Assignment ✨🌸

College Name :

   ~Maharani Shri Nandkuvarba mahila arts and commerce College Bhavnagar

      Name : 

        ~ Pandya Himanshi Mahesh bhai

         T.y.b.a sem :~ 5 

         

         Sub : English 

    

   Proffecer name : Aamina ma'am 

Paper Name : The Study of Drama

Submission Date : 1/ 9 / 2025 

         ✨🌸Home Assignment🌸✨

    Othello by ~

          William Shakespeare

Othello: 

              The Love Story that Turned into a Tragedy

Some stories are remembered not because they end happily, but because they show the deepest emotions of the human heart. Shakespeare’s Othello is one such story. It is not just about war or power—it is about love, jealousy, trust, and betrayal.

About author 

Basic Information

Full Name: William Shakespeare

Born: 23 April 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Died: 23 April 1616 (aged 52), Stratford-upon-Avon

Occupation: Playwright, Poet, Actor

Titles: Often called “The Bard of Avon” and regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

The Story in Simple Words

Othello, a brave soldier from another land (a Moor), becomes a respected general in Venice. Against all odds, he falls in love with Desdemona, a young noblewoman. Their marriage is filled with passion, but also surrounded by doubt because Othello is different—older, darker, and an outsider in Venetian society.

Enter Iago, Othello’s officer, who feels jealous because Othello promoted Cassio instead of him. Iago is clever, cruel, and knows exactly how to play with people’s minds. He whispers lies into Othello’s ear, making him believe Desdemona is unfaithful.

Slowly, Othello’s love turns into jealousy. His heart, once full of trust, becomes poisoned. In the end, Othello kills Desdemona, only to realize too late that she was innocent. Heartbroken and full of guilt, he takes his own life. The love story that could have been eternal ends in tragedy.

The Characters

Othello 

   Strong and noble, but insecure when it comes to love.

Desdemona 

    Gentle, loyal, and deeply in love with Othello.

Iago 

   The mastermind of evil, who manipulates everyone for his own gain.

Cassio 

      Honest and loyal, but caught in Iago’s trap.

Emilia 

     Iago’s wife, who finally reveals the truth, though it costs her life.

*The Heart of the Play *

  Love – Pure, powerful, but also fragile without trust.

 Jealousy – The “green-eyed monster” that eats away at Othello’s heart.

Deception – Iago proves how dangerous lies can be Identity & Insecurity – Othello feels he never truly belongs, which makes him doubt himself and Desdemona’s love.

#Why Do We Still Read Othello Today#

Because the story still feels real. How many times have relationships broken due to jealousy or lack of trust? How often do people believe lies instead of truth? Othello’s tragedy is a reminder that love is not enough—trust and communication are just as important.

🌸Final Thoughts

Othello is not just Shakespeare’s play; it’s a lesson in human emotions. It shows us how easily love can be destroyed when we let jealousy and doubt take control. At the same time, it warns us about toxic influences like Iago, who thrive on creating chaos.

This is why Othello’s story still touches our hearts: it is about love, but also about the pain of losing it.

🔗 References 

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Full text available at: Shakespeare MIT Online

Summary and analysis: SparkNotes – Othello

Background on Shakespeare and his plays: BBC Bitesize – Othello

             **Class assignment**

     Activity :1 

 🎭Emoji Representation of othello characters - worksheet 

✨ Part:1 Match the character to the Emojis 

  A. 👩🏻💍🌹🕊️

     → Desdemona 

 B. 👩🏻🧠🗣️🗝️⚖️

    → Emilia 

  C. 👩🏻‍🦲🕷️🧠🤥🗡️

     →Iago

  D.🧑🏻💸🥲🔪

    →Roderigo 

   E. 👴🏻😠🏦

       →Brabantio 

    F. 👮🏻‍♂️⚔️💔

       →Othello 

    G. 👑⚖️📃

        → The duke 

 ✂️Part 2: who I am ? (Emoji Riddles) 

Read the emoji description and write the character's name 

Ans:1

    → Bianca 

Ans : 2

   →Grabantio

Ans:3

    →Lodovica

Ans :4

       →Montago 

🧠Part :3 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 honourable soldier, trusted by Othello.

Yet, his flaw of drinking leads to poor decisions and downfall.

He seeks forgiveness and redemption, showing his loyal heart.

     ___________*** MCQ test***___________

Activity: 2

1. 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

              

              ###    _°Activity:3°_ ###

Major character in othello 

1. Othello – The Tragic Hero

Background: Othello is a Moor (a man of African origin) who rises to become a respected general in the Venetian army. Despite being an outsider in Venetian society, he earns respect through his military skills, leadership, and dignity.

Qualities: Brave, honorable, passionate, and eloquent in speech. He genuinely loves Desdemona and values loyalty and honesty.

Flaws: His tragic flaw is his insecurity and jealousy. Because he feels like an outsider in Venice, he is easily manipulated by Iago into doubting Desdemona’s faithfulness.

Role in the Tragedy: Othello starts as a noble and loving husband but transforms into a jealous, angry man who murders his innocent wife. His downfall makes him a classic tragic hero—destroyed by his own weakness and by Iago’s cunning.

2. Desdemona – The Innocent Victim

Background: Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian senator. She defies social norms by secretly marrying Othello, a foreigner and older man, showing her courage and independence.

Qualities: She is pure, gentle, loyal, and full of compassion. Her love for Othello is deep and sincere. She stands by him even when he wrongly accuses her of being unfaithful.

Role in the Tragedy: Desdemona represents innocence and true love. Unfortunately, her loyalty and patience are misunderstood by Othello as deceit. She becomes the tragic victim of Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s evil plan.

3. Iago – The Villain

Background:

            Iago is Othello’s ensign (standard-bearer), a position lower than Cassio’s. He is bitter because Othello chose Cassio as lieutenant instead of him.

Qualities: 

          Intelligent, manipulative, cunning, and filled with hatred. He can hide his true intentions under the mask of loyalty, which makes him dangerous.

Motives:

          Jealousy of Cassio, hatred toward Othello, suspicion that Othello has wronged him, and his love for destruction.

Role in the Tragedy: 

          Iago is the driving force of the entire play. By planting doubts, lying, and using Desdemona’s handkerchief as false proof, he poisons Othello’s mind. Shakespeare presents him as one of literature’s greatest villains because of his ability to manipulate others while pretending to be honest.

✨Minor character:✨

        

1. Roderigo

Who he is: A wealthy Venetian gentleman, foolish, weak-willed, and desperately in love with Desdemona.

Role in the play:

At the beginning, he teams up with Iago because Iago promises to help him win Desdemona’s love.

He is used by Iago as a pawn — Iago takes Roderigo’s money and jewels (supposed to be gifts for Desdemona) but keeps them for himself.

Roderigo helps Iago in creating trouble: he rouses Brabantio against Othello, quarrels with Cassio, and even tries to kill Cassio under Iago’s orders.

Character traits:

Naïve and gullible: He believes Iago’s every word.

Jealous: He hates Othello because Desdemona married him.

Cowardly: He is not brave, but Iago pushes him into violent acts.

Importance:

Without Roderigo, Iago’s schemes would have been harder.

His death at Iago’s hands shows how completely Iago betrays even those who trust him.

He represents the theme of blind passion and manipulation.

2. Bianca

Who she is: A courtesan (prostitute) in Cyprus, who is genuinely in love with Cassio.

Role in the play:

She is introduced as a woman Cassio visits. She longs for a serious relationship with him, but Cassio treats her casually.

Iago uses Bianca in his plot: he plants Desdemona’s handkerchief with Cassio, and when Bianca angrily returns it to Cassio, Othello sees this and believes Cassio got the handkerchief from Desdemona as proof of her unfaithfulness.

Later, she is accused of being involved in the attack on Cassio but defends herself.

Character traits:

Loving but insecure: She truly cares for Cassio but fears he doesn’t love her back.

Jealous: She reacts angrily when she sees the handkerchief.

Marginalized: As a courtesan, society looks down on her, and others insult her.

Importance:

She is central in the handkerchief plot, the key “evidence” that convinces Othello of Desdemona’s “betrayal.”

Her situation reflects the play’s theme of women’s vulnerability and how their love is often disregarded or exploited.

   ★Essay★

  

  

"A Doll’s House 

          Henrik Ibsen"

*About author*

Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906) was a Norwegian playwright and is often called the “Father of Modern Drama.” He changed the way theatre was written by focusing on real-life issues rather than fantasy or history. His plays deal with social problems, human relationships, and the struggle of individuals against society. A Doll’s House (1879) is one of his most famous works because it questioned the traditional roles of men and women in the family during the 19th century .   

  

Story Summary

The play tells the story of Nora Helmer, who at first appears to be a cheerful, obedient wife living happily with her husband, Torvald Helmer. However, Nora has a secret: she once borrowed money by forging her father’s signature to save Torvald’s life when he was sick. She has been secretly working to pay back the loan.

When Torvald learns about the secret, he does not appreciate Nora’s sacrifice. Instead, he becomes angry, worried about his reputation, and shows that he values social respect more than his wife’s feelings. This shocks Nora, who realizes that her marriage is not built on love and respect but on control and appearances. At the end, she decides to leave her husband and children to find her own identity.

Themes

1. Gender Roles and Marriage 

          The play shows how women were treated as property or dolls in marriage, without independence.

2. Appearance vs. Reality 

      On the surface, Nora and Torvald seem to have a happy home, but underneath, there is dishonesty and lack of equality.

3. Individual Freedom 

       Nora’s decision to leave represents the need for personal growth and self-respect, even if it means breaking social norms.

4. Sacrifice 

          Both Nora and other characters, like Mrs. Linde, make sacrifices, but society does not always value them.

Characters

Nora Helmer ~

          The main character, seen as playful and childlike at first, but later shown to be strong and independent when she chooses freedom over a false marriage.

Torvald Helmer ~

            Nora’s husband, who is proud, controlling, and more worried about his honor than his wife’s sacrifice.

Kristine Linde (Mrs. Linde) ~

          Nora’s old friend who represents a woman who has worked and struggled in life. She serves as a contrast to Nora.

Nils Krogstad ~

         A man who lent money to Nora. He is seen as the villain at first but is also a victim of society’s harsh judgment.

Dr. Rank ~

        A family friend, secretly in love with Nora, who suffers from illness. He represents honesty and truth compared to Torvald’s hypocrisy.

 In short: A Doll’s House is about a 

           woman’s struggle for independence in a society that expects her to be only a wife and mother. Henrik Ibsen used this play to question traditional family roles and to highlight the importance of truth, equality, and self-respect.

📚 References

1. Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. 1879. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542

2. SparkNotes Editors. A Doll’s House Study Guide. SparkNotes LLC. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/dollhouse/

3.LitCharts. A Doll’s House Summary and Analysis. 

https://www.litcharts.com/lit/a-doll-s-house