YEAR 12 9th Oct 2017.

Today's session considered ACT TWO SCENE ONE and the significance of Shakespeare presenting Cassio and Iago as very different characters. Students were asked to consider why Shakespeare provides Cassio with such ROMANTIC and poetic dialogue and invests Iago's dialogue with such crude puns, sexual innuendo, and a very negative view of women. How would you describe Cassio's description of Desdemona? It seems that Shakespeare presents these two characters as being from very different social backgrounds. Students were encouraged to consider why Shakespeare is presenting this CLASS DIFFERENCE between the two characters and students were also asked to consider the significance of the location of CYPRUS. The unique and terrifying tempest that destroys the Turkish fleet is rich with metaphor and forewarning.

HOMEWORK: We will be considering the essay title...
HOW DOES SHAKESPEARE USE DRAMATIC FORMS
TO PRESENT THE CHARACTER OF IAGO?
I will expect students to be able to discuss the issues below and support their opinion with specific textual reference:

• The significance of the street scenes taking place at night and significance of Venice
• The significance of Iago's use of language
• The significance of Iago's soliloquy
• The significance of characters defying their initial representation
• The significance of tragedy....What is Shakespeare's aim in ACT ONE?

Students also need to familiarise themselves with the whole of ACT TWO so read/watch/listen to the play.