Othello Literary Terms

Flashcards covering literary terms, plot elements, and characters in Othello.

What is the climax in Othello?

The turning point where Othello is convinced of Desdemona's guilt and seeks revenge.

What is one method of characterization?

Showing a character's actions.

What does the handkerchief symbolize in Othello?

Love.

What is a soliloquy?

A speech where a character is alone on stage, expressing their thoughts.

What kind of joke does the clown make in Act II, scene I?

A pun.

What is one motif in Othello?

The use of animal imagery.

What is the inciting incident of Othello?

The marriage of Othello and Desdemona.

What is an aside?

A remark meant to be heard by the audience but not by certain characters.

Who serves as a foil for Desdemona and why?

Emilia, because her coarseness highlights Desdemona's innocence.

What does the clown provide in Othello?

Comic relief.

Name the parts of a tragedy.

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, catastrophe.

What is dramatic irony?

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

What is verbal irony?

When a character says one thing but means another (sarcasm).

What is situational irony?

When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected.

What is the plot of Act 1 in Othello?

Iago is angry that Othello was promoted over him and tells Brabantio (Desdemona's father) that Othello and Desdemona have eloped.

What is the plot of Act 2 in Othello?

Othello, Desdemona, and their entourage arrive in Cyprus. Iago begins his plan to make Othello jealous.

What is the plot of Act 3 in Othello?

Iago manipulates Othello into becoming suspicious of Desdemona's fidelity, using the handkerchief as 'proof'.

What is the plot of Act 4 in Othello?

Othello becomes increasingly convinced of Desdemona's infidelity and plans her murder with Iago.

What is the plot of Act 5 in Othello?

Othello kills Desdemona, Emilia reveals Iago's treachery, Iago kills Emilia, and Othello kills himself.

Who are the main characters in Othello?

Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Cassio, Emilia, Roderigo, Brabantio.

What is the exposition in Othello?

Act 1: Introduces the characters and the conflict of Othello and Desdemona's marriage being opposed by Brabantio and Iago's initial resentment.

What is the rising action in Othello?

Acts 2-3: Iago's manipulation of Othello, planting seeds of doubt about Desdemona's faithfulness.

What is the climax in Othello?

Act 4: Othello is fully convinced of Desdemona's guilt and resolves to kill her.

What is the falling action in Othello?

Act 5: Othello murders Desdemona.