Write a letter to the New Governor of Cyprus reporting to his equivalent in Venice, the events that have just taken place, given your account of who was the ‘real’ villain. You may like to recall Brabantio’s earlier words and or quote some of Lodovico’s assertions in Act 4:Scene 2.

To the New Governor of Cyprus,

I would like to inform you that a number of key events have occurred in the past few days with regards to the general, Othello.

The, “...noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient,” (Act 4: Scene 1: 243-244) has murdered his faithful wife, in belief that she was dishonest with his Lieutenant Cassio. This objective was planted into the mind of Othello, by his ancient, Iago. The, “Honest Iago,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 7) manipulated Cassio, Iago, Roderigo and his wife Emilia, into making his plan for revenge on Othello work, by playing with Othello’s insecurities and his race. Shortly after acknowledging that Iago has deceived him, Othello stabbed himself and lay dead next to his wife Desdemona and the dead Emilia (who after seeing what happened to the faithful Desdemona, killed herself in grief). This death bed now lies as the end result of Iago’s evil genius plan to ‘ruin’ Othello and his reputation.

Iago in the beginning, played with Iago’s race, calling him “An old black ram who is tupping a white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: 91-91). Iago constantly throughout the play, tried to make Othello jealous. When Iago asked Cassio about Bianca, Othello thought he was talking about Desdemona, and this was the idea of Iago, “Othello shall go mad; and his unbookish jealousy must construe,” (Act 4: Scene 1: 108-109). Iago’s plan had consequently worked and his anger gets the better of him, “O perjur’d woman, thou dost stone my heart,” (Act 5: Scene 2: 74) and “...she must die, else she’ll betray more men,” (Act 5: Scene 2: 6).

After the deaths, the villainous Iago was captured and decided that he shall be tortured until death, while Cassio became General.

I hope this has given you insight into the occurrences here.

Kind regards.

 

Iago

Iago in the play, Othello, gains a reputation for being honest and reliable, when in reality is manipulative, wanting revenge and a liar. Iago gained his reputation of honesty by manipulating people and situations, and through-out the play is constantly referred to as “Honest Iago,” or “Iago is most honest,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 7, by Othello and Cassio. The significance of Iago’s ‘honesty’ is that the audience can view the ‘real’ Iago, which couldn’t be any more different than the so called, “Honest Iago.” In reality, Iago is controlling, dishonest and has this obsession of destroying Othello. He constantly reaffirms his plan to destroy Othello and it always involves the manipulation of other characters in the play, “Two things are to be done My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress- I’ll set her on- Myself a while to draw the Moor apart and bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife,” (Act 2: Scene 3: 293-298). Shakespeare positions the audience to view the ‘many Iago’s’ in the play, as he changes his character when talking to different people in the play. This allows the audience to see exactly how controlling Iago is. There is a contrast in Iago’s character when he is in the presence of Othello, “My Lord, you know I love you,” (Act 3: Scene 3: 132) in which Othello replies, “I think thou dost; And for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty,” (Act 3: Scene 3: 133-134). Shakespeare positions the audience to feel the trust Othello has in Iago and can link that this trust led by Iago helped him manipulate Othello. Also, it provides the audience and insight on how trust and honesty are values embedded in the play in which characters admire. Iago is clever, in the sense that he knows how to act and be in the presence of certain people and constantly tries to gain the trust from all characters in the play, even thought he is revenging against them.

For each of the following characters, write a concise paragraph that explores what sort of person he/she is. You may need to consider a combination of physical and personality traits to accurately explore the character.

Othello

Othello, the main character in the play, Othello, is a man who is proud and strong, but at times is seen as naive and easily manipulated. In the beginning of the play, Othello to many is seen as the brave, strong leader who has successfully won in war and Othello himself believes his accomplishments will add to more of a reason as to why he should be able to marry Desdemona, “My services which I have done the signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints...my demerits May speak, unbonneted, to as proud a fortune as this I have reach’d.” (Act 1: Scene 2: 20-26). Shakespeare’s use of personification to the words of ‘demerits’ and ‘services’ provide and insight into how your service at war is very much valued and respected in the play. The audience is positioned to view Othello as a courageous, proud leader and fighter. However, certain characters demoralise Othello for his skin colour, as Othello, being a black man, is frowned upon in the play. When Iago is informing Brabantio of Othello’s and Desdemona’s marriage he says, “An old black ram is tupping your white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: 91-92). The use of binary opposition of the ‘black’ and ‘white’ allows the audience to clearly see the distinction and contrast between the two colours and how they relate back to Desdemona and Othello. The audience is positioned to see that in the play, marriage of the opposite race is devalued and frowned upon. Throughout the play, Othello’s character changes through the genius manipulation of Iago. With this change, Othello becomes more aggressive, completely naive and his speech becomes short and choppy. When Othello hits Desdemona, Lodovico asks, “Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake?” (Act 4: Scene 1: 243-245). Shakespeare positions the audience to view the change through characters other than the people close to Othello, and this shows how much of a change Othello has undertaken since being under the influence of Iago. Also, it provides an insight into the Senate’s minds, where they all believe that Othello is a great fighter and leader and they value this in Othello. Desdemona also sees the change in Othello and asks, “Why do you speak so startingly and rash?” (Act 3: Scene 4” 79). This positions the audience to see that Desdemona values the ability to speak beautifully and have the art of speech, which Othello had, but begins to fade when under the influence of Iago. All in all, Othello in the beginning is the perfect representation of a great leader and fighter, but his values and attitudes begin to change and distort through-out the play due to the influence of Iago and these changes are visible to other characters and the audience.

Write an extend response that discusses the various 'versions' of Iago that the audience is exposed to and consider how he contributes to our understanding of the various themes within the play.

1. Make sure you include direct evidence
2. Makes sure you reference the evidence (Act 3, Scene 5, 45-50)
3. Discuss positioning techniques
4. Consider the values, attitudes and ideas that are embedded within the text
5. Use well-constructed sentences and paragraphs.
6. Proof-read carefully.

Through-out the play, Othello, Shakespeare positions the audience to view the many personalities of the character, Iago, where the audience get a real insight into the real Iago. In the play, Iago disrupts the natural peace and causes conflict through his genius manipulation towards other characters such as; Othello, Cassio and Roderigo. When manipulating Roderigo he explains his hate for Othello, ‘Though I [Iago] do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 147-149). Although, Iago has much hate for Othello he acknowledges that he needs to not show this hate in front of Othello, but rather show love. This ‘version’ of Iago is derived from the fact that Iago believes he should’ve been Othello’s lieutenant rather than Cassio, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Line 11). This displays the theme of jealousy, where Iago was given the low position of an ancient, where he believes he should rather be the Lieutenant. Again, the theme of jealousy arises once more, where he believes Othello slept with Emilia, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap’d into my seat,” (Act 2: Scene 1: Lines 214-215). This shows that in the play, loyalty between a husband and a wife is very much valued, so much that death be the answer.

Iago plays a different character when in the eyes of Othello and this plays an important role in the play, Othello. When Iago is by himself or talking to Roderigo he is has quite prejudices ideas towards Othello, “An old black ram Is tupping your white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 88-89). The use of binary opposition between the colours of ‘white’ and ‘black’ allows the audience see the racist slurs made against Othello and to therefore, make it clear of the prejudice theme that is constant through-out the play. With this in mind, it is clear that being a black man in the play is looked down upon and therefore, being a person of the white race is valued. Although Iago talks quite rudely behind Othello’s back, he is most kind and honest when in the presence of Othello, much so that Othello comments quite often of Iago’s “honesty and love,” (Act 2: Scene 3: Line 195). This is another ‘version’ of Iago where he is seen as a kind companion in Othello’s eyes. This displays how two faced Iago is and helps us, as the audience, to understand the underlying theme of deception and disloyalty between friendships and relationships in the play by Iago.

15.10.12 Journal

Today we started listening to the audio version of Othello.

• A question I have is: why was Othello the only black man? or was he the only black man in the play?
• Many people are very prejudiced against the character of Othello and give him  a bad name to the audience even before he even appears in the play. 

Important lines in Act 1: Scene 1 and 2:

• line 65 in at 1 scene 1 "I am not what I am" by Iago
• Lines 88-89 animal imagery-binary opposition
• lines 113-133 Act 1 Scene 1 "Gross clasps of a lascivious Moor"
•  Act 1 Scene 2 line 83, "To fear not to delight"

Homework

Why has Shakespeare chosen to introduce the main character in this way? How are we, as the audience, being positioned to see Othello and to see other characters?

 

 

In the play, Othello, William Shakespeare decides to introduce his main character, Othello, much later in the play, and as a result, we as the audience are being positioned to see Othello and other characters even before they are seen in the play. Shakespeare's deliberate choice of introducing Othello by the use of other characters, allows the audience to understand that he is a black man who is very much prejudiced against in the beginning of the film, only because of his skin colour. Othello is referred to as

“an old black ram” (I.i.88),
 

in which the audience can identify the racist language chosen to describe Othello. As the audience, we are positioned to see Othello as a black man who serves other people or almost acts as a slave, which shows that the characters in Othello really sever Othello's reputation as the head of the army. Moreover, he is referred to as

“the thick-lips” (I.i.66),
 

which again emphasises the harsh language choices used by other characters in the play to describe Othello. As the audience we are positioned to see the charaters in the play as very prejudice and jealous of Othello's character and position in the play. As a result of the input of other characters in the play introducing Othello's character to the audience, the audience gets a prejudged perception of Othello as a black man who isn't respected by others in the play.
 

 



Journal Entry 10.10.12

Today we watched the movie Othello. *Roderigo is very obsessed with Desdemona, and I don't think that she is aware of this. He will literally do anything for her and he tries to impress her very much. *It's hard to say whether Desdemona actually admires Cassio as it is evident that they share chemistry, but maybe later it will be more distinct that she doesn't like him. *Iago is very good at persuading others to do things that he wants them to do- very manipulative, he's very good at planning things out the way he wants in order for everything to get as planned. *You can definatley see how in the time, the colour of your skin was very much a direct representation of who you were, and Othello being a black man, he got many prejudices against him. *Another theme that has been evident is the theme of jealousy between Cassio and Iago and Roderigo and Othello. This jealousy causes many conflicts between other characters.

9.10.12 Journal Entry

Meaning behind the play: I think the meaning behind the play is to show the themes of deception, love, friendship, disloyalty, social class and prejudice.

Characters: Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas

How important is the character of Charlotte Lucas to the story? Charlotte Lucas plays a vital role in Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. Charlotte is the dear friend of Lizzy, and the choice she makes plays an important role in the impact between Lizzy and Darcy. Charlotte is viewed as very pragmatic and chooses to marry for comfort rather than for love, as Lizzy does. One of the techniques that Austen uses when writing about Charlotte Lucas is satire, as the character conforms to society’s view on marriage. Love to Charlotte is not the most vital aspect within a marriage and she believes that “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” The audience is positioned to understand that within Charlotte’s world, happiness is not always likely within a marriage and she acknowledges this by agreeing to marry Mr Collins, not for love, but for a comfortable home. Her role in the novel, allows the audience to view the contrast between Charlotte’s character and Lizzy Bennet’s character. How important is the character of Mr Collins to the story? Mr Collins is quite an important character in Pride and Prejudice, by the way that the author, Jane Austen allows the audience to view his character. Austen satirizes Mr Collins in positioning the readers to view him as a baboon who is too engrossed in Lady Catherine’s life and forgets his own morals and values. “I would advise you merely to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest ...she likes to have the distinction of rank preserved" (137 Austen). He thinks very highly of Lady Catherine and degrades Lizzy by making himself appear ‘better’ than Lizzy. Austen satirizes Mr. Collins because people shouldn't demoralize themselves for the sake of people higher than them on the social ladder of society. This technique allows the audience to laugh at the ignorance of Mr Collins and stupidity, and is an important character as he emphasises the idea of social class in the novel.

Poem analysis

The World is Too Much with Us 1.)The World is Too Much with Us is a poem written by William Wordsworth is about human destruction on this world and how the human race takes for granted for what we have on this earth. Despite the power that the human race holds, we do not use this power to help the world and the environment that we live in. Although the poem is set within the Romantic Era, this poem is still very relevant to today's society. The title itself, proves evidence of the poem's greater meaning,which is that humans and there environment simply cannot co-exist because of the damage that the humans are inflicting. 2.)The concept of earths sustainability and the limited control humans posses over such forces as weather and nature is not new. The most interesting part of the poem for me is the fact that, despite being written in a different era, the basic ideas and principles maintain relevance in today's society. With pressing issues like global warming, overpopulation and threatened species appearing regularly in the news the topics suggested in the poem have greater significance. 3.) The central emotion shown through the poem is guilt, this is shown by the way that Wordsworth says 'The World is Too Much With Us' meaning the human race, being the main reason for destruction in the world. We are at times prone for taking for granted the power of nature that the world provides us (humans) with. The implementation of imagery and descriptive and emotive language, "This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon," evokes a further sense of understanding and involvement in the subjects of the poem as it would have for people in the romantic era (the era of which this poem was written). 4.) 'The World is Too Much With Us' connects to readers in the 21st century in aspects of how the nature is taken for granted by the human race. Author, William Wordsworth was aware of the problem back then,but somehow he also knew that the problem would arise later in life. He writes, "The world is too much with us; late and soon." This is meaning that it has been happening and it will continue within the 21st century. Also, Wordsworth also writes, "Little we see in Nature that is ours." Today, we may see ourselves as owning the land, but nature acts independently of us. In out society today, the human race are taking hold of nature and building sky scrapers and houses and man made desires. We are not seeing the beauty in nature. It is a sign of a talented writer to create a piece that maintains relevance generations on. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud By William Wordsworth The poem, "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is a poem written by William Wordsworth, about having the full appreciation of nature and to be mesmerised by nature, that you forget about your own reality. The repetition of the title name, "I wandered Lonely as a Cloud" refers to the author, wandering aimlessly through a field of daffodils. The poet himself, is mesmerised by the beauty of what he sees. But as the poem goes on, he writes about his reality which is "...when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood," which is referring to how his reality saddens him. But then he reminds himself of what he saw and "..then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils." It was a true experience for him and the image of the field of daffodils can be called upon in his mind anytime. William Wordsworth may have written this poem to allow the audience to ponder on their appreciation of nature and what they find is true beauty and a true experience. His own personal experience of wandering through the field of daffodils affected him and he can now call upon the image in his mind whenever he is feeling low. The audience may either relate or not relate to Wordsworth, but either way, the audience can feel the admiration that Wordsworth has for nature and it inspires the readers to do so too. When he writes, "Ten thousand saw I at a glance,"is an exaggeration to how many daffodils he saw, this exaggeration is on Wordsworth's behalf to almost excite the audience. Wordsworth is able to take the audience on a journey of reflection that may result in changed perspectives and approaches to the natural world. The emotions that are evident in the poem is gratification and appreciation. Wordsworth very much appreciates the scene that he sees and he can't take his eyes off of it, "I gazed---and gazed...". He goes on to describe the beauty of the daffodils and what affect it has on him, "The waves beside them danced;but they out did the sparkling waves in glee." however, as he progreses through the poem, Wordsworth describes how when he is at home he is consumed by sadness, so he calls upon the image of the daffodils and "... Then my heart with pleasure fills." There is this real appreciation for the nature and the image of the daffodils, as the affect it has on a person can change their mood immediately. I think the audience would feel the need to go out into nature and experience it properly, because once you go back to your reality you might regret not appreciating the nature properly. This poem connects to readers of the 21st century as nature in this day and age is not very much appreciated by many. Many of the older generations still love and enjoy nature, however, the younger generation, the children of the future, are consumed by society. Society has built barriers such as;video games, Macbooks, iPads, iPhones and other technology devices, which leaves the younger generation no time to enjoy the nature. Nature is very much taken for granted and sooner or later, it won't be as beautiful as it is now, due to global warming. Wordsworth's poem is almost a shout out to people to go out and enjoy what the world offers. When Wordsworth writes, "...but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought," describes how Wordsworth didn't realise the importance of what he was seeing. This relates to readers today, as it explains how you must appreciate everything around you, in order to be most happiest.

english homework: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

what you think are the main themes, your opinion of at least two characters and a general opinion of the book (there must be a detailed reason - you can't simply tell me you hate it because it is hard or boring). Main themes: - love - class - journey opinion of Mr. Collins: he is very proud that he has a residence near Lady Catherine de Bourgh and that he dines with her. He very much brags about her wealth and class. He comes across as very snobby and annoying. Opinion of Mr Wickham: he seems very attractive and charming. But once you find out that he made the story up about Mr Darcy you see that he really is a liar and he’s selfish. Opinion of book: I think the book is alright. It was quite interesting that Mr Bingley was so under the influence of Mr Darcy (how Mr Darcy influenced him to go back home and that Jane didn’t love him). I like how although Elizabeth is expected to marry Mr Collins, she doesn't. It shows that she is independent and goes against her mother’s wills. I would think she would do anything her parents wanted her to do- thought that was the norm back then. It’s an interesting storyline. I can see why there has been so many adaptations of the story- Bridget Jones’ Diary, etc. I also found it interesting how Elizabeth’s friend agreed to marry Mr Collins, even though she didn’t really love him fully. She married him because of the assurance. Assurance of a home, wealth, etc. It shows that it would’ve been really hard for women back then. Because all the wealth would go to the men in the family and women didn’t have jobs, etc. written overview: I have read the whole book.

"My Daddy's a Diver" Questions + Answers

My Daddy’s a Diver Use the following questions to write a coherent review of the short story, My Daddy’s a Diver, in which you address its effectiveness as a short story, how it relates to the concept of journey and what ideas, attitudes and values underpin the story. Take notes in answer to the following questions and then use these to write an extended response. Finish for homework if necessary and post this to your blog. 1. Use the checklist of short story genre requirements to assess how well the story meets these. Give specific evidence in your response. - have a title: Yes,” My Daddys’ a Diver” - tell the story of an event: goal for the character is to find food for his daughter, as his wife had died during the pregnancy of their child and he doesn’t have a job. - have a closed setting: he’s in the sea, while his daughter is near the sea. - orientation, complication, conflict/problem, climax, resolution: He needs to find food, he finds a fish and he kills it, but his daughter doesn’t want to eat it because she didn’t like seeing the fish dead. So, the dad then compromises on 2 minute noodles. - have a restricted number of characters: 2 characters, the dad and the daughter. - use a balance of dialogue and narration in a purposeful way: the story is told in third person, and there is a lot of narration and a bit of dialogue, but it is just enough, to give the character’s some personality. - demonstrate a balance of showing and telling • - imagery: of the fish, of his daughter, of the sea. • variations in sentence length/structure to maintain reader interest – especially variation from subject + verb openings: short quick sentences, give it that ‘action packed’ feel, but there is also some long sentences that go into detail of the description of something. - be resolved so that it surprises the reader in some way: The dad resolves the problem by agreeing to eat 2 minute noodles, rather than the fish. The relationship of the dad and the daughter is very strong and beautiful, this is evident in the very end where she hugs him and he cries. - be written from more than one perspective: is written through one perspective, third person. - use non-linear structure: linear structure, has a beginning, middle and end. 2. How well does the story connect with the reader? What emotions or thoughts does it elicit? How effectively does it use language to do this? Give evidence from the story in your response. It’s in third person, which doesn’t make it that personal, but there was a lot descriptive sentences and short quick sentences, which kept the reader on its toes of what else could happen. “Far below lay a sponge-and-weed-matted overhang. This, he knew, concealed a cave-like ledge where, on turbulent days, fish sometimes congregated. Once more he tilted downward, finning rhythmically.” There was a short sentence and then a long descriptive one. It gives the reader an insight of the whole different world under the sea. 3. What ideas, attitudes and values underpin this text? You may have already identified some of these in Question 2. The whole notion of doing anything that you can to benefit you/ or to survive. Also, that you have to persist with life and never give up, because you have your friends and family there. 4. What kinds of journeys do we see evidence of in this story? Explain your answer. The journey of overcoming his pain from losing his wife, not having a job and looking after and making his daughter his first priority. There’s this journey of family and love. 5. How effective is the story as a whole? The story was very descriptive, but also had short sentences, which was a nice variety. The story was sweet and loving. The story also gave an insight into the world of the ocean.

Homework Tuesday 7th Feb

Now that you have your assessment task sheet, you can begin brainstorming some ideas.

The first thing that I would like you to do is to put together a list of possible places/regions that you can potentially focus on for your task. Think of it as a short list.

You should also consider what texts we have looked at so far that may be able to fit into your article.

Answers:
Possible places:

• Surfers Paradise
• Coolangatta
• Cabarita
• Kingscliff
• Byron Bay

Texts we have looked at so far that could relate to places:

• 'Away' play
• 'Bondi Beach'
• 'Clancy of the Overflow' poem by A.B Patterson
  

Mrs Damen's blog

visit Mrs Damen's blog for homework, notes etc.

http://sthcdamenseniorenglish13.blogspot.com.au/

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