English I - Othello_ Introduction (FINAL).pptx

Tragedy

A drama that depicts the conflict between a protagonist and a superior force, leading to a solemn conclusion.

Tragic flaw

A defect in the protagonist that leads to their downfall.

Hubris

Excessive pride, often leading to the downfall of a tragic hero.

Tragic hero

The main character of noble birth whose downfall is caused by a flaw in character.

Aristotle's tragic hero concept

A character of high station whose downfall occurs due to a character flaw.

Conflict

The struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative.

Othello

A Shakespearean tragedy that presents the story of a noble but flawed protagonist.

Setting (time)

Late sixteenth century during the wars between Venice and Turkey.

Setting (place)

Primarily Venice and the island of Cyprus.

Moor

A black nomadic person originally from northern Africa, often discriminated against.

Cuckold

A man whose wife has cheated on him, viewed as a symbol of public humiliation.

Jealousy

An irrational emotion linked to envy that erodes trust in relationships.

Desdemona

Othello's wife, viewed with both reverence and disdain due to her race and marriage.

Iago

A villain in Othello known for betraying Othello's trust while maintaining his appearance of honesty.

Evil Women

A term reflecting the varied views of women, often associated with distrust and potential infidelity.

The Wife’s Status

The societal expectation for women to be obedient to their husbands and listen to their moral guidance.

Cultural Misogyny

The historical distrust of women, leading to the assumption that they would cheat.

Elizabethan attitudes towards women

Complex views influenced by the Church, often leading to misogyny in society.

The Barbary Company

An institution founded by Queen Elizabeth to facilitate trade with North Africa.

Moriscos

Muslims who converted to Christianity in Spain, often expelled from the Iberian peninsula.

Othello's acceptance

Othello's military success and Christianity allowed him some acceptance despite his race.

Personal responsibility

The concept that the tragic hero must accept their role in their downfall.

Purging of emotions

The audience's emotional release as they empathize with the tragic hero's plight.

Racial ambiguity

The unclear racial identity of Othello as described by various characters in the play.

Dramatic irony

A situation where the audience knows more about a character's situation than the character does.

Historical background

The context of the Moorish occupation of Spain and its influence on perceptions of race.

Social frameworks

The societal structures that can be eroded by jealousy and distrust.

Character contrasts

The juxtaposition of Iago's cynicism with Othello's integrity.

Public humiliation

The societal shame faced by a cuckold, leading to severe personal consequences.