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Othello: A Level York Notes A Level Revision Guide

Revise the key points

Read through the key points, then print the cards as a handy revision aid.

1 Act I Scene 2 – Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is pursuing him

  • At this point in Act I we see Othello and Iago together for the first time Read from: ‘Iago: Though in the trade of war’, to ‘Othello: What lights come yond?’ (l.2.1–9)
  • WHY is it important? Othello’s attitude and tone suggest he is an honourable man, contrasting with the negative image of him Iago constructed in Act I Scene 1.
  • WHAT themes does it explore? The theme of masculine honour is explored in both Iago’s and Othello’s speeches. The theme of love and marriage is also explored.
  • HOW does it work dramatically? This is a quiet and calm exchange, but we see evidence of Iago’s methods of manipulation. He is already deceiving Othello, acting the part of faithful servant.
  • WHAT language techniques does it employ? There is irony in all of Iago’s speeches. We know he is telling lies. Othello’s poetic description of marriage to ‘gentle Desdemona’ contrasts with Iago’s blunt speaking style.

Key extracts

Othello: A Level

2 Act I Scene 3 – Iago persuades Roderigo and outlines his plots

  • At this point in Act I Roderigo is persuaded to follow Othello and Desdemona to Cyprus. Left alone, Iago outlines his evil motives and plans Read from: ‘Roderigo: Where shall we meet,’ to ‘Iago: Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.’ (I.3.374–403)
  • WHY is it important? We see how Iago’s methods of manipulation influence Roderigo, who is exploited and deceived. We see Iago’s contempt for others and gain insight into his motives.
  • WHAT themes does it explore? Deception, evil and jealousy, all of which are themes associated with Iago throughout the play. The difference between appearance and reality is also explored.
  • HOW does it work dramatically? When Roderigo is on stage the mood is energetic, even comic, as Iago rallies him. When Iago is alone the mood becomes darker, but his evil energy persists.
  • WHAT language techniques does it employ? We see Iago’s facility with words; insults, rhetorical questions, similes, exclamations and images of evil are used. The personal pronouns (I, me, my) in his soliloquy show his egotism.

Key extracts

Othello: A Level

3 Act II Scene 3 – Cassio bemoans his loss of reputation

  • At this point in Act II, Cassio is in disgrace after the drunken brawl. Iago takes on the role of comforter and advisor Read from: ‘Iago: What, are you hurt, lieutenant?’ to ‘Cassio: let us call thee devil!’ (II.3.255–79)
  • WHY is it important? This is a turning point for Iago. When Cassio is dismissed we know his plans are working. Cassio is now in his power because he is led to trust Iago’s judgement.
  • WHAT themes does it explore? The masculine obsession with honour and reputation is explored here. Iago’s evil methods of manipulation are further demonstrated.
  • HOW does it work dramatically? There is a contrast between Cassio’s anguish and Iago’s common sense approach, which creates tension. There is further tension as we watch Cassio being ensnared by Iago’s words of advice.
  • WHAT language techniques does it employ? The repetition of ‘reputation’ and the imagery associated with it creates irony. There is irony in Cassio’s personification of wine as a ‘devil’; the ‘devil’ Iago made him drink it.

Key extracts

Othello: A Level

4 Act IV Scene 3 – Emilia helps Desdemona to prepare for bed

  • At this point in Act IV, Desdemona has been publically humiliated and abused by Othello, who has dismissed her and told her to go to bed Read from: ‘Emilia: How goes it now?’ to ‘Desdemona: No, unpin me here.’ (IV.3.9–33)
  • WHY is it important? We see the way in which Desdemona has been cowed by Othello’s verbal and physical violence. Her submissive words foreshadow what she will say when she dies.
  • WHAT themes does it explore? The issues of male–female relationships and power are explored. The willow song introduces the themes of death, madness and forsaken love.
  • HOW does it work dramatically? This is a quiet scene, full of a sense of foreboding. Emilia’s brief outburst, ‘Would you had never seen him!’ prepares us for her defence of Desdemona in Act V.
  • WHAT language techniques does it employ? Foreshadowing and symbolism are used in the references to the ‘sheets’ Desdemona wants to be shrouded in, and in the willow song, which is about ill-fated love.

Key extracts

Othello: A Level

5 Act V Scene 2 – Emilia finds that Othello has killed Desdemona

  • At this point in Act V, Othello has smothered Desdemona. Emilia confronts Othello with the enormity of his crime, which he initially denies committing Read from: ‘Desdemona: O falsely, falsely murdered!’ to ‘Emilia: My husband!’ (V.2.115–44)
  • WHY is it important? We see the depth of Othello’s degradation in his denial of Desdemona’s murder. Emilia’s slow realisation that Iago is a villain is a turning point. The truth starts to come out.
  • WHAT themes does it explore? The issues of guilt and blame are important here. Male-female relationships, power and the theme of reputation are also explored.
  • HOW does it work dramatically? This is a highly charged episode. Outraged, Emilia becomes the voice of the audience. Desdemona’s dying words are full of pathos. Othello‘s defence of himself is painful to witness.
  • WHAT language techniques does it employ? Short lines and exclamations create tension. Emilia and Othello challenge each other repeatedly. Both use powerful similes and metaphors to accuse. Emilia’s repetition of ‘My husband!’ grows increasingly fraught.

Key extracts

Othello: A Level

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