Question
Reflecting on Othello:Act I, Scene I 1. Whether endearing or irritating, the way others refer to us says a great deal about our culture-Its values, beliefs, attitudes , and expectations. The use of an epithet, such as "so-and-so"s daughter" or a "quarterback on team x,"can reveal a culture's attitudes about family legacy or social expectations. With a partner, think of a few additional examples of epithets. 2. Skim and scan the first scene of Othello paying particular attention to the ways in which the characters refer to Othello . Mark the text to indicate where epithets are used. 3. Throughout the first scene no character uses Othello's name, although all three characters refer to him several times. Use your annotations to decide what each speaker is suggesting about Othello , and whether each term is complimentary or derogatory Also, decide what the descriptive terms reveal about the speaker in each case. Use the graphic organizer on the following page to record your ideas.
Answer
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Wren
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
1. Examples of epithets: - "The mayor's son" - "The CEO's niece" - "The top scorer on the soccer team"2. In Act I, Scene I of Othello: - Characters refer to Othello using epithets like "the Moor," "the thicklips," and "the old black ram."3. Analysis of epithets in relation to Othello: - "The Moor": This term, while accurate in describing Othello's ethnicity, can be seen as emphasizing his outsider status. It may reflect the prevailing racial biases of the time. - "The thicklips": This derogatory term implies a negative stereotype about Othello's physical appearance, suggesting racial prejudice and disrespect. - "The old black ram": This metaphorical epithet, used by Iago, dehumanizes Othello and implies animalistic qualities, reinforcing racial prejudice and contempt.In summary, the epithets used to refer to Othello in Act I, Scene I reflect the racial biases and prejudices of the characters, contributing to a negative portrayal of Othello. The choice of these terms also reveals the speaker's attitudes and biases, providing insight into the cultural context of the play.