english question 354
- First, read Act 1 of Othello, including all the footnotes and definitions that explain references in the text & clarify certain lines.
- Then watch video depictions of the passage – those clips are posted below.
- Next, examine the passage that is the focus of this exercise (scroll to see it below) taken from Scene 3 in Act I. It is a famous and critical soliloquy in the play — sometimes called Iago’s “I hate the Moor” speech. You can also download the passage as a separate file here. Give it a close reading.
- Finally, complete this two-part Paraphrasing and Analysis Exercise – details below
THREE VIDEO CLIPS
1. The first video clip is Kenneth Branagh as Iago in a 1995 film adaptation of the play.
2. The second clip is from a 1990 production with Ian McKellen as Iago, and costumes evoking the Civil War era. Start at the 4:15 mark:
3. The third clip features Bob Hoskins as Iago in a 1981 BBC production:
THE PASSAGE
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<strong>IAGO</strong>_x000D_ _x000D_ Go to, farewell. Put money enough in your purse._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ <strong>RODERIGO</strong>_x000D_ _x000D_ I’ll sell all my land. <em><strong>(Exit) </strong></em> (365) _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ <strong>IAGO</strong>_x000D_ _x000D_ Thus do I ever make my fool my purse._x000D_ _x000D_ For I mine own gained knowledge should profane_x000D_ _x000D_ If I would time expend with such a snipe_x000D_ _x000D_ But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,_x000D_ _x000D_ And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets (370)_x000D_ _x000D_ He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true,_x000D_ _x000D_ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,_x000D_ _x000D_ Will do as if for surety. He holds me well._x000D_ _x000D_ The better shall my purpose work on him._x000D_ _x000D_ Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now, (375)_x000D_ _x000D_ To get his place and to plume up my will_x000D_ _x000D_ In double knavery. How? How? Let’s see._x000D_ _x000D_ After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear_x000D_ _x000D_ That he is too familiar with his wife._x000D_ _x000D_ He hath a person and a smooth dispose (380)_x000D_ _x000D_ To be suspected, framed to make women false._x000D_ _x000D_ The Moor is of a free and open nature_x000D_ _x000D_ That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,_x000D_ _x000D_ And will as tenderly be led by th' nose_x000D_ _x000D_ As asses are. (385)_x000D_ _x000D_ I have ’t. It is engendered! Hell and night_x000D_ _x000D_ Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.<em><strong> (Exit)_x000D_ _______x000D_ _x000D_ </strong></em>
THE 2-PART EXERCISE
PART I – Paraphrase the Passage in Contemporary Language
Required Length: It should be comparable in length to the original passage.
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EXAMPLE ORIGINAL PASSAGE: Emilia (to Cassio): Good morrow, good lieutenant. I am sorry For your displeasure: but all will sure be well. The general and his wife are talking of it, And she speaks for you stoutly… A MODERN PARAPHRASE: Good morning, good lieutenant. I am sorry about you falling out of favor, but I am sure it will all turn out okay. The general and his wife are talking about it, and she is advocating for you strongly… |
PART 2 – Formalist Analysis of the Passage
Required Length: Approx. 6-10 sentences (1 paragraph). The ‘RECOMMENDED Materials’ (above) are good resources.
Beneath your modern paraphrase, write a brief but well-developed formalist analysis, discussing what is significant in this passage of the play. Remember: analysis is not summary or description.
- Identify the type of language structure used in this passage. Is it blank verse? Rhyme? Prose? What does the type of verse contribute to meaning? (Use the reference guide listed above to assist you).
- Draw conclusions about form, content and the relationship between the two. How are aspects of the form contributing to meaning?
- Look up definitions and unfamiliar references. Even familiar words can have alternate meanings that are unknown to contemporary readers.
- Identify formalist features, like literary devices – identify the presence of metaphor, visual imagery, language patterns and/or other elements that distinguish the way the passage is written
- Discuss the passage’s role in the play – what makes it critical? Significant?
- Note: Cite lines correctly as you quote from the passage; refer to the “How to Quote Shakespeare” handout (linked above).