What genre of tragedy does act II fit into best?

Revenge tragedy fits best into act II because it is the act where Iago puts his plan into action with Roderigo in how to get Cassio sacked and Othello to not trust Desdemona.  It is seen as a revenge tragedy because it involves complex disguises, and usually some morality of revenge. (Iago shown to be loyal and honest to everyone but in his soliloquy’s we see his true side).An eruption of general violence at the end, which (in the Renaissance) is often accomplished by means of a feigned masque or festivity, (Roderigo provoking Cassio and fighting with him).              We also see Iago doesn’t care who he hurts while bringing down Othello and he has no morals and respect for women. We see Iago quickly takes the opportunity to criticize women in general as deceptive and hypocritical, saying they are lazy in all matters except sex: “You rise to play and go to bed to work” (II.i.118). Cassio takes Desdemona away to speak with her privately about Othello’s arrival. Iago notices that Cassio takes Desdemona’s hand as he talks to her, and, in an aside, Iago plots to use Cassio’s hand-holding to frame him so that he loses his newly gained promotion to lieutenant. “With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio,” he asserts (II.i.169). This shows that Iago will use any situation to bring Othello down and we see this throughout act II.

Act 2's multiple genres of tragedy

Shakespeare not only masterfully crafts tragedy but in act 2 makes the enhancement of tragedy and tragic hero distinctly unclear by implementing three types of tragedy simultaneously:


Bourgeois tragedy:
The second act to the final act could be examples of bourgeois or domestic tragedy. We are kept in  rooms and corridors where affluent but certainly not kingly citizens such as Cassio and Othello are slowly damned despite their characteristics of honor which defines them as a higher status.This greatly enhances the tragedy because from the start of act 2  the bourgeois is obvious, raising expectation of both melodrama and an archetypal redemptive last act to leave audience happy and have learnt a moral message from the play. Our expectations soon become unfounded, Shakespeare cleverly supplements in bourgeois genre to make the subversion of our expectations more bleak and more potent. Iago's evil has no moral foundation behind it to teach us a lesson like "look both ways when you cross the road" or "eat your greens" and the ending is hopeless as you can get. This almost romantic, positive expectation confounds in how the rest of the play will unfold. This is bourgeois written by Nietzsche if you will.


Greek tragedy:
We can see Shakespeare creating this through his symbolism in character. The Greeks represented their characters as ciphers or metaphors for bigger ideas rather than personal tragedies.The idea was to become attached to a great idea rather than a sympathetic character and make the tragedy stem from your attachment to an overridden ideal instead of a character falling from grace. Despite bourgeois elements these characters are are also ideas. It is a argument that in act 2 Othello symbolises the bastion of honor and trust honorably firing Cassio even though "I loved thee" and Iago cowardice and bigotry. This genre is more tragic because after act 2 these two characters seem to swap characteristics due to Iago's machinations, Shakespeare's message being when Iago's lies tell of Othello's weakness in mind and his strength eventually Iago's wishful thinking will come to it's grotesque fruition.

Revenge tragedy: 
Despite Iago's characterization as being clearly motivated by malicious thought driven by vitriol and bigotry we as the audience are asked to be empathetic toward Iago by Shakespeare. This can be exemplified by the fact that he talks in prose to the other characters, a mark of a low status character, and blank verse in his soliloquies at the end of scene 3 and 1 of act 2. This direct address is in a more sophisticated manner to how he responds to characters. This proves that not only is he capable of meta-narrative but because he speaks to us in a more intellectual manner and the characters less so we subconsciously insinuate that he believes the reader is on a higher intellectual level of himself rather than the other characters lower status. This minor change in rhythm makes us side with Iago and his revenge genre-esque plot because he is the only one in the play representing the audiences higher level of intelligence so he deserves to have his cruel revenge on Othello because Iago seems most similar and therefore to the audience.

Genre of act two

Following on from the beginning of Iago's plot top destroy Othello in act one : scene three,  act two opens with Montano and two gentlemen awaiting Othello's arrival, scanning the stormy seas for a glimpse of the ship carrying 'brave Othello' . The anxiety between the three gentlemen emphasis's  the romantic genre of act two.

Romance is a very important  genre within act two.However, not direct romance (as in between Othello and Desdemona). The three men adore Othello - 'his bark is stoutly timbered'-,it could be suggested that he is their embodiment of the Greek demigod Hercules who was the illegitimate son of Zeus . Not only is Othello physically strong as was Hercules, he is also an illegitimate 'son' of Venice. Othello is seen as almost magical to the men,they believe that not even the Turkish fleet's ships could survive this storm yet Othello's will.

Perhaps the romantic genre of act two comes directly after we learn of Iago's plans in order to reinforce just how respected Othello is,thus making the audience more empathetic to Othello in the final tragedy.

Iago's philosophy

Iago’s philosophic speech portrays humans as the masters of their own life ‘Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners’. He believes that people should not obey the social norms- shared morals and values ‘Virtue? A fig.’ and instead they should follow their own desires. Iago also denies the existence of love, to him ‘it is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will’, once more it is all about our own needs which according to his philosophy should be fulfilled by any means but also they should be disguised as not showing your true self is more beneficial ‘defeat thy favour with an usurped beard’. I think that Iago’s philosophy is in many ways true as following it may benefit you materialistically however I believe that as naturally moral beings it is impossible to live free of guilt and that sooner or later those immoral actions would create regrets. 

What Genre is Act 2?

Act 2 of Othello begins with a discussion of a storm and the Turkish fleet. The Turkish fleet should be returning from a battle around Cyprus but the characters do not see it. For me, this reminded me of war fictions as it showed the affects it had on characters. Whilst the war itself is not present,  characters like Desdemona are affected by it, as she fears the loss of her husband, Othello. This is similar to the books 'The Kite Runner' and 'Small Island' which do not focus on the war as much as they do the effects of it.

The genre of Act 2 however could actually be of romance. The battle may have just served as an obstacle for the couple to overcome, which they do. When Othello meets Desdemona, he says 'If it were now to die, 'twere now to be most happy; for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate.' [184-188] What this shows is that Othello sees this as their most happiest memory together and that nothing can surpass it.  This could act as the 'happily ever after' common in the romance genre but it is not and this therefore foreshadows a tragic ending.

Perhaps then, the genre that fits Act 2 the most is a tragedy, or more specifically a revenge tragedy. Typical conventions of a revenge tragedy are: periods of plotting, a descent into madness, an eruption of violence and of course, revenge. This can be shown through the following examples: Iago says towards the end 'two things are to be done' [373] which shows plotting; Cassio is coaxed into drinking by Iago which can be said to lead to madness, Cassio whilst drunk says 'Zounds, you rogue, you rascal!' [139] showing that he has little control over himself as he is swearing on God's wounds (Zounds); the eruption of violence is shown by Montano's wounds, 'I am hurt to the death. He dies.' [157]; and finally, Iago demonstrates the convention of revenge by demoting Cassio from his position as lieutenant. Therefore, Act 2's genre is a revenge tragedy.

Act 2 - Genre of Tragedy

Act 2 fits the Classical tragedy and the Shakespearean tragedy the best.

For the classical, Othello’s flaw in reasoning about the character of Iago being a “good and honest man” meant that Othello relieved Cassio from his duties allowing   Iago’s plan to prosper. It could also be argued that Othello has a slight revelation about fate in this Act when he says “for I fear…That not another comfort like to this/Succeeds in unknown fate”. The structure of Othello also fits the classical tragedy as it has 5 Acts and in the 2^nd Act complications arises – Iago starts to stir up trouble.

For the Shakespearean, there is a mix of prose and verse in this act when Iago speaks: “She that was frail and never proud/Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud”. There are also moments of comic relief when Iago is singing drinking songs and Cassio’s failed attempt at proving he’s not drunk. The conflict caused by Iago’s success at getting Cassio drunk meant that it contrasted with the happiness before in Venice – another element of Shakespearean tragedy.

How does the setting of Act 1 allow the play 'othello' to develop as a tragedy

In Act 1 of Othello, the play is set in Venice and this allows Shakespeare to convey to us from the start, that the play is going to be a tragedy due to the fact that  Venice, is the city we associate with the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Furthermore, in act 1, Shakespeare closes scene 1 at 'grave' Brabantio's 'doors'. By doing this, Shakespeare is able to  use Iago not only  as a device to create 'malicious knavery' between Othello and Brabantio, but also as a device to set tragedy in motion because in response to Iago's 'vexation', Branbantio leaves his home with 'servants and torches' hence  introducing conflict and chaos from the beginning of the play and  reiterating the notion that Othello is going to be a tragedy.

In scene 2 and 3 of act 1, the play is first set in Othello's home then in a courtroom.It is important that the play is first set in Othello's home before the courtroom because it allows Shakespeare to depict  a  'round and unvarnished'  perspective of Othello's character. A depiction of his character which is  neither tainted by  the biased and  'bombast ' view we receive from the duplicitous Iago at the start nor by the 'bitter' view we receive from the 'noble father' Branbantio in the courtroom . Shakespeare's structure of  setting in scene 2 and 3 , also emphasises the magnitude of Iago's duplicitous nature, which in turn foreshadows his 'monstrous' plans to sabotage Othello's marriage at the end of act 1 and overall hints at the tragedy that is Othello. Shakespeare's choice of setting, also means that by the time we are in the courtroom, we have an idea who the tragic events in othello will be aimed at as well as knowing that the play will indeed be a tragedy.

What is Iago's Philosophy to Life?

Iago's philosophy to life is that ultimately, we choose who we become. 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.' [319-320] This quote shows that Iago does not believe in fate. Iago goes on to say that 'If the beam of our life had not one scale of reason, [...] [we'd] conduct most preposterous conclusions. [325-329] This suggests that Iago follows reason more than he does fate as without reason, we'd make incredibly poor decisions. Thus, Iago's philosophy is to follow reason and will. This could be because it allows Iago to justify his actions towards Othello, his reason is to exert revenge and his will is to gain the promotion that he 'deserves'.

I agree with Iago to an extent, while I believe in the basic principles of this philosophy, it too cannot exist without reason or context, it is hard to judge whether a reason is enough to justify our wills. Iago states that he couldn't give a 'fig' to morality as it hinders our progress, but I believe this is not the case as a life without morals would lead to 'preposterous conclusions'. This point can then be seen as contradictory to his philosophy and suggests that Iago is a flawed character.

Bruce

what genre of tragedy does act 2 of Othello fit best?

Throughout the entire act, I saw a combination of both Shakespearean and Revenge tragedy. However, the act best fit into a Shakespearean tragedy as all types of this tragedy share an array of common features. I was able to point out the three main features including;the fatal flaw,the bigger they are the harder they fall and external pressure, which will be analysed and explored through evidences within the act.

• The fatal flaw:  Throughout this scene, we see a major chracter Cassio and his flaw of drinking "not tonight good Iago i have very poor brains and unhappy brains for drinking", where Shakespeare gives Cassio as a reasonable explantion for his 'weakness' . We see that at the end of the act, this flaw leads to him loosing his reputation amoung the other chracters and his post as Othello's lieutenant. Giving Caasio this weakness, acts as a device for Iago to talk him into forgetting it at once "what man! Tis a night of revels,the gallants desire it". We will see later on in the feature of external pressure where Iago cleverly pressures both Caasio and Mantano(former governer of Cyprus) at the same time. The introduction of the theme ' reality vs appearance' also brings about a flaw in "honest Iago". Within this act, Iago says that reputation is what others think of you , in the play this proves to be false. Iago is called honest many times in the play, where he himself, admits this to  the audience whom becomes aware of his deceitfulness through his Soliloquies at the end of each scene in the act. Othello also posses a fatal flaw as within this scene we him becoming very easily deceived which later leads to the tragic ending of the play- killing his wife Desdemona and later himself.

• The bigger they are the harder they fall: within scene 1 of act 2, the audience see's Montano's regard for Othello as well as Cassio's concern for him. This builds the picture of how greatly love and respected Othello is as a commander. However, his use of imagery through the  'sea' to talk about love and life can almost me seen as dramatic irony "if it were to die,Twere now to be most happy, for I fear my soul  hath her content...that another comfort like this succeeds in unknown fate". The irony of this is that Othello does say what would happen if he was to become aware of his wife's infidelity. This further prepares the audience of the tragic ending and the downfall of Othello.

• External pressure: picking up from Othello's ironic speech of the 'sea' in comparison to life and love, the audience see's external pressure from Iago where use of the word "discords" (which is the Elizabethan idea of heavenly harmony, healing or symbolism of love), his intentions are to "untune" the instrument by altering the "pegs". This adds emphasis to Othello's' down fall and how pressure form one character cause an emphasis on the danger, the disturbance will represent to the city, throughout the play. From the perspective of Cassio and his fatal flaw,Iago dialogue with Montano, manages to cast doubts on both Cassio's character and Othello's command while Iago retains his reputation of being an "honest" and loyal friend to both. In addition to his, through Iago's soliloquies, the audience see's that his prime victim is Othello as Iago tries to build a relationship of trust between himself and Othello. A very important symbolism from the fight between Cassio and Montano caused by Iago is "blood". Blood can be seen as passion or emotion which contrast wit judgement. In Othello's opening speech of the event, "now by heaven",  it shows that the primitive side of nature is taking over, and the civilised side, contributed by Venice is being over rules. They are no longer in Venice, they are in Cyprus.

Revenge tradgy does play and important part as we see the use of psychical  approach by Cassio toward Mantano. The audience also gets the feel that  revenge is being played toward Othello by Iago because, of  Iago had not received the post in the Venice society which he wished for.

Iago's speech 310-360. What is his philosophy to life? Give evidence. Do you agree? Yes?Why not?

Iago's philosophy to life is no morality as he thinks it is 'a fig'. He also doesn't believe in love, only lust and passion that your will has allowed free rein. 'A permission of the will' (line 334-335). Iago's philosophy is also to better yourself in life and show people a disguise and not the real you. 'Put money in thy purse' (line 341). 'Defeat thy favour with an usurped beard' (line 340). He also thinks the bad of everyone as he encourages Roderigo to have sex 'enjoy' (line 357) with Desdemona rather than commit suicide. I don't agree with this because it seems iago doesn't trust no one so he must be a lonely man with no one to love. He also enjoys money but money can't buy you happiness.

Picture #1:

Comment on how the setting of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy.

Shakespeare begins the play in Venice, "Venice was one of the most powerful and civilised states of Europe" due to it's high commercialism, sophisticated comunnity and way of living. However, this patriotic, civilised society had a downside...

- Othello is the only black man in the play and could be considered an outside however, Othello is also a general with high authority whom is respected by many. However, Venice suffered from racial discrimination so it is not surprising when Othello receives racial discrimination i.e. being refered to as the "moore" and not his real name, "devil", "thick lips"; these racist comments are seen throughout Act 1. Later in the play, one of Iago's reasons on why Desdeomna would cheat is because Othello is black. In my opinion, setting the play in Venice allows Iago to play on his race and use it to create conflict which is a convection of tragedy.

- The courtroom also gave a sense of authority; the duke uses logic to sort the problem with Othello, Desdeomona and her father. This authority highlights that Venice is a place of law and a place where problems can be fixed juxtaposing the lawless land of Cuprus.


The play moves to Cyprus where war is supposedly happening. Cyprus is isolated and far from Authority which causes problems for the protaganist, Othello...

-Cyprus allows Iago to manipulate Othello because Iago can cause conflict between characters and become more closer to Othello, Othello has no choice but to fall into the trap of Iago as nobody is there to tell him otherwise. Due to this, it reveals Othello's tragic flaw of his poor judgement and naiveity which is a convection of tragedy. Othello could have trusted Desdeomona and Cassio however, he falls into Iago's deceiving trap and lets his emotions overcome him.

Comment on how the setting of Act 1-3 helps Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy

Comment on how the setting of Act 1-3 helps Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy?


The setting is important for preparing the reader for tragedy in Act 1 through the fact that the scene's events are held in darkness. The effect of the events occurring after light, creates an eerie, dark theme which accentuates the status of the situations. For example, the situation of Iago plotting to bring about the downfall of Othello and Brabantio's subsequent hate for him through his intentions of marrying his daughter all occur during the night. This emphasises to the reader the conflict Othello has between many characters in the play, making tragedy more likely to occur.


As a common template for tragedies is having a protagonist 'falling from grace' due to a fatal flaw, Othello being black at this time could be viewed as a flaw.This is shown due to the play being set in Venice and provokes a sense of 'isolation' through Othello being black in  a predominantly white country. With isolation being a theme of 'tragedy' this is immediately emphasised through the racial comments he receives such as 'Barbary horse' which shows he is viewed as an 'outsider' by certain characters.

Comment on how the setting of Act 1 Scenes 1-3 helps Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy

William Shakespeare’s Othello opens up on a street in Venice with the two characters Roderigo (a rich yet immoral gentleman) and Iago (a prestigious soldier) having an argument. The play is one of two plays where Shakespeare uses Venice as a prime setting, the other being The Merchant of Venice. In both scripts, Shakespeare portrays Venice as a commercially fulfilled city, where the people chase after the luxurious life. In 1602, when the play was written, Venice was the cultural and economic heart of Europe. It was looked upon as a place of riches and culture by those in England. Shakespeare used Venice to talk about English issues subliminally without it being too obvious, had he done this he would have been dealt with the higher powers.

Scene II begins in Othello’s lodgings. Here, Iago warns Othello that Brabantio (Desdemona’s father) will not hesitate to attempt a forced divorce between him and Desdemona. Casio brings Othello the message that he is wanted by the Duke of Venice, a matter concerning Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, controlled by Venice. This builds up tragedy immediately, in the sense we get the feeling that Othello going to war as part of his services will be the perfect lure into Iago causing the havoc he intends to cause.

Scene 3 is set in a Council Chamber. The Duke and Senators are having a meeting about the war they are about to face with the Turks. The military meeting is interrupted with the arrival of Othello, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo and the other officers. Brabantio then demands that all state matters be put aside so that he can address his own issues regarding his daughter been misguided by ‘charms’. Othello is the one being accused; the Duke gives him room to speak. Othello owns up to marrying Desdemona but denies putting any spell on her. Desdemona arrives defending her husband and notes she must resign all duties from her father to her now husband, Othello. The meeting returns to state matters, Othello is told to prepare for voyage and asks for arrangements to be made for his wife to accompany him. Everyone leaves but Roderigo and Iago, Roderigo pretty much says that his chances with Desdemona are done but Iago knowingly disagrees, convincing Roderigo to strive on. Roderigo leaves and Iago delivers his first soliloquy declaring his hatred for Othello. Here, tragedy is set and he speaks of his plan to dupe Roderigo out of his money and convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair, using Othello’s good nature to bring him to his own very demise. 

Importance of Setting in Act 1 Sc 3 - Abigail K

Abigail KFeb 4, 2012 01:08 AM

The setting of act 1 scenes 1-3 helps Shakespeare to establish tragedy as he sets the character of Othello up as an outsider. The play is set in Venice, the cultural and economic heart of Europe in 1602 and as oppose to the many Venetians in this play, Othello is a 'Moor' and therefore an outsider as shown by his eloquent speech in which he refers to the court as 'Most potent,grave and reverend signor's. Shakespeare highlights Othello's differences through the setting to form the idea that as outsider, he doesn't want to be taken for a fool, therefore establishing tragedy as this gives reason to why Othello becomes so paranoid and willing to believe Iago's claims about Desdemona's adultery.

In addition, the setting of the Court room allows Shakespeare to set up tragedy as it means that a main convention of tragedy- isolation doesn't take place, which juxtaposes against the situation in Cyprus later on in the play. The Court room is full of 'noble and approved good masters',this shows that lots of people are watching,therefore no one character can be isolated. However this changes when they go to Cyprus to fight the Turks who were seen as barbaric in the 17th Century. The removal of the Duke,war,the respect and structure of the Venetian society and Desdemonda not standing up for herself in Cyprus allows tragedy to happens. Consequently, this exposition highlights that the removal of these things later will cause tragedy. This helps Shakespeare to establish tragedy as reference to Freytag's Triangle foreshadows that the play is going to be a tragedy.

Moreover, the Courts symbolism of the hierarchical society in Venice also helps Shakespeare establish tragedy as it sets Othello up as a protagonist of upper class. The fact that the Duke describes Othello as 'valiant Othello' shows that he is well respected and has a high position in the Court.This helps Shakespeare establish tragedy as through the setting, he depicts Othello as a protagonist of high estate, therefore illustrating a convention of Shakespearean Tragedy.

Comment on how the setting of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy.

• Scene one is set in Venice which was known for being very cultured and accepting at the time, yet things still go slightly wrong for Othello, as he is called a 'foul thief' by Brabantio as he has supposedly 'enchanted' Desdemona. -- Cyprus was known as barbaric, meaning that if tragedy was narrowly avoided in the cultured Venice, it must be inevitable in a war zone like Cyprus.
• Shakespeare uses Othello's race, and characteristics as a warrior to allow him to contrast with the populous of Venice-- this contrast isolates the character from his setting, creating a sense of tragedy and allowing the audience to empathize with Othello, further enhancing the emotional impact when the ultimate tragedy finally occurs

Comment on how the settings of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy?

Comment on how the settings of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy? 

Shakespeare begins Othello in the metropolis that is Venice, Italy but soon quickly moves the setting to Cyprus- an island far from civilisation and authority thus causing isolation/alienation, a convention of tragedy.

Venice was a city of sophistication, a city of law and authority but also at the time Venice was known for its high competitive spirit regard trading , social status (patriarchal) and racial prejudice. As Othello was a “Moor” this instantly creates a feeling of isolation for the character, through out the beginning Act 1 Othello was either referred to through pronouns or derogatory terms such as “thick lips” and “black ram”, although those terms mainly came from Iago, in a negative sense. Furthermore the court room and feel of authority contrasts greatly with the lawless island of Cyprus.

Cyprus. The setting quickly changes to a sea port in Cyprus, a place which is supposed to be war ridden due to the invasion by the Turks, away from any form of authority that Venice possessed such as The Duke of Venice and his court all hell breaks loose. On Cyprus there is no support system for any of them especially for Desdemona who is later accused of adultery, she is vulnerable to the men and military way of life.

How does the setting of Act 1 allow the play 'Othello' to develop as a tragedy?

Shakespeare opens Othello in Venice, Italy, which is a key location as it enables the audience to foreshadow tragedy. During the 1600's, when Othello was written, Venice was seen as a place of culture, tradition, and to some extent a superior way of life. This alone is not enough to forebode tragedy from, however when this setting is juxtaposed to the later one of Cyprus the audience can acknowledge a turning point in the play and of the characters fortunes. This is likely to be because at the time Cypriots were viewed as lower class citizens possibly due to their religious differences, thus indicating that in Cyprus the characters will be seen through different perspectives too.

In addition to the setting of Venice, in Act one the characters gather in the court which is a representation of justice. As well as the court emphasising the hierarchy amongst the characters it also hints at a tragic outcome by suggesting that when the characters leave the court there will be a lack of authority and fairness. Although it could be argued that in regards to the court it is not the setting that allows Othello to develop as a tragedy but the characters as it is the duke who symbolises fairness and Shakespeare uses the duke as a device to allow Othello to speak in front of his superiors. 

Comment on how the setting of Act 1, Scenes 1 -3 help shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy.

Throughout Act 1, scenes 1-3 there are three settings used; The Court, Venice and Cyprus. In act 1 scene 3 the play is set in a Italian city called Venice which was a country full of concern about their authority, power, class and culture. Those who were not from venice were usually seen as inferior and were seen as an oustider. This immediately allows shakespeare to create a sense of suspense for the reader as they become aware that Othello and Cassio are seen as outsiders which pepares the reader for the inevitable tragedy to unfold. Desdemona also potrays her father from the beginning of the play by marrying Othello without her fathers permission, this creates a sense of irony as stated before venice is a city known for authority and by this portrayl informs the audience anything is possible which sets them up for the later tragedy. The next setting which the reader is introduced to the Court.  The Court is used to create a sense of isolation as the suspect in testimony is usually a bad person which causes the audience to automatically assume Othello is the antagonist and will become the outcast which creates a sense of tragedy due to the racial prejudice we are aware of through the history of Venice. The court could also be seen as a metaphor of Othello being segregated and privately excluded in Venice's society. This is due to the issue of his race and high status of being the army general which arises the firece competition for the power which Othello has within venice creating conflict which yet again prepares the reader from the tradgey in the later acts. The last setting the audience are introduced to is Cyprus which is considered a place of war. This completely contrasts the image we have of venice which upholds a tight set of laws e.g. the court. The fact that Cyprus does not have any laws and no duke suggests to the audience that any form of conflict can occur.

Comment on how the setting of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy.

The play 'Othello' shares two settings. In the begging of Act one the play is set in Venice an Italian city, known for its wealth and trading, the setting then changes where the play moves to Cyprus which is a place of War. This immediately creates a contrast between the two places, which suggests that Shakespeare is warning the audience that tragedy will be inevitable as conflict between the Venetians and the Turks will take place. The time is between 1489 and 1571; it is interesting to note that Venice is the setting for both major Shakespeare plays dealing with racial prejudice for example Othello and The Merchant of Venice. As one of the world’s leading sea powers, Venice was the centre of commercialism and materialism and, therefore, corruption and conflict arising from greed, social status, and fierce competition. Cyprus as a strategically located island which produced substantial harvests of olives, grapes and various grains was much prized throughout its history. Assyrians, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, fought over and occupied it.

1. How does the setting of Act 1 allow the play 'Othello' to develop as a tragedy? Use some eveidence to cack up your opinions
Setting plays an important role in "Othello" and in displaying the tragedy that will come. This is shown through dramatic devices such as Barbantio being told of his daughter and Othello, in a slanderous and racist way 'an old black ram, is tapping your white ewe' . Barbantio a respected man reacted in a barbaric and over the top way accusing Othello of witchcraft. This is in contrast to Othello’s almost poetic and respectful approach, not common for a soldier. This showed Othello in a positive light.

The change in setting from respected, cultured Venice to barbaric Cyprus. The change from a cultured city to a war zone could potentially foreshadow the tragic downfall of the protagonist preparing the audience for the turmoil Othello faces.

Based on Acts 1 and 2, what sub genre of Tragedy does Othello fit into?

In Act 1 of Othello we are introduced to the main characters and the relationships between them. Shakespeare also introduces a change of scene, moving the main characters away from Venice to Cyprus to fight the "Turks" (Act 1, Scene 2). By Act 2, Shakespeare has introduced various complications by causing   Othello to doubt his wife's faithfulness. These two scenes follow the format of a Classical tragedy. Furthermore, Classical tragedies depict the downfall of a noble character due to a flaw in their character. Othello fits this description as he has a noble and prestigious position as a General in the Venetian Army and falls from grace due to his trust in "his... ancient", Iago and lack of trust in Desdemona (his wife). Based on Acts 1 and 2, it can be said that Othello fits into the sub genre of a Classical Tragedy.

However, Othello can also be classed as a Revenge Tragedy because this is Iago's main motive for planning  Othello's downfall as seen in Act 1 when he explains " I follow him to serve my turn upon him" which clearly shows there is truth in  Roderigo's statement "Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate". Iago wants revenge as he was not given a promotion to lieutenant by Othello. In a revenge tragedy, the main characters were of a high social rank. Othello, as a General and Desdemona, as the daughter of a Senator, fit this description. 

Othello also fits the description of the Medieval Tragedy and the Wheel of Fortune. This sub genre of tragedy concerns a reversal of fortune and a fall from a high position. The belief was that the top of the wheel represented the best fortune and under the wheel the worst and that the wheel could spin at any time and the person at the top could suddenly find themselves under the wheel. This is an accurate description of Othello because whilst Othello has good fortune at the start of the play he falls from grace during the course of the play.However, Othello does not fall from grace during Acts 1 and 2 therefore this sub genre is irrelevant.

Based only on the first two Acts, the sub genre of tragedy which Othello best fits is the Classical Tragedy  although there are elements of other sub genre's as well.

Based on acts 1 & 2 what sub genre of tragedy does Othello fit into?

In the first two scenes of Othello, the theme of Revenge is strongly evident. Shakespeare sets it up from the beginning of the play. At the start, we see Iago is angry with Othello for giving Cassio who "never set a squadron in the field" a higher status than him. He later reveals to Iago that he wants to seek revenge on Othello, "I follow him to serve my own upon him." Revenge is referenced very early on in the play, somehow Iago deludes himself that Othello has been with Emilia, his wife "...Content my soul Till i am evened with him, wife for wife..." This theme of revenge manifests itself unto Othello until the peak of the play where Othello kills Desdemona. 

Shakespeare successfully sets up the sub genre of revenge through the character of Iago. He is the most selfish character and seeks revenge on Othello for a reason that the audience will lather come to empathise with- Honor. "Our bodies are our gardens, to which our wills are gardeners." Iago only serves himself and he feels he must avenge his honor. Iago is the embodiment of revenge. In scene two we learn of the importance of honour and reputation from a more trustworthy character Cassio, " Reputation, reputation, reputation! ... I have lost the immortal part of myself..." Shakespeare creates a believable reason as to why Iago seeks revenge and also why Othello seeks revenge later on in the play.

At the time many Revenge tragedies were based on sexual betrayal, this is hinted at by Brabantio, "Look to her, Moor if thou hast eyes to see/ She has deceived her father, and may thee." this is a rhyming couplet, which adds emphasis to the phrase and forebodes a tragic end. It also becomes the basis of Iago's revenge, "That Cassio loves her, I do believe it/ That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit." This is also a rhyming couplet and ties in with the idea of sexual betrayal.

The use of dramatic irony through the asides of Iago, help to remind the audience this is a revenge tragedy. For instance when Othello and Desdemona are reunited, Othello says " My soul hath so content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate." This foreshadows the needless end to their love.After Desdemona rebukes that he later says, "And this, and this , the greatest discords be that e'er our hearts shall make." Iago responds by saying " [Aside] O you are well tuned now! But I'll set down the pegs that make this music..." Iago becomes a grey cloud over their relationship and later on he becomes the little voice who plants seeds of doubt into Othello's mind, causing him to doubt her fidelity. Revenge is a driving factor for this play.

However at the end of the play, many more elements are added to the play which subsequently make it a domestic tragedy. The play can ultimately be summed up as a middle class (Othello) character with a fatal flaw (Jealousy) that causes the tragedy between the husband and wife.

Sources

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/education/shakespeare/the-tragedy-of-othello-1225783.html
http://www.enotes.com/revenge-tragedy-criticism/revenge-tragedy

Based on Acts 1 & 2, what sub-genre of tragedy does ‘Othello’ fit into?

Interesting question huh? Well, *rubs hands together*, let's do it!

So, I’ll start with Domestic tragedy, something that doesn’t seem like an applicable sub-genre to Othello or Shakespeare in general. As you can probably tell from the word ‘domestic’, this sub-genre is typical of lower or middle-class individuals. This doesn’t apply to Othello as they are of high-class and there are situations which involve more than just that relationship, for example war. However, the tragedy of this play revolves around their marriage, so, while not being a domestic tragedy, once could say that this play has domestic traits.

Classical tragedy, on the other hand, applies to almost all of the tragedies by Shakespeare, and Othello is no exception. Typical classic traits include a tragic hero, who is superior to the audience in morals and is upper class, any similarities here? He also has a tragic flaw which causes a tragedy and complete reversal from a state of happiness to one of despair. Obviously Othello ticks every box here and it is very clear that Othello is a Classical tragedy.

However, there are other forms of tragedy to consider here, take for instance ‘Renaissance Tragedy’. It was prominent during William Shakespeare’s time, and he was known for this type of tragedy as well. They had a morbid ending, usually involving the death of the lead character, which was brought about by badly made choices on the part of the protagonist. This screams ‘Othello!’ at the top of its little voice, and it’s clear that many of its typical attributes fit into Othello.

A ‘revenge tragedy’ is similar form and is also most noticeable in Shakespeare’s time and work. Take ‘Hamlet’ for instance, an aim of revenge is what causes the play to happen. In this sub-genre it is normal to see secret murders, ghosts, a period of plotting, a descent into madness, a period of violence near the end of the play, and a lot of deaths, particularly the avenger. This looked, at first, like there was no connection to Othello, but upon further analysis we can see the way they are applicable here. There is plotting, madness and plenty of destructive violence leading to Othello’s death. However, Hamlet, a typical revenge tragedy is quite different to this play. Overall, it is most likely that this play has traits of this genre, but that it does not play a major part in this story.

Melodrama is a way in which a writer will exaggerate plots or characters to appeal to audiences to create emotion, often through creating archetypes, or embodying evil or other themes into a character. This genre generally applies to quite old films and less to plays; however we can see some crossovers here. Othello represents a lack of trust and acting too quickly in a relationship, while Iago is the characterisation of evil and not considering the consequences of one’s actions.

Based on acts 1 & 2, what sub genre of tragedy does 'othello' fit into?

Based on acts 1 & 2, what sub genre of tragedy does 'Othello' fit into?

Othello is a  domestic  tragedy, written by Williams Shakespeare around 1603 and because the play has an eponymous  title, it suggests that the tragedy is all about Othello. However, based solely on the events that take place in  Acts 1 and 2, Othello is a  Seneca tragedy. This is because revenge, which is used extensively in Acts  1 and 2  is an element of senecan tragedy. In Acts 1 and 2, Iago is a device used by Shakespeare  to forward the notion the sub genre of the tragedy in Othello is revenge because, Iago is illustrated as a duplicitous characters who consistently plots the demise of the Moor and Cassio in response to his 'suspicion' that they have 'done (his) office'. Although Iago's reason for revenge appears to be  sufficient,considering the fact that at that time in Venetian society he would have been seen as a 'cuckold' and his reputation (which was the most important thing to Venetians at the time) would have been ruined, Shakespeare reveals in the opening of Act 1 that the true reason why Iago craves revenge against the Moor and Cassio, is because he hates the Moor for appointing Cassio as his lieutenant not Iago. Iago states that he is 'worth no worse a place' and conveys his anger and jealousy to the audience by referring to Cassio as a 'fellow almost damned in a fair wife'. Iago's demeaning description of Cassio foreshadows his  'malicious' method of obtaining revenge which he reveals at the end Act 2 ; to destroy the Moor's marriage and Cassio's reputation  by tricking the Moor  into believing that  Cassio is 'soliciting his wife. This, allows  Shakespeare to  reiterate the idea that the sub genre in Acts 1 and 2 is indeed revenge.

Comment on how the setting of Act 1, Scenes 1-3 help Shakespeare prepare the reader for tragedy.

There are two main settings in 'Othello' - Venice, an Italian city, and Cyprus, a place of war. Venice was considered to be the 'heart of Europe' while Cyprus was thought of as the binary opposite and the differences between the two places already suggest that tragedy will be achieved as there will inevitably be a clash and development of conflict between the Venetians and the Turks.

In the 1600s, when 'Othello' was written, Venice was considered to be a place of thriving economy and wealth. People of high status and ranking - such as Othello - resided there. Again, this idea of status within Venice could imply that the play will end in tragedy, as a common convention of the genre is that the initially successful or popular hero will suffer a great downfall.

On the other hand, as Venice was not particularly multi-cultural, with the majority of people being white Europeans, Othello is considered an outcast through being a "moor". In fact, throughout Act 1, Scene 1, he is not referred to as Othello but as "thick lips" and "devil", names that would only be given to black people in the time. In tragedies, a common theme is for the hero to be separate and isolated from the other characters involved and as many of the Venetians were frightened and prejudice against Othello by default, his race may have been seen by others as a flaw during the time. This again shows that he fits the functions of a hero, as the hero must be flawed in order for the tragedy to take place.

Cyprus at the time was a place filled with violence and war, with the Muslim East fighting against the Christian West. Much like Othello, the Turks were viewed by the Venetians as barbaric and unworthy of trust and for this reason, they were considered outsiders. Here, Shakespeare could be using setting as a symbolic device, suggesting that this rival empire represents Othello. It could however be argued that Othello challenges this in Scene 2 of Act 1, as it is not he who comes across as uncivilised, but Brabantio - a Venetian - who refers to Othello as a "thing" who has used "chains of magic" to enchant Desdemona. Othello acts very calm and politely in response to these racial terms, showing that he is not similar to the Turks.

Posts logged as comments

1. donareeJan 27, 2012 11:46 AM

   In response to the second question, iago's philosophy in my own words is,"if we are good to people, they will take advantage of us, but if we follow what we believe in, then we wont go wrong".
   
   The evidence to go with this is " virtue a fig"- where he says that morality is a lie" other evidence includes; " if the beam of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another [...] would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions".
   
   From this evidence, I am on both sides of his philosophy. in saying so, I believe that by following our own free will, is the only way we will live without regrets. however, ones free will may not be the moral expectations of society where judgement from our actions will be made. using free will as a beneficial factor does posses a harsh reality and outcomes in certain situations.

2. 
   Mary :)Jan 28, 2012 01:46 AM

   Iago’s philosophy: morality is worthless
   He starts his speech by saying “Virtue? A fig” which shows that he places no value on honesty and being trustworthy. This is supported by his cunning actions at Brabantio’s house. And by his repetition of “put money in thy purse” from line 339.
   All Iago wants is for Roderigo to keep on giving him money so that he can continue to exploit him. He knows that Desdemona will not get “sated with his [Othello] body” but he says it because he knows that will get him what he wants. It corroborates his comment on how servants should put on one face towards their masters but secretly be thinking about themselves.
   I don’t agree with Iago’s philosophy. I think that without morality people would become cold and heartless – like Iago. In my opinion, Shakespeare’s function for Iago was to represent how cruel the world could become if we followed the philosophy of ‘me, myself and I’ and disregarded our values.
3. 
   LaraJan 28, 2012 05:31 AM

   The play begins in Venice,a civilised,comercialised area at the time.
   Othello is well-respected due to his position as general,and his close ties with the Duke of Venice,so when he is drafted to Cyprus, this sudden change into a potential war zone reflects the turmoil he will encounter,preparing us for any oncoming tagedy.
   Even the beginning of the play doesn't start off calm,but with Iagos schemes and Brabantios dissaproval of Desdamona and Othello's marriage, due to racial and religous differences.
4. 
   scarlettJan 28, 2012 09:53 AM

   Iago is a Machiavellian in that he is almost obsessed with hiding his true identity
   He refers to the body as "gardens,to the which our wills are gardeners" which shows that he is clearly all about bettering himself instead of his peers. Iago's self centered beliefs completely contradict the 'team' attitude that should be upheld by someone within a military unit like himself.
   
   Morevover, it is clear that Iago is memorized by the kudo's that being in a position of power can bring, hence his obsession with Othello and Cassio's demise. Othello and Cassio have more power than Iago (he is envious of this,and feels he has been served an injustice) ,thus he delights in conjuring up a plan that will bring both characters to their knees. However, he realises that he is not powerful enough to carryout his actions alone, he will need an unknowing and a "supersubtle Venetian" (Desdemona) to play her part and also the "barbarian" (Othello) himself to be at his weakest.
   
   Iago's philosophy to life does not seem to be in keeping with the majority of society -both of Elizabethan and modern day society- and so I do not think it is a good trait. His lack of morals and loyalties will only get him so far,which we of course find out at the end of Act three.
5. 
   goatsandmonkeysJan 29, 2012 01:25 PM

   Setting plays a particularly important role in establishing and enhancing tragedy in "Othello". this is shown when on being told his daughter is having an affair with Othello Barbantio should react encouragingly since he should embody the civil and cosmopolitan traits that made Venice the pinnacle of culture as the "Venetian senator". Yet the first action he takes on finding this out is of trying to attack Othello accusing him of ritualistic black manage to charm his daughter to Othello's side. This enhances tragedy because we know if Othello changes setting from Venice to anywhere he will inevitably treated badly but traveling to the barbaric Cyprus can hardly end in any result other than tragedy. This enhances tragedy because Othello has chosen to travel their to defend a society (Venetian) that only cares for him as weapon than as a person who can court whoever he wishes.
   
   Iago's philosophy on life is rugged Nietzsche-esque individualism veiled as compassion or even socialist standpoint.This is obvious when Iago makes his "purse" speech to Roderigo after Roderigo despairs about his chances with Desdemona.Iago says of Othello that Desdemona will be "sated with his body" and urges Roderigo to "put money in thy purse". Essentially he is disguising Iago is disguising his greed and need to dominate with almost charitable kindness toward Roderigo. This highlights what Iago tends to do, using characters perceptions of him as the definition of morality to take advantage of them as immorally as possible (in this case Roderigo).In short, he cannot even see the existence of morality merely the weak and the strong and how to take advantage of both. Iago is the antithesis of morality disguised as morality itself.
   
   The philosophy Iago preaches is the philosophy he reproaches, that of kindness. I agree with the philosophy he portrays but not the self-serving subtext of it that he truly means.