
This is the reason why the Duke sends for Othello in Act I, Scene ii.
He wants to send him to lead the military operations in Cyprus?
This is the name of the township where Shakespeare made his home and raised his family.
What is Stratford-Upon-Avon?
This is the name of the war in which Othello and the other people in Venice are fighting during the play.
What is the Ottoman-Venetian War?
This character is a rich merchant who is in love with Desdemona. Unfortunately, her father does not like him enough to give his blessing. Help me Iago!
Who is Roderigo?
Towards the end of Act I, Scene 3, Brabantio turns to Othello and says,
"Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.
She has deceived her father, and may thee." (I.iii.333-4)
Who else could the audience assume this line is talking about? (an example of dramatic irony!)
Who is Iago?
This is why Desdemona refuses to submit to her father's wish to leave Othello.
She feels "torn" allegiance between her father and her new husband, Othello?