Othello: the Crux of Tragedy

Othello: the Crux of Tragedy

  • Submitted By: stefdoggy
  • Date Submitted: 03/11/2009 2:28 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 762
  • Page: 4
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othello year 11 english homework By Stefan According to the introduction in your Othello booklet, what is the 'crux' of the tragedy in William Shakespeare's Othello? Why do you think this might be so? The crux in the play, Othello, is that being naive in marriage isn't necessarily something we should look out for. However with dangerous and smarter people in society like Iago, who exploits simple levels of trust, being naive can leave ones self open to the attack. The introduction in your booklet outlines several themes that are apparent in Othello. These include: male pride, dishonour and reputation, jealousy, naivete, passion over reason, and idealism. Can you think of one example from the film that shows how each of them is present? Idealism: Othello considers ideas and rumours more than he does consider reality. Passion over reason: The rumours Othello hears about Desdemona by Iago cause him to take action with passion instead of reason. What does 'corrosive' mean? How does jealousy work corrosively on the character of Othello in the film? Corrosive is an adjective which means to wear away or destroy over time. False jealousy is applied on Othello by Iago. In turn this jelousy gradually keeps eating away at Othello driving him mad. In the end the jelousy gets to him and he murders his wife, Desdemona. What is the definition of a 'moor'? Why might this potentially cause conflict with other characters in the play? A moor is a person of Islamic religion, originating from the Arab ruled North Africa. This might cause conflict as he is seen as a foreigner. Although he is in a high position, a general, this trait can be very insulting. Especially in the 1600’s when the play is set, racism was much worse than what it is now. Based on your reading and viewing of the film, what are some of the stereotypes evident in the play and film Othello about Italians' personalities and attitudes? One of the key stereotypes which i...

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