Hunar Sandhu

Othello: Act 1
1. Why does Shakespeare set Act One in Venice? What was the social significance of Venice in this time? Shakespeare set the Act One in Venice because it allowed him to introduce and foreshadow a lot of themes in the play. Venice in the 16th century was a centre of business and materialism, and was open to corruption and fierce competition to be on the highest social position. The theme of jealousy is foreshadowed as Iago is not promoted by Othello. People in Venice had a negative and a backward attitude towards women. They were not allowed to maintain high positions in society. Venice had a very Western population and any non-Europeans seen around the city was highly unusual. This made it highly beneficial to set the play in this particular city as Othello was black and held a very high position in society, which made him stand out even more. 2. What is the symbolic significance of the storm in Act One? The symbolism of the storm in Act one might foreshadow the events that are going to unfold later in the play. It also might show the pathetic fallacy of Othello. Pathetic fallacy is when the weather shows the emotion of a person. The storm foreshadows the stormy rage of Othello that occurs later in the play. It also might symbolise the after effects of the rage that Othello goes through. The aftermath of the storm, which leads to destruction and damage. Rage of Othello might lead to destruction of his relationship with his wife and the emotional damage done to both of them. The storm can be symbolise the battle for power between Iago and Othello. It leads to destruction and damage which can be related to the destruction of the Turkish fleet sailing for Cyprus. 3. What impression do you have of Iago at the end of Act One? Are his reasons for hating Othello valid? The impression I get of Iago at the end of Act One is that he is very untrustworthy and jealous of Othello. His jealous nature shows the theme of revenge in this text. He is jealous of Othello for not promoting him to a lieutenant, but a unexperienced soldier named Cassio. Othello is clueless of the jealousy that goes on in Iagos mind. In order for revenge, Iago decides to use Othellos relationship with Desdemona. He reports their marriage to Desdemonas father, Brabantio. He says that [his] daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. This shows the harsh mindset Iago has against Othello. He is trying to destroy him in order for revenge. 4. What is Iagos attitude to women? What impact does this have on the audience? Iago has a very negative view for women. That was a traditional view in that time in Venice. Women were considered second class citizens and did not have as many rights as men. This resulted in women not getting the high positions in society. Thieves! Thieves! Thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and your bags! This shows that Iago thinks that women are a mere object in a mans possession. In the 16th century, this kind of attitude towards women was normal and the audiences reading the play in that time wouldnt find this surprising. However, the society we live in now, this kind of attitude is surprising and shocking. This kind of attitude would be seen as a rather backwards view in todays society and may have a negative impact on their attitude towards the characters of the play. 5. How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony (where the audience knows more that the character speaking) to outline the relationship between Othello and Iago?

Hunar Sandhu Dramatic irony is a technique used in by Shakespeare throughout the play, in which the audience knows more than the character speaking in the play. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to show the deception, jealousy and thirst for revenge in Iago. This builds up the hatred in the audience for Iago and builds up the suspense for when Othello finally finds out Iagos approach towards him. Othello trusts him a lot and his is backstabbing him. Iago is not promoted by Othello which makes him look for revenge. Iago says that he follows him to serve [his] turn upon him, which shows his untrustworthy nature.