William Shakespare

a cura di J. Pignet e C. Aira
 
 A tragedy of jealousy, but not only. Venice has entrusted Othello, a professional soldier, with its security. But Othello is a Moor and, as a consequence, external to Venetian society.
 After marrying Desdemona, the Moor is convinced by Iago's machinations to kill his wife because of her presumed unfaithfulness.
 A tragedy of great passion in which the personality of the wicked character prevails: Iago, in fact, is one of the most complex and ambiguous figures of the shakespearean gallery of characters. 
 
 Teacher's Resources available online: Answer Key - Audioscripts - Summing-up Activities
 
 Il dramma della gelosia, ma non solo. Othello è un militare professionista su cui Venezia fa molto affidamento. È anche un Moro Africano, però, e quindi una figura estranea alla società veneziana. Dopo avere sposato Desdemona, Othello viene convinto dalle macchinazioni di Iago ad uccidere la moglie, perché ritenuta infedele.
 Tragedia di passioni dove spicca la personalità del "cattivo", Iago, una delle figure più complesse e ambigue della galleria di personaggi shakespeariani..

William Shakespeare

Chapter 1 – Resentful Hearts

Extension: Othello on the stage

Chapter 2 – My Lord, the Moor

Extension: Othello and the cinema

Chapter 3 – The Net for a Big Fly

Extension: Othello and music

Chapter 4 – A Perverse Plan

Extension: Venice and Othello on the canvas

Chapter 5 – Injecting Poison

Extension: Is the story original?

Chapter 6 – A Sacred Promise

Extension: Why Venice and Cyprus?

Chapter 7 – The Poison Works

Extension: The villain and his victims: who are they?

Chapter 8 – Richer than All His Tribe

Extension: Not only jealousy

Summing-up activities

Passages for acting

3  The Net for a Big Fly Chapter BEFORE READING 1 In your opinion what is the literal meaning of the following words? Tick (3) as appropriate. a. b. c. d. e. f. 2 incredulous c not sincere inconstant valiant effusive peaceful faithful c not regular c courageous c obvious c not convinced c not prepared c clever c attractive c not honest c enthusiastic c full of charm c full of dignity c full of loyalty c full of hope c formal c full of calm c full of joy Look at the title of Chapter 2 and tick (3) your guess. a. Who places the net? c Othello c Cassio b. Who is the big fly? c Othello c Cassio 3 c not visible c Iago c Iago Look at the picture on p. 24 and answer these questions. a. Where is the scene set? .................................................................................................................................................... b. What is happening? .................................................................................................................................................... Map of Venice (1150). 22 

O Othello The Net for a Big Fly (Act 1, Scene III; Act 2, Scenes I, II, III) Outside the Council Hall Iago met Roderigo. The gentleman confessed that he wanted to kill himself. Iago scolded1 him,  Don t be an ass! Put money in your purse2 and follow the war! Put money in your purse because Desdemona will soon get tired of the Moor!   Are you sure?  asked Roderigo incredulous,  she seems to love him so!   Listen to me, fill3 your purse with money! These Moors are inconstant lovers! He will soon get tired of Desdemona and she will look for a younger man, so make money and be ready to enjoy her! Follow her to Cyprus!  Iago went on4. The next morning the fleet left Venice and after some days encountered a terrific storm. The ships were scattered5, some attacked the Turks and some continued their voyage to Cyprus. Cassio was the first to arrive on the island. Desdemona landed next, accompanied by Iago, his wife Emilia, Roderigo and the servants. Cassio gave her a very effusive welcome. Not far away, Iago observed them, smiling maliciously6,  He takes her by the palm7; ay8, well said, whisper 9; as little a web10 as this will catch as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; good, well kissed, an excellent courtesy11. Ah! Ah!  Soon after Othello s ship entered the port. The Moor and Desdemona were happy to be together again and embraced lovingly. 1. scold: rimproverare. 2. purse: borsellino. 3. fill: riempire. 4. go (went-gone) on: continuare. 5. be (was/were-been) scattered: disperdersi. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 23 maliciously: malignamente. palm: palmo della mano. ay: sì. whisper: sussurrare. web: rete, ragnatela. courtesy: inchino. 

Tragedia di passioni e gelosia. Othello, Moro Africano, manipolato da Iago, uccide la moglie. Shakespeare esplora l'oscurità umana.

Othello Collana RAINBOWS

Level A2 • Elementary - Collana RAINBOWS

Othello

Flowbooks è una piattaforma di distribuzione dedicata al mondo della scuola e dell'università.  Con questa piattaforma di distribuzione, il team di sviluppo Flowbooks  si impegna a soddisfare le esigenze degli utenti digitali, rendendo l'utilizzo accessibile e piacevole.  Entra nella tua area di interesse!

Edisco è una Casa editrice indipendente che opera prevalentemente nel settore educativo.

Edisco

Flowbooks è innovazione didattica a portata di click