Setting

Question 1

How does setting play a part in Othello?

Answer 1

The characters travel from Venice to Cyprus for the Turkish war. There is a storm during their voyage. This is significant because:
1. The play is set against the backdrop of conflict
2. The storm removes the outer conflict to focus on the inner conflict
3. Like much of Shakespeare’s oeuvre (e.g Midsummer Night’s Dream), this is a transition from civilisation to a land of degradation without morals

Question 2

‘_____ isle’

Answer 2

‘warlike isle’ a2s1 and s3

Question 3

‘if that the turkish fleet….

Answer 3

‘if that the turkish fleet be not ensheltered and embayed,they are drowned. It is impossible to bear it out.’ a2s1

Question 4

‘they were parted with…

Answer 4

‘they were parted with foul and violent tempest’ a2s1

Question 5

Herald’s proclamation a2s2
‘the mere ____ of the Turkish fleet’
‘celebration of his ____’

Answer 5

‘the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet’ ‘celebration of his nuptial’