Assignment major :- 11
College :- Maharanishree Nandkuvarba Mahila arts & commerce College
Name :- Gohil Niraliba virendrasinh
Year :- T.y B.A Sem - 5
Subject :- English
Paper Name :- The study of drama
Credit :- 4
Professor Name :- Aamina ma'am
• Class assignment
* Class activity
Part :- 1 match the character to the emoji
A.👰💍🌹🕊️ = 2. Desdemona
B. 👱♀️🧠🗣️🗝️⚖️ = 5.Emilia
C.🧝🕷️🧠🤥🗡️ = 3.Iago
D.🙍💸😢🔪 = 6.Roderigo
E.🧑🦳😠🏠 = 7.Brabantio
F.🧑✈️⚔️💔 = 1.Othello
G.👑⚖️📋 = 4.The duke
Part :- 2 Who Am I? (Emoji Riddles) from the worksheet
1. 💃🧣😭 ➤ I am passionate and wrongly blamed for a handkerchief. I love Cassio.
➡ Answer: Bianca
2. 👴👧🗝️ ➤ I’m an elder from Desdemona’s family and help uncover the truth.
➡ Answer: Emilia
3. 👑✈️📝 ➤ I’m a nobleman who travels from Venice to Cyprus with important orders.
➡ Answer: The Duke
4. ⚔️🩹😓 ➤ I’m a former governor of Cyprus who got injured but is respected.
➡ Answer: Montano
Part :- 3 Short Answers from your worksheet.
Q1: Why is 🔑 used to describe Emilia?
➡ Emilia is described with a 🔑 because she holds the key to the truth — she is the one who reveals Iago’s plot and exposes the truth about the handkerchief.
Q2: What emotion does 💔 suggest about Othello’s journey?
➡ 💔 represents heartbreak and tragedy in Othello’s journey. It shows how his deep love turns into jealousy, pain, and ultimately leads to Desdemona’s death and his downfal
Q3: What does 😏 suggest about Iago’s personality?
➡ 😏 suggests that Iago is sly, cunning, and manipulative. He pretends to be honest while secretly plotting against Othello and others.
✅ Bonus (Express Cassio in Emojis):
Cassio = 🗡️📚😔
🗡️ = Soldier, Othello’s loyal lieutenant.
📚 = Educated, noble-minded, values honor.
😔 = Feels regret and sorrow for his mistakes (like the drunken fight).
• MCQ
Unit :- 1&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
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
___________________
* Home assignment
• Othello
by williams shakespeare
• about author
 |
| Williams Shakespeare |
Died :- April 1616 ( age 52 years)
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, often called the “Bard of Avon.” He is considered the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His works include tragedies like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello; comedies like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night; and histories like Henry IV and Richard III. Shakespeare’s plays explore timeless themes such as love, power, betrayal, and fate. His influence on literature, language, and theatre is unmatched, and his works are still studied and performed worldwide.
• Introduction
Othello is one of William Shakespeare’s great tragedies, first performed in 1604. The play tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, who secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian noble. Their love is tested when Othello’s ensign, Iago, driven by jealousy and malice, deceives Othello into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful. The play explores powerful themes of jealousy, love, betrayal, race, and manipulation, ultimately leading to a tragic downfall.
• summary
Act 1 – The Conflict Begins
The play opens in Venice. Othello, a Moor and general of the Venetian army, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a senator, Brabantio. Iago feels betrayed because Othello promoted Cassio instead of him. With Roderigo’s help, Iago begins plotting revenge. Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft, but the Duke supports Othello. Othello is ordered to lead the Venetian forces in Cyprus against the Turks.
Act 2 – Manipulation in Cyprus
Everyone arrives safely in Cyprus after a storm destroys the Turkish fleet. Peace follows, but Iago starts his game. He gets Cassio drunk, leading to a fight, which damages Cassio’s honor and position. Cassio turns to Desdemona to plead for Othello’s forgiveness. Iago sees this as the perfect chance to make their closeness look suspicious.
Act 3 – Seeds of Jealousy
Iago carefully poisons Othello’s mind. He hints that Cassio and Desdemona are too intimate. Othello demands proof, so Iago arranges that Desdemona’s handkerchief (Othello’s first gift to her) ends up with Cassio. When Othello sees Cassio with it, his jealousy explodes. He vows revenge and kneels with Iago, swearing to punish them.
Act 4 – The Tragic Plan Unfolds
Iago intensifies Othello’s suspicion by staging conversations that Othello overhears. Othello, now blinded by jealousy, strikes Desdemona in public and resolves to kill her. Meanwhile, Iago convinces Roderigo to attack Cassio, but Cassio survives. Emilia (Iago’s wife) starts noticing something strange in her husband’s schemes.
Act 5 – The Tragic Climax
In Desdemona’s bedroom, Othello smothers her to death, convinced she betrayed him. Emilia reveals the truth—that Iago manipulated everything and that the handkerchief was planted. Iago kills Emilia to silence her but is caught. Realizing his terrible mistake, Othello stabs himself and dies beside Desdemona. Iago is taken away for punishment.
• characters
Othello is the Moor of Venice, a black man who has risen to the high position of a respected general in the Venetian army. He is noble, brave, and deeply in love with Desdemona. Yet, his greatest weakness is his insecurity—he doubts whether he truly deserves Desdemona’s love because of his race and outsider status. This insecurity makes him an easy target for Iago’s manipulation, and it leads to his tragic downfall.
* Desdemona
She is the daughter of a Venetian nobleman, Brabantio, and Othello’s wife. Desdemona is innocent, loyal, and strong-willed, especially in her choice to marry Othello despite social expectations. She truly loves him, but her honesty and kindness are twisted by Iago into “evidence” of unfaithfulness. Her tragic fate lies in being misunderstood and falsely accused.
* Iago
Iago is Othello’s ensign (standard-bearer), and the real villain of the play. He is cunning, jealous, and manipulative. Feeling wronged because Othello promoted Cassio over him, Iago plans revenge by planting seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind. He pretends loyalty but secretly orchestrates chaos, using others’ weaknesses against them. His ability to deceive makes him one of Shakespeare’s most chilling villains.
* Cassio
Michael Cassio is Othello’s loyal lieutenant, chosen instead of Iago. He is handsome, polite, and honorable, but also somewhat inexperienced. Iago uses Cassio’s good nature and his closeness to Desdemona to make Othello jealous. Cassio himself remains unaware of the conspiracy, and his reputation becomes a pawn in Iago’s schemes.
* Emilia
Emilia is Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s attendant. At first, she is obedient to Iago, even giving him Desdemona’s handkerchief without knowing his purpose. But by the end, she becomes a voice of truth and courage. When she realizes Iago’s treachery, she exposes him—even though it costs her life. Emilia represents honesty and the strength of women.
* Roderigo
Roderigo is a foolish Venetian gentleman who is in love with Desdemona. He is gullible and allows Iago to use him as a tool, giving him money and carrying out his schemes, believing it will help him win Desdemona. In reality, Roderigo is exploited and discarded by Iago.
* Brabantio
He is Desdemona’s father, a senator of Venice. At first, he feels betrayed by her secret marriage to Othello, accusing Othello of using witchcraft. Though he disappears from the later acts, his early opposition foreshadows Othello’s struggle with acceptance in Venetian society.
• Themes
1. Jealousy
Jealousy is the central theme of the play. Iago manipulates Othello into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful, planting the “green-eyed monster” in his heart. Othello’s jealousy blinds his reason, leading him to murder the woman he loves. Shakespeare shows how jealousy is destructive, irrational, and can ruin even the noblest of people.
2. Appearance vs. Reality
Throughout the play, things are not what they seem. Iago pretends to be honest while plotting everyone’s downfall. Desdemona appears guilty to Othello because of false evidence (the handkerchief), even though she is innocent. Shakespeare emphasizes how trusting appearances without seeking truth can be deadly.
3. Race and Discrimination
Othello is a Moor (a Black man) in a Venetian society dominated by white Europeans. His outsider status makes him insecure and easy to manipulate. Characters like Iago and Brabantio use racist language against him. This theme highlights issues of prejudice, otherness, and how societal bias influences personal relationships.
4. Manipulation and Deception
Iago is the master manipulator, deceiving Othello, Cassio, and even his own wife Emilia. He uses lies, half-truths, and staged situations to control others. This theme demonstrates how dangerous words and cunning persuasion can be when used with malicious intent.
5. Love and Betrayal
The play explores the fragility of love when trust is broken. Othello and Desdemona’s love is deep but vulnerable to suspicion. Iago betrays both his friend Othello and his wife Emilia. The theme shows how betrayal destroys both personal relationships and social harmony.
6. Honor and Reputation
Reputation is crucial for many characters. Othello values his honor as a soldier, Cassio laments the loss of his good name, and Iago pretends to protect Othello’s honor while actually destroying it. Shakespeare portrays reputation as both powerful and fragile—something that can be ruined by lies.
7. Gender and Power
Women in the play—Desdemona, Emilia, Bianca—are often controlled by men and judged by their chastity. Desdemona’s virtue becomes the focus of Othello’s suspicion. Emilia’s final act of truth-telling exposes both Iago’s villainy and the silenced voices of women. The theme shows how patriarchy and male authority limit women’s freedom.
• symbol
In old European times, during the medieval and Renaissance periods, people usedhandkerchiefs as a symbol of love. It was a sweet tradition — a lady would drop herhandkerchief on purpose, and a knight or man she liked would pick it up. If he kept it, itshowed he accepted her love. This small cloth became a symbol of affection andrespect between them.
In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the same idea is used. Othello gives a specialhandkerchief to Desdemona as a gift. It is not just any cloth — it is a symbol of theirlove, trust, and connection. Othello believes that as long as Desdemona keeps thehandkerchief, their love will stay strong.
But this handkerchief has a mysterious background. It originally belonged to anEgyptian sorcerer (a magical woman), who gave it to Othello’s mother. His motherpassed it on to Othello, and he later gave it to Desdemona. So, the handkerchief is fullof meaning — love, family, and even a bit of magic.
• Animal
AnimalIn the play Othello, many characters use animal words to talk about others. Thishappens a lot, especially when they talk about Othello and Desdemona. For example,Othello is called a "Barbary horse," and Desdemona is called a "beautiful creature.
"Using animal names for people is not just a joke — it shows prejudice (unfair judgment).When someone is described like an animal, it means they are being seen as less thanhuman. It makes them seem wild, not smart, or not in control. This kind of language isused to insult, look down on, and control others.
So, in the play, calling Othello and Desdemona animals is a way of being racist anddisrespectful, showing how some characters think they are better than others.
____________
• essay
* A doll's house
- by Henrik ibsen
* About author
 |
| Henrik ibsen |
Died :- 23 may 1906 ( Age 78 years )
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often called the “Father of Modern Drama.” He is known for bringing realism into theatre, focusing on social issues, individual freedom, and moral conflicts. His plays challenged traditional values and exposed problems in family life, society, and politics. Some of his most famous works are "A Doll’s House," "Hedda Gabler," "Ghosts," and "An Enemy of the People." Ibsen’s writing influenced modern drama worldwide and earned him a place among the greatest playwrights in historical.
• Introduction
Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (1879) is a landmark play in modern drama and a powerful critique of 19th-century social norms. Set in a Norwegian middle-class household, the play explores the dynamics of marriage, gender roles, and personal freedom. At its center is Nora Helmer, a seemingly cheerful wife who gradually realizes that her life has been shaped by patriarchal control and social expectations. Ibsen challenges the traditional idea of a woman’s duty to her husband and family, instead highlighting her right to independence and self-identity. The play shocked audiences when it was first performed, especially because of its controversial ending, where Nora chooses to leave her husband and children in order to discover herself. A Doll’s House is often regarded as one of the earliest works of modern realism in theatre and remains a timeless text that questions power, identity, and the struggle for equality.
• summary
Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House (1879) is a groundbreaking work of modern drama. It challenges traditional gender roles, marriage norms, and the idea of women’s independence in 19th-century society.
The story revolves around Nora Helmer and her husband Torvald Helmer, who appear to have a happy marriage. Torvald has just been promoted to bank manager, and the family looks forward to a prosperous life. Nora seems playful, carefree, and obedient—a “doll-wife” who does everything to please her husband.
However, beneath this surface lies a secret. Years earlier, when Torvald was seriously ill, Nora secretly borrowed money from Nils Krogstad, a man with a bad reputation, to pay for Torvald’s treatment and trip to Italy. Since women at that time were not allowed to borrow money without a husband’s consent, Nora forged her father’s signature. She has been secretly repaying the debt for years.
The tension rises when Krogstad, who works at Torvald’s bank, blackmails Nora to prevent losing his job. He threatens to reveal her secret forgery. Nora desperately tries to prevent Torvald from finding out, believing he would sacrifice his reputation to protect her if the truth comes out.
But when the truth is finally revealed through Krogstad’s letter, Torvald reacts with anger, not concern for Nora. He calls her dishonest, unfit to raise their children, and worries only about his reputation. Soon after, Krogstad decides to return the bond and forgives the debt, but the damage is done. Nora realizes that her marriage has been built on illusion—she has been treated like a “doll” by Torvald, first by her father, and now by her husband.
In the shocking climax, Nora decides to leave Torvald and her children to find her own identity and independence. She declares that she must educate herself and discover who she really is, even if it means breaking away from society’s expectations.
• Theme
1. The Struggle for Identity and Self-Realization
The main theme is Nora’s journey of self-discovery. At first, she seems like a playful, submissive wife, but gradually realizes that her life has been shaped by others’ expectations—first her father’s, then her husband’s. In the end, she decides to leave her family to discover her own identity, which was radical for women of Ibsen’s time.
2. Gender Roles and the Oppression of Women
Ibsen highlights how women in the 19th century were expected to be obedient wives and mothers, with no independent rights. Nora’s role as a “doll” in Torvald’s house shows how society infantilized women, treating them as decorative objects rather than equal partners. The play questions the fairness of these roles.
3. Marriage and Power Dynamics
Marriage is presented not as a partnership of equals, but as a structure built on inequality and control. Torvald treats Nora like a child rather than a partner, using pet names and dictating her behavior. The play critiques how marriage can trap individuals in roles that suffocate personal freedom.
4. Deception and Secrets
The entire drama revolves around Nora’s secret—borrowing money illegally to save her husband’s life. This theme shows how social restrictions force people to hide the truth. Nora’s lies reveal both her resourcefulness and the pressure of living in a society that leaves women powerless.
5. Appearance vs. Reality
The Helmer household looks perfect from the outside: wealth, respectability, and harmony. But underneath lies dishonesty, inequality, and repression. This contrast exposes the hypocrisy of social norms that value appearances over genuine human freedom.
• conclusion
The conclusion of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House shows Nora realizing that she has been treated like a “doll” all her life—first by her father and then by her husband, Torvald. She understands that she has no true identity or independence and decides to leave her husband and children in order to discover herself and live freely. The play ends with her dramatic exit, symbolizing self-liberation and a challenge to traditional gender roles in society.
________
° Reference
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. (2023). Othello: Characters and themes. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023). Henrik Ibsen. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henrik-Ibsen
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