Film as text

Follow this link to view the presentation and to watch all the clips shown in class plus many more about how to analyze film.

Homework for May 17

Prepare a 10-minute analysis of the following passages. The analysis should discuss the symbols, motifs, tone as well as the importance of this passage to the entire play.

1. From start of Act IV to "Enter Cassio"
2. From "Exit Cassio" to "Othello retires"
3. From "Othello retires" to "Enter Bianca"
4. From "How shall I murder him, Iago" to "A trumpet within"
5. From "[Striking her]Devil" to "I am sorry that I am deceived in him"
6. From "What's the matter, lady" to "Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia"  
7. From "My mother had a maid call'd Barbara" to end of Act IV

Othello Act II Scene 3

This crucial scene, after Cassio loses his position due to Iago's plotting against him, he turns to Iago for advice, and Iago advises him to speak to "the general's general" -- Desdemona --  to get her to plea for his cause with Othello.  In the meantime, Iago soothes Roderigo once again.  His plotting is clear.  But pay close attention to how he talks to Cassio about the importance of reputation.

See the text here.

See three different versions of the scene acted out here.