DRAMA 🗡️🩸
College Name :
~Maharani Shri Nandakuvar ba mahila arts and commerce College Bhavnagar
Name : rathod madhvi rameshbhai.
TY-B.A
SEM - 5
SUBJECT - ENGLISH
PAPER NAME - THE STUDY OF DRAMA
PROFESSOR NAME - AAMINA MA'AM
HOME ASSIGNMENT ----
OTHELLO
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
ABOUT THE PLAY 🗡️ 🩸
TRUSTED TOO MUCH
LOVED TOO DEEPLY
BETRAYED BY THE ONE
HE BELIEVED IN
BY OTHELLO ~~~
Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1603.
It is one of his most famous plays, focusing on love, jealousy, betrayal, and racism.
The story takes place in Venice and Cyprus
🟢 MAIN CHARACTERS IN OTHELLO
1. Othello
Role: The Moor, General of the Venetian army, protagonist.
Traits: Brave, noble, respected, deeply in love with Desdemona, but insecure and easily jealous.
Flaw: Trusts Iago too much, doubts Desdemona, becomes a victim of jealousy, and kills himself after realizing the truth.
Importance: The tragic hero of the play.
2. Desdemona
Role: Othello’s wife, daughter of Brabantio.
Traits: Loyal, innocent, gentle, obedient, pure-hearted.
Fate: Loves Othello unconditionally but is wrongly accused of infidelity and killed by him.
Importance: Represents true love, virtue, and victim of jealousy.
3. Iago
Role: Othello’s ensign (flag-bearer), the villain.
Traits: Cunning, manipulative, jealous, envious of Cassio, hates Othello.
Actions: Tricks Othello into believing Desdemona is unfaithful by planting false evidence (handkerchief).
Importance: The mastermind of the tragedy—symbol of evil and betrayal.
4. Cassio
Role: Othello’s lieutenant (second-in-command).
Traits: Young, handsome, polite, loyal, but inexperienced.
Fate: Iago makes Othello suspect him of having an affair with Desdemona.
Importance: Innocent victim of Iago’s plot; represents loyalty and honor.
5. Emilia
Role: Iago’s wife, Desdemona’s maid.
Traits: Honest, outspoken, practical, more worldly than Desdemona.
Actions: Without knowing Iago’s plan, she gives him Desdemona’s handkerchief. Later, she exposes Iago’s lies.
Fate: Killed by Iago after revealing the truth.
Importance: Represents women’s voice against male cruelty and injustice.
6. Roderigo
Role: A wealthy Venetian, in love with Desdemona.
Traits: Foolish, jealous, easily manipulated by Iago.
Actions: Helps Iago with money and schemes, hoping to win Desdemona.
Fate: Betrayed and killed by Iago.
Importance: Shows how Iago manipulates weak people for his own gain.
7. Brabantio
Role: Desdemona’s father, a Venetian senator.
Traits: Loving but prejudiced, shocked when Desdemona marries Othello.
Actions: Accuses Othello of using witchcraft to win his daughter.
Fate: Dies of grief after Desdemona’s marriage.
Importance: Represents racism and disapproval of Othello-Desdemona’s union.
8. Bianca
Role: A courtesan (prostitute) in love with Cassio.
Traits: Passionate, jealous, emotional.
Importance: Another innocent drawn into Iago’s plot; accused of causing Cassio’s injury.
9. Duke of Venice
Role: Leader of Venice.
Traits: Wise, fair, respected.
Actions: Supports Othello and allows his marriage to Desdemona. Sends Othello to Cyprus to fight the Turks.
Importance: Represents law, order, and justice.
10. Lodovico
Role: Desdemona’s cousin, Venetian nobleman.
Traits: Observant, moral, shocked at Othello’s violence.
Importance: Acts as a witness to the tragedy, restores order at the end.
11. Montano
Role: Governor of Cyprus before Othello.
Traits: Loyal to Venice, brave.
Importance: Injured in a fight caused by Iago’s schemes.
CLASS ASSIGNMENT ----
ACTIVITY -- 1
EMOJI REPRESENTION OF OTHELLO CHARACTERS
WORKSHEET
MATCH CHARACTERS TO EMOJIS 👉🏻
A. 👩🏻💍🌹🕊️
→ Desdemona
B. 👩🏻🧠🗣️🗝️⚖️
→ Emilia
C. 👩🏻🦲🕷️🧠🤥🗡️
→Iago
D.🧑🏻💸🥲🔪
→Roderigo
E. 👴🏻😠🏦
→Brabantio
F. 👮🏻♂️⚔️💔
→Othello
G. 👑⚖️📃
→ The duke
GUESS WHO AM I ?
Read the emoji description and write the character's name
Ans:1
→ Bianca
Ans : 2
→Grabantio
Ans:3
→Lodovica
Ans :4
→Montago
Short Answers
Answer:1
The (key) is used to describe Emilia in Othello because she unlocks the truth—she reveals Iago’s plot, exposes the deception, and brings clarity to Othello and others.
Answer:2
The 💔 suggests Othello’s journey of love turning into jealousy, betrayal, and deep heartbreak, leading to his tragic downfall.
Answer:3
The 🤥 suggests that Iago is dishonest, deceitful, and manipulative, always using lies to control others.
🎨Bonus: Express cassio in Emojis!
Three emojis: ⚔️🍷🙏🏻
⚔️ = his role as a noble soldier and lieutenant.
🍷 = his weakness with drinking, which causes mistakes.
🙏🏻 = his regret and desire for forgiveness and honour.
Cassio is a brave and hon1. What is William Shakespeare often called?
Answer: C) The Bard of Avon
2. In which year was William Shakespeare born?
Answer: B) 1564
3. How many sonnets did William Shakespeare write ?
Answer: C) 154
4. What type of play is Othello?
Answer: B) Tragedy
5. In what language was the original story of Othello written?
Answer: D) Italian
6. What is the name of the Italian book that inspired Othello?
Answer: B) De gli Hecatommithi
7.When was the first published version of Othello released?
Answer: C) 1622
8. Which collection included the second version of Othello?
Answer: B) The First Folio
9. Which genre does not belong to Shakespeare’s categories of plays?
Answer: B) Epic
10. Why is William Shakespeare considered highly influential?
Answer: C) His works are studied, translated, and performed worldwide
11. How many plays did William Shakespeare write (including collaborations)?
Answer: C) 39
12. What is a “quarto”?
Answer: B) A small book format
13. In which year was Othello first written?
Answer: B) 1603–1604
14. Why is Roderigo furious with Iago at the beginning of the play?
Answer: B) Iago failed to secure Desdemona for him despite being paid
15. Why does Iago claim to hate Othello?
Answer: C) Othello promoted Cassio over him
16. What action do Iago and Roderigo take to provoke Brabantio?
Answer: C) Wake him to tell of Desdemona’s elopement
17. How does Othello defend himself against accusations of using witchcraft?
Answer: C) He recounts tales of his life that won her heart
18. What ultimately convinces the Duke and Senate of Othello’s honesty?
Answer: A) Desdemona’s own testimony
19. What event eliminates the Turkish threat to Cyprus?
Answer: C) A severe storm at sea
20. What minor gesture between Cassio and Desdemona does Iago use to manipulate Othello?
Answer: B) A handshake
21. What advice does Iago give to Roderigo about Cassio during the celebration?
Answer: C) Start a fight to discredit him
22. How is Cassio demoted?
Answer: C) He wounds Montano during a drunken fight
23. What advice does Iago give Cassio after his demotion?
Answer: B) Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello
24. How does Iago obtain Desdemona’s handkerchief?
Answer: C) Emilia picks it up and gives it to him
25. What false proof does Iago give Othello of Desdemona's infidelity?
Answer: C) Cassio wearing Desdemona’s handkerchief
26. What effect does jealousy have on Othello’s physical state?
Answer: C) He experiences an epileptic seizure
27. Why does Othello strike Desdemona in front of Lodovico?
Answer: D) Lodovico announces Cassio’s promotion
28. How does Iago use Bianca to reinforce his plot?
Answer: B) He lets her return the handkerchief Cassio has
29. What lie does Iago tell Desdemona to explain Othello’s rage?
Answer: C) That Othello is troubled by political matters
30. Why does Roderigo agree to attack Cassio?
Answer: D) To win Desdemona’s love
31. How does Iago cover his tracks after the attack on Cassio?
Answer: A) He frames Roderigo and murders him
32. What claim does Desdemona make before dying?
Answer: C) That she committed suicide
33. What final actions close the play?
Answer: A) Cassio becomes general, Iago is to be executed, and Lodovico returns to Venice
32. What claim does Desdemona make before dying?
Answer: C) That she committed suicide
33. What final actions close the play?
Answer: A) Cassio becomes general, Iago is to be executed, and Lodovico returns to Venice
34. What causes Othello to lose control of his actions?
Answer: B) Trust in Iago
35. What does Desdemona’s loyalty represent in the play?
Answer: C) True love and innocence
36. How does Iago manipulate Othello’s military mindset?
Answer: C) Turns love into a battle
37. How does Iago use the theme of “Appearance vs. Reality”?
Answer: C) He pretends to be honest
38. What object becomes a symbol of betrayal for Othello?
Answer: D) Handkerchief
39. Why is Othello’s idea of justice flawed?
Answer: C) He acts on anger, not truth
40. What does the play teach about judging people by looks?
Answer: C) Outer appearance can deceive
41. Who originally gave the handkerchief to Othello’s mother?
Answer: C) An Egyptian sorcerer
42. How does Iago use the handkerchief in his plan?
Answer: C) He plants it with Cassio
43. What animal is Othello compared to in the play?
Answer: B) Horse
44. What does animal language in the play mostly represent?
Answer: C) Prejudice and racism
45. What does the symbolic use of animals reveal about Iago’s language?
Answer: C) It shows his use of dehumanizing insults
46. What happens to the meaning of the handkerchief by the end of the play?
Answer:C) It symbolizes lies and jealousy
47. Why does Iago hate Othello?
Answer: C) Othello didn’t promote him
48. Who is the "Moor of Venice"?
Answer: C) Othello
49. What kind of person is Desdemona?
Answer: B) Kind and loyal
50. What does Iago do throughout the play?
Answer: C) Tricks people and causes destruction
51. Who is Emilia?
Answer: C) Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid
52. What is Cassio’s main problem in the play?
Answer: B) He loses his job after a fight
53. What does Roderigo want most?
Answer: D) To win Desdemona’s love
54. Who is Bianca in the play?
Answer: B) A prostitute who loves Cassio
55. What is Brabantio’s reaction to Desdemona’s marriage?
Answer: C) He is angry and shocked
56. What role does Lodovico play at the end of the play?
Answer: B) He gives Othello’s property to Graziano
ESSAY ----
DOLLS HOUSE 🏡
Author: Henrik Ibsen (Norway, 1879)
1. Main Characters
Nora Helmer – The main character, wife of Torvald.
Torvald Helmer – Nora’s husband, a strict and respectable bank manager.
Krogstad – A man who knows Nora’s secret and blackmails her.
Mrs. Linde – Nora’s old friend, a widow looking for work.
Dr. Rank – A family friend who is secretly in love with Nora.
2. Story
At first, Nora seems like a happy wife and mother, living a comfortable life. But she hides a big secret: years ago, she borrowed money by forging her father’s signature in order to save Torvald’s life.
Now, Krogstad discovers her secret. He threatens to expose her unless Torvald lets him keep his job at the bank. Nora becomes very worried.
When Torvald finally learns the truth, instead of supporting Nora, he blames her. He says she has ruined his reputation. At that moment, Nora realizes that her husband doesn’t truly love her—he only cares about appearances and honor.
In the end, Nora decides to leave her husband and children to find her own identity. She tells Torvald that she must learn to stand alone as a human being.
4. Ending
The play ends with Nora slamming the door and walking out. This was shocking in the 19th century because women were not expected to leave their families and seek independence.
Act I
Nora Helmer is preparing for Christmas. She seems cheerful, playful, and a little careless with money.
Her husband Torvald treats her like a child—calling her names such as “little skylark” and “squirrel.”
We learn that years ago, when Torvald was very sick, Nora secretly borrowed money to pay for his medical treatment. To get the loan, she forged her father’s signature.
Krogstad, an employee at Torvald’s bank, knows about this secret. He threatens Nora: if Torvald fires him, he will reveal everything.
Act II
Nora becomes anxious and desperate. She tries to distract Torvald, but he plans to dismiss Krogstad anyway.
Mrs. Linde, Nora’s old friend, comes back into her life. She represents a more realistic, independent woman who has struggled to survive.
Dr. Rank, a close friend, visits and confesses his love for Nora, which makes her uncomfortable.
Nora hopes to find a way out, but Krogstad leaves a letter in the mailbox for Torvald, exposing her secret.
Act III
Mrs. Linde meets Krogstad and rekindles an old relationship with him. She even tells him not to take back his letter, because she believes Nora and Torvald must face the truth.
Torvald reads the letter and reacts with anger. Instead of appreciating Nora’s sacrifice, he scolds her and says she is unfit to raise their children. He only worries about his own reputation.
Soon after, Krogstad sends another letter saying he will not expose Nora. Torvald calms down and forgives Nora, but by then it is too late.
Nora realizes her husband does not truly love her—he only sees her as a doll in his house, someone to control and display.
She decides to leave her husband and children in order to discover her own identity. The play ends with Nora slamming the door as she walks out.
Themes
1. Women’s Independence
Nora’s journey is about self-discovery. She realizes she has lived as a “doll-wife” and wants to be free.
The play questions society’s expectation that women should sacrifice themselves for their family.
2. Marriage and Gender Roles
Torvald treats Nora like a child, not an equal partner.
The play shows how marriages of that time were built on power and control rather than mutual respect.
3. Truth vs. Lies
Nora’s lie (forging her father’s signature) drives the plot.
Ibsen shows how secrets can destroy relationships, but also how honesty can lead to freedom.
4. Individual vs. Society
Nora struggles between her duty as a wife/mother and her duty to herself as a human being.
Society expects her to obey her husband, but she chooses independence.
5. Appearance vs. Reality
On the outside, the Helmers’ marriage looks perfect. In reality, it is shallow and controlling.
This theme shows the hypocrisy of society.
✅ So, A Doll’s House is not just about one family—it is a criticism of society’s treatment of women and a call for equality and individuality.
