1) The document provides background information on William Shakespeare's play Othello, including when it was written and first performed, as well as the setting of Venice, Italy in the 16th century. 2) It introduces the main characters of Othello, a respected general and Moor, and his wife Desdemona, the daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio. 3) The document explains that various characters are upset for different reasons - Brabantio because his daughter married without his consent and a Moor, Roderigo because Desdemona married Othello instead of him, and Iago because Othello passed him over for a promotion.

1. Starting Othello

2. Chronology 1555 – _______________________ 1595 – _______________________ 1604 – _______________________ 1607 – _______________________ Early 1600s – _________________ _______________________________

3. Othello and Desdemona Venice, Italy – major trading city with a lot of ___________ (race and religion) Othello – respected General, _______, ___________ or “Moor” Desdemona – daughter of the Venetian Senator Brabantio, _______, ________________ Before the play opens, the two have ______________________________.

4. The Term “Moor” From the Greek word “mauros” meaning “______________________” Moreno in _________ – brunette, dark skinned During Middle Ages and 17th Century, Moor referred to dark-skinned people from __________________ countries Can be used in a _________________ or _____________________ way.

5. Who is Upset? Brabantio is upset because his daughter got married 1) _________ and 2) ________________. Roderigo is upset because he has a _________ on Desdemona, but she just married someone else. Iago is upset because Othello gave _____ the job as _______________ that Iago ___________ for himself.

6. Today’s Scene ___________ and ___________ talk about how they are upset with Othello for the lost job and secret marriage. Roderigo and Iago wake up ____________ to tell him the news: his daughter has married Othello.