Emilia

Emilia is my absolute favorite character in this play. She does not act like the typical ladies are supposed to act in these olden times. In the beginning, we are introduced to Emilia as being a quiet woman, who attempts to win over her husband's approval. Iago has nothing good to say about her and she has no rebuttal. Throughout the play, she continues to stick my Desdemona's side, while still being loyal to her husband. In my opinion, this shows her dynamic character. In Act 5 when the entire plan is revealed to the cast, she completely stands up for her friend one hundred percent. She blows up on Iago, telling him how evil he is and cursing him to hell. I think this dramatic turn around of Emilia's character shows how women can and will stand up for themselves.

Question #4

Shakespeare has written "Othello" by making every separate act a different aspect of Iago's masterful, evil plan. It is written so that Iago doesn't reveal his complete and total plan right away. He reveals his motivations, but not his plan. The fact that Iago's plan slowly plays out from act to act, ensures that dramatic suspense is created. Also, it is a tragedy. In most of Shakespeare's tragedies, people are dropping like flies all throughtout from beginning to end. As "Othello" drags on, the audience is constantly wondering when someone is going to die. In my opinion, it makes the story much easier and enjoyable to read. The longer it takes for major action to occur, the more and more the audience expects it, the more and more they want to get to the end to find out the outcome.

Question #1

In my personal opinion, the play is one of the more realistic Shakespeare tragedies that I have read. All the themes directly relate to the emotions that every normal person experiences in our world today. Jealousy and envy are the two biggest themes. Iago envies Othello and Cassio, so he makes Othello jealous..which in turn makes him go crazy. These emotions are especially realistic for high school students. I am positive each of us have had doubts about our boyfriends or girlfriends being faithful. I am also correct in assuming that each one of us has envied another for what they posess, like a high office, fame, or money. All of these aspects of the play relate to how each of us feel at one time or another. It is extremely realistic and easy to relate to.

Brabantio vs. Othello

In the beginning, I was surprised at the situation between Brabantio and Othello. I understand that any father would be upset and angry if their daughter ran away and got married without telling anyone or getting permission. But, I thought Othello was the famous protector of the city of Venice? In those times, it seems as though one would be proud and happy if their daughter married the great hero. Everyone seems so power hungry, it's although it would be an honorable thing. Another aspect that I am confused about is Othello's nationality. The background information states that he is of African heritage. My misunderstanding is why he was made "hero" of the city, and how he got that noble position. Especially is those days, the separation between ethnicity was great.. so why is an African protecting the city of Venice?

Question #3

The main protagonist of the play is Othello, which he would be considered to be the "hero" as well. The main antagonist of the play is Iago, Othello's ensign, who is jealous that Othello did not make him his first lieutenant. Iago is the one who is evilly plotting against Othello and his own city. In my opinion, I think Iago and Cassio are foil characters. Cassio plegdes all of his loyalty to Othello, while Iago goes behind his back and plots against him. Some important minor characters in the play are the Duke, Desdemona, Roderigo, and Brabantio. Each of these characters play a significant role. The Duke plays the peacemaker between the minor conflict between Othello and Brabantio, and Roderigo is the "side-kick" for evil Iago.

Question #2

Othello is a tragedy. A tragedy is defined as a dramatic composition, often in verse, dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, as fate or society, to downfall or destruction. In my opinion, some points of the play reflect the aspects of a tragedy but some do not. Although I have not reached the end of the play, I do not think Othello has a tragic flaw that most heroes posess in tragedies. One of the aspects that do contribute to the type of play is that of evil Iago. Iago plots against the hero throughout the entire play, which would reflect the "conflict with some overpowering force." I believe that Iago's plan will also cause complete destruction to the city of Venice and it's people. All of these characteristics of tragedies are important for the audience to be aware of. It is essential to know the tragic flaw or the overpowering conflict to understand the themes of the tragedy.