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Edexcel A Level English Literature - Othello: Comprehensive Exam Study Guide
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Edexcel A Level English Literature -Othello: Comprehensive Exam Study
Guide
Othello - Answer>>The eponymous tragic hero of the play.
Characteristics of Othello - Answer>>Othello is a combination of
opposites. He is a "Black" character, but he has a perfect soul, he
is known as the "noble moor" thanks to his high status, breaking
the stereotypes that were held in the 17th century. By the end of
the play, Othello embodies most of the stereotypical traits given to
him, thanks to Iago.
He doesn't get jealous easily, but when he does it is because of
Iago's master deception, and Othello loses it. Othello is a
romantic figure, he has very poetic language himself, which is
often overlooked by Iago's speeches.
Social and Historical Context - Answer>>1603 - Elizabeth dies.
James I becomes king of England. He was the first monarch to
unite England and Scotland.
1604 - The first performance of Othello took place.
1605 - The gunpowder plot - the houses of parliament was blown
up.
This was a colour prejudiced society. England was only just
becoming more aware of other races. Pale was "the epitome" of
beauty. Black stood for sin, filth, evil and the devil.
No moor characters had ever been given such a big role within a
play during the 17th century.
"Tragedy is to some an idea of prosperity for a time that ends in
wretchedness." - Answer>>Geoffrey Chaucer
,"Othello is the most painfully exciting and the most terrible" [of all
of the Shakespeare plays] - Answer>>A.C Bradley - features
extremes such as pity, fear, sympathy and revultion.
"credulous fool" [referring to Othello] - Answer>>Muir
"Othello yields with extraordinary promptness to suggestion" -
Answer>>Leavis
Elements of a Traditional Greek Tragedy - Answer>>The main
features of this are generally; Catharsis, Anagnorisis, Hubris,
Harmatia. The unities can also apply in tragedies.
Catharsis - Answer>>Pure relief from strong emotions - the
status quo is returned, giving the audience room to breathe. In
Othello, this is the moment when Iago is found out.
Anagnorisis - Answer>>A moment in the play when a character
makes a critical discovery. In Othello, this is when Emilia puts
together the pieces of Iago's plan.
Hubris - Answer>>Excessive pride or self-confidence. In the
case of Othello, these characteristics belong to Iago.
Harmatia - Answer>>A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of the
tragic hero/heroine. In the case of Othello, Othello's fatal flaw is
that he is too trusting.
The Unities - Answer>>In a Greek generic drama, the play is
set over the same time, place and has the same plot with no
subplots. Othello breaks these, but it still works as a play.
, Who Is the First Character We Meet In Othello? -
Answer>>Iago - he is the most important character in the play.
Act One - The Exposition - Answer>>The audience learns the
setting (the time and place), the characters are developed and a
conflict is introduced. In Othello, this is the audience learning of
Othello's past.
Act Two - The Rising Action - Answer>>The action of this act
leads the audience to the climax. It is common for complications
to arise, or for the protagonist to encounter obstacles. In the play,
this is Othello being sent to defend Cyprus, and Iago plotting.
Act Three - The Climax - Answer>>The turning point of the play.
It is characterised by the highest amount of suspense. In the play,
this is Iago planting the handkerchief.
Act Four - Falling Action - Answer>>Opposite of Act Two. In
this, the story is coming to an end. In the play this is Othello killing
Desdemona.
Act Five - Answer>>Denouncement or Resolution - the final
outcome of the drama, the subject matter is revealed, and
sometimes a moral or lesson is learned. In the play this is when
Othello kills himself and Iago is taken away to be tortured.
A Tragic Hero - Answer>>The downfall of a highly respected
and righteous man. The audience should feel pity and fear at the
decline of the great man into sin and disgrace.
Hamlet In Relation To Othello - Answer>>Hamlet was the
forerunner to Othello, a practice run so to speak. They have
similarities such as the style, diction and versification, as well as
ideas and phrases that are repeated. The heroes of both are
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