Aamina Belim
AAMINA BELIM
THE STUDY OF DRAMA ENGLISH TYBA SEM- 5 MAHARANI SHREE NANDKUVARBA MAHILA ARTS AND COMMERCE COLLEGE
HOME ASSSIGNMENT
OTHELLO
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE[ 1564–1616 ]
Written: Circa 1603–1604
Setting: Venice and Cyprus
Main Themes: Jealousy, race, manipulation, betrayal, love, honor
The play opens in Venice, where Othello has secretly married Desdemona. Her father, Brabantio, is outraged, but the Duke supports their marriage due to Othello’s military importance.
Othello is then sent to Cyprus to defend it from a Turkish invasion. Iago, bitter that Cassio was promoted instead of him, begins to plot Othello’s downfall. He pretends to be a loyal friend while planting seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s fidelity.
Iago manipulates events to make it seem like Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. He uses a stolen handkerchief—Othello’s first gift to Desdemona—as "proof" of her unfaithfulness. Consumed by jealousy and rage, Othello’s love for Desdemona turns into hatred.
Othello: A Black Moor and a brilliant general in the Venetian army. He is deeply in love with his wife, Desdemona. Though noble and strong, he is emotionally vulnerable and insecure—especially due to his outsider status in a white European society.
Desdemona: The daughter of a Venetian nobleman, she defies social expectations by marrying Othello. Desdemona is innocent, devoted, and loyal—tragically so, as she becomes a victim of Othello’s misplaced jealousy.
Iago: One of Shakespeare’s most chilling villains. Iago pretends to be honest and trustworthy but is driven by jealousy and resentment. He manipulates everyone around him for his own twisted satisfaction.
Cassio: Othello’s young and handsome lieutenant. Iago is jealous of Cassio’s promotion and uses him as a tool to arouse Othello’s suspicions about Desdemona.
Emilia: Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid. She is loyal to Desdemona but unaware of her husband’s evil intentions—until it’s too late.
Roderigo: A foolish suitor of Desdemona who is easily manipulated by Iago, believing he can win Desdemona’s love.
1. Jealousy as a Destructive Force:
Jealousy is the driving force of the play. Iago’s jealousy of Cassio and Othello sets the tragedy in motion. Othello’s own jealousy leads him to destroy the very person he loves most.
2. Race and Outsider Status:
Othello is a Black man in a white society, and his outsider status contributes to his feelings of insecurity. Shakespeare explores how racial prejudice and social isolation can affect even the strongest individuals.
3. Manipulation and Deception:
Iago is a master manipulator, using half-truths, lies, and people’s weaknesses to control them. His ability to seem honest while being utterly corrupt is a chilling reminder of how appearances can be deceiving.
4. Love and Trust:
5. Honor and Reputation:
Reputation is vital in the world of Othello. Othello believes that Desdemona’s supposed unfaithfulness destroys his honor. Ironically, it's this belief that leads him to commit a dishonorable act.
CLASS ASSIGNEMENT
Exercise 1 Match the character to the Emojis
A.→ Desdemona
b.→ Emilia
C. →Iago
D.→Roderigo
E→Brabantio
F.→Othello
G. → The duke
A Doll’s House is a play written by the renowned Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1879. The play is considered one of the most influential works in modern drama because it explores important social issues such as marriage, gender roles, and individual freedom. At its core, the play presents the story of a woman named Nora Helmer, who struggles to break free from the expectations and limitations placed upon her by society and her husband. Through its strong characters and bold themes, the play questions the traditional structure of family and marriage in the 19th century.
Plot Summary
The story is set in a middle-class household where Nora Helmer lives with her husband, Torvald Helmer, and their children. Torvald is a respectable man, concerned with appearances and moral values. Nora, outwardly cheerful and playful, hides a secret—she has borrowed money to save Torvald’s life without his knowledge. As the story unfolds, a series of events reveal how Torvald’s authority and moral judgments mask his inability to truly support and understand his wife. Nora’s awakening leads to a dramatic conclusion where she chooses to leave her family in order to find her own identity and independence.
Themes
One of the most significant themes in A Doll’s House is the role of women in society. Nora’s life in the household is compared to that of a doll—beautiful, obedient, and without rights. Ibsen portrays how women are treated as possessions rather than equals. The play also explores the theme of self-discovery. Nora’s decision to leave her family, though controversial, highlights her journey towards personal freedom and responsibility.
Impact and Relevance
A Doll’s House was groundbreaking for its time and sparked debates across Europe about marriage and women’s rights. Even today, it remains relevant because it addresses issues that continue to affect relationships and society. The play encourages readers and viewers to question traditional roles and emphasizes the importance of personal growth and independence.
Conclusion
Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is a timeless piece of literature that challenges societal expectations and explores the complex dynamics within a marriage. Through Nora’s journey, Ibsen sheds light on the struggles women face and the courage required to pursue personal freedom. The play’s themes of independence, equality, and self-awareness continue to resonate with audiences, making it a powerful and thought-provoking work.
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