UNIT TWO OTHELLO DAY 2 9/26
Introduction to William Shakespeare and Othello
Use the following website links to answer the corresponding questions.
Each question must be answered using details from the source and in complete sentences.
DO NOT COPY AND PASTE ANSWERS-YOU WILL RECEIVE NO CREDIT!
Interpret text source in your own words
Explore William Shakespeare's on this site and respond to the following questions:
- What are 5 interesting facts that you have learned about the life and career of William Shakespeare? (Don't just pick the top 5! There is a quiz!)
- Take the quiz at the bottom of the page. SHOW ME YOUR SCORE!!!
- Why did those 5 fact catch your attention? How do these facts interact with each other?
- What is the Shakespeare Conspiracy?
2. Othello Background Information
- Who or what is a Moor? What are the multiple meanings of this term?
- How were the Moors treated throughout history, especially during the Elizabethan Era?
- What stereotypes are associated with Moors?
- Shakespeare based the story of Othello on another story. What was the name of that work and who was the author?
- How did the play Othello challenge the preconceived ideas of the Elizabethan audience?
- Why did Shakespeare choose Venice and Cyprus as locations for this play?
3. The Life and Roles of Women in Elizabethan England
- What type of education did women receive during this time period? How was their education influenced by social status? What did they study?
- What were the career expectations for women during the Elizabethan Era?
- What is a dowry?
- What would happen if a woman did not marry?
- Based on the article, what obstacles are faced by inter-racial couples?
- Based on the article, do people in our society truly accept inter-racial couples?
5. Where is the world is Othello? Explore each of the following locations:
Provide three (3) observations for EACH location based the maps and pictures. Consider geographic details, architecture, transportation or any other characteristic that attracts you attention.
- What does William Shakespeare say about human nature in his interview?
- What makes this play relevant with regards to our society today? Use details from the text to support your answer.
- In the last line of the interview, Shakespeare says, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more." In this quote, life is a metaphor for what? Explain in your own words what Shakespeare meant by this quote.