S E R I E S E D I T O R S : W. GEIGER ELLIS, ED.D., UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, EMERITUS and ARTHEA J. S. REED, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, RETIRED A T E A C H E R ’ S G U I D E T O T H E S I G N E T C L A S S I C E D I T I O N O F WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO By DEBRA (DEE) JAMES, University of North Carolina at Asheville
I N T R O D U C T I O N Othello,like all of Shakespeare’s plays, particularly the tragedies, is complex and subtly nuanced. Through its complexities and subtleties, Shakespeare makes us care about the characters who people this story. We understand their weaknesses and their strengths, their passions and their nobility. In our engagement in their lives and our pondering over what has gone wrong and why, we are given the opportunity to analyze human life both in the abstract and in the particular of our own lives. Shakespeare’s ability to involve us in the lives and fortunes of his characters is one of the best reasons for reading, rereading, and teachingOthello. Othellohas particular gifts to offer to teenagers. It is a play about passion and reason. Intense feelings are exhibited here: love, hate, jealousy, envy, even lust. Teenagers struggling with their own passions can empathize with both Roderigo’s and Othello’s plight. It is also a play that examines, as do Shakespeare’s other works, human relationships and interactions. For teenagers in the first rush of attempting to understand how romantic relationships work and when and why they might fail, this text provides much to ponder. In addition, studying the play gives young people a rich literary vehicle for developing their critical thinking and analytical reading skills. The closer they examine this work, the richer they find it. This teacher’s guide is intended to assist you by providing a variety of ideas and activities to serve as a springboard to enrich student learning. It is divided into several parts: (1) a brief literary overview, including a synopsis and a commentary on the play; (2) suggestions for teaching the play, including activities, discussion questions, and essay topics to be used before, during, and after reading the play; (3) ideas to extend the students’ learning beyond the play, including ways to address its themes, ideas for teaching literary analysis, techniques for using the play as a bridge to other works, and ways to use the play as part of interdisciplinary study and; (4) bibliographies and other resources. Throughout this guide activities are suggested for students of varying ability levels. You will need to select those that are most appropriate for your classroom. O V E R V I E W SYNOPSIS The play is set primarily in Cyprus. However, the opening act takes place in Venice, providing us with an understanding of the authoritarian government controlled by the Venetian senators. Also, we begin to understand Othello’s tenuous standing in Venice, as well as Desdemona’s privileged background.
Want to read all 17 pages?
Previewing 3 of 17 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
Want to read all 17 pages?
Previewing 3 of 17 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
End of preview
Want to read all 17 pages? Upload your study docs or become a member.