Othello Required Reading/Writing
1.3
Preview plot. Watch Branagh version of scene.
Read entire scene and be able to answer this question: How does Othello “defend” himself against Brabantio’s charges that he used witchcraft on Desdemona? Show textual support for your answer.
Then write two lists:
#1 List: What does Othello offer Desdemona?
#2 List: What does Desdemona offer Othello?
Prepare Iago’s first speech: 426-close “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” To close. What reason does Iago give for hating Othello? What is his plan for revenge?
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2.1
Preview plot. Watch Otello opening scene
Read scene beginning with Iago’s aside (2.1.182) “He takes her by the palm.. to end.
Prepare Iago’s second speech: 308-close “That Cassio loves her, I do well believe ‘t” to end. What do we learn about Iago’s motives from this speech? Are they the same as before? What do we learn about Iago’s plan from this speech?
2.2 Skip
2.3
Preview plot.
Read scene beginning with Othello’s entrance at line 172
Do you agree with Cassio’s ideas about reptutation?
Or do you agree with Iago’s ?
Prepare Iago’s third speech: 356-382 (“And what’s he then, that says I play the villain…” to entrance of Roderigo) What do we learn about Iago from this speech?
Prepare Iago’s fourth speech: 390-close.
3.1 Read for Iago’s plot
3.2 Read for Iago’s plot
3.3 Read 1-99
Show DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS by intonation, stress, pauses, and facial expression (subtext)
A. I understand we have Fred to thank for this.
B. Yes, but he did it all by himself.
C. A. It’s really just like him.
D. B. I understand he’s a friend of yours
E. A. Oh, I wouldn’t say that.
3.3 We need four pairs to say the following lines
Iago: Ha, I like not that. Line 36
Othello: I do believe ‘twas he. 44
Act out 3.3. We need 5 volunteers to act out 3.3.1-99 from opening to Desdemona and Emilia’s exit.
Then, we will do the rest of 3.3 in pairs. One day preparation and one day performance.