Othello - Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Vocabulary and key concepts related to Shakespeare's play Othello.

Tragedy

A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character (the tragic hero) due to a personal flaw and circumstances.

Hamartia

The tragic hero's fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

Anagnorisis

A moment in a play where the tragic hero makes a critical discovery, often about their own identity or situation.

Catharsis

An emotional release experienced by the audience, resulting from the tragic events of the play.

Iago

Othello's ensign and the play's antagonist, known for his manipulation and deceit.

Othello

The titular character, a Moor and military general whose jealousy leads him to tragic actions.

Desdemona

Othello's wife, a symbol of loyalty and innocence who suffers from Othello's jealousy.

Jealousy

An emotion that drives Othello's actions and is depicted as a destructive force in the play.

Racism

A theme within the play that explores prejudice against Othello due to his race as a Moor.

Deception

A key theme explored through Iago's manipulations and the resulting tragic events.

Venice

The primary setting of the play that symbolizes wealth and diversity, but also Othello's outsider status.

Hamlet

Another famous tragic hero by Shakespeare, often compared to Othello for his flaws and struggles.

Web of deception

A metaphor often used to describe Iago's intricate schemes to manipulate the other characters.

Symbolism of the handkerchief

Represents Othello's love and trust; becomes a crucial piece of 'evidence' in Iago's plot.

Interracial marriage

The relationship between Othello and Desdemona, which serves as a central conflict in the play.

Tragedy is a dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character known as the __ due to a personal flaw and circumstances.

tragic hero

The __ is the tragic hero's fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

Hamartia

In a play, a moment where the tragic hero makes a critical discovery about their own identity or situation is known as __.

Anagnorisis

The emotional release experienced by the audience, resulting from the tragic events of the play, is referred to as __.

Catharsis

The primary setting of the play, which symbolizes wealth and diversity but also highlights Othello's outsider status, is __.

Ven

Tragedy

A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character (the tragic hero) due to a personal flaw and circumstances.

Hamartia

The tragic hero's fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

Anagnorisis

A moment in a play where the tragic hero makes a critical discovery, often about their own identity or situation.

Catharsis

An emotional release experienced by the audience, resulting from the tragic events of the play.

Iago

Othello's ensign and the play's antagonist, known for his manipulation and deceit.

Othello

The titular character, a Moor and military general whose jealousy leads him to tragic actions.

Desdemona

Othello's wife, a symbol of loyalty and innocence who suffers from Othello's jealousy.

Jealousy

An emotion that drives Othello's actions and is depicted as a destructive force in the play.

Racism

A theme within the play that explores prejudice against Othello due to his race as a Moor.

Deception

A key theme explored through Iago's manipulations and the resulting tragic events

Venice

The primary setting of the play that symbolizes wealth and diversity, but also Othello's outsider status.

Hamlet

Another famous tragic hero by Shakespeare, often compared to Othello for his flaws and struggles.

Web of deception

A metaphor often used to describe Iago's intricate schemes to manipulate the other characters.

Symbolism of the handkerchief

Represents Othello's love and trust; becomes a crucial piece of 'evidence' in Iago's plot.

Interracial marriage

The relationship between Othello and Desdemona, which serves as a central conflict in the play

Tragedy

A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character (the tragic hero) due to a personal flaw and circumstances.

Hamartia

The tragic hero's fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

Anagnorisis

A moment in a play where the tragic hero makes a critical discovery, often about their own identity or situation.

Catharsis

An emotional release experienced by the audience, resulting from the tragic events of the play.

Iago

Othello's ensign and the play's antagonist, known for his manipulation and deceit