Day 34: Othello

Janus

Guiding Questions

• How does Iago use language to deceive others?
  
• ​Why does Iago use his rhetoric and acting skills to destroy others?
  

Agenda

1. Attendance
2. The Power of Language Introduction
3. "Zounds sir, your're robbed!" Assignment in groups w/worksheet

Shakespeare's "Othello" and the Power of Language
I am not what I am
-- Iago to Rodrigo (Othello 1.1.65)
Despite the truth of Iago's confession to Rodrigo that he is not what he appears to be, his gullible sidekick continues to trust this two-faced "confidante" who swears "by Janus," and who sows doubt, destruction and despair in the paths of all he encounters. How? How is Iago able to convince one and all that he is, as he is constantly called, "honest Iago"?
Much of the answer must lie in Iago's skillful manipulation of rhetorical skills. A puppeteer of the psyche, Iago pulls the strings of those who should know better with a battery of verbal weapons. In his soliloquies and dialogues he reveals himself to the audience to be a master of connotative and metaphoric language, inflammatory imagery, emotional appeals, well-placed silences, dubious hesitations, leading questions, meaningful repetition, and sly hints. Indeed, Iago is so good at lying that he is able to convince even himself that he has the soundest of reasons to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio.
Iago's convincing rhetoric clearly reveals what a powerful-and dangerous-tool language can be, especially when used by the eloquent, but unscrupulous, individual. In this lesson, you will explore the basis of Iago's persuasive power by analyzing his astonishing command of rhetoric and figurative language. 

Definitions

Pathos is a method of convincing people with an argument drawn out through an emotional response of pity, sympathy, and sorrow. Pathos can be expressed through words, pictures, or even with gestures of the body.
Ethos is a means of convincing others of the character or credibility of the persuader. It is natural for us to accept the credibility of people whom we hold in reverence.
Logos is a literary device that can be defined as a statement, sentence, or argument used to convince or persuade the targeted audience by employing reason or logic.

Homework

Write an effective summary of Act 1 in your reading journal.  Make sure to condiser the two guiding questions from today in your responses.

CCRS

• 4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.) [RL.11-12.4]
  
• 29. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on Grade 12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. [SL.11-12.1]