Othello Act 1 Scene 1

Act One Scene One

Overview:

-          Iago is furious with Othello that Cassio was promoted not himself.

-          Iago’s hit list includes Othello Cassio and Desdemona

-          Iago tells Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona’s elopement.

-          Iago is Machiavellian

Key points:

-          Iago is manipulating Roderigo and tells Roderigo of his plans and thoughts as he does not consider him as a threat due to his stupidity.

-          Cassio helped Othello’s love affair stay hidden.

-          Shakespeare sets all the ideas in place during the first scene.

Key words:

Machiavellian – someone who is cunning, scheming and unscrupulous “the end justifies the means”

Hamartia – fatal flaw (Othello jealous)

Catharsis – the audience feeling pity

Allegorises – recognition/turning point (penny drops)

Peripeteia– sudden reversal of fortune

Hubris – excessive pride leading to an error

Blank verse – unrhymed…