Othello Socratic Sem Reflection

The Socratic seminar impacted my thinking on the main influences that shaped the Elizabethan era. We discussed that reputation, racism, patriarchy, and jealousy were all very popular during this era. There were many things said that made me think about something I hadn't thought of before. When one of my peers stated that the cause of Othello becoming insecure towards Desdemona was probably because of his race. This made me realize how much racism impacted the Elizabethan era.

The statement from one of my peers that I agree with the most is that woman were treated unfairly as if they were in a lower status than men. One statement form my peer that I did not agree with is that Iago's plan was successful. I disagree with this because although Iago got revenge on Cassio and Othello, eventually everyone figured out what his plan and he no longer was able to take the military rank that Cassio had. Many different topics and questions were covered during the seminar. Therefore there is nothing that needs to be said that hasn't already been discussed.

 During the seminar I believe having a dicussion leader really helped the disscussion flow. The disscussion leader made sure we set goals for us to accomplish and that everyone had the oppurtunity to speak. Also, the discussion leader made sure we weren't on one topic for to long and connected the text to our disscussions. Half time also worked very well for the seminar, during half time we were able to get advice from our peers and also give advice to our peers. Also during half time I was able to have some time to think about maybe what I needed to change and do during the next portion of the seminar.

 Our oppurtunities for improvement were that more direct quotes were used. There wasn't many direct quotes , just analysis. Also many of the questions that were being asked were off topic and not related to the theme of Elizabethan era. If our questions were more on topic that could've resulted in everyone getting higher grades. Also that could've resulted in everyone understanding the topic more.

Shakespeare Dramatic Reading

 



         The monologue I chose was during Act 5 scene 2, starting at line 354. This part of the play is when Othello finally realizes that he was betrayed by Iago and his wife wasn't actually cheating on him. During this monologue Othello feels ashamed, guilty, and in pain because he has finally noticed what he did to his wife was wrong.  Therefor, in my dramatic reading, I tried to use my choice of tone and emphasis around these feelings. My tones can be described as anxiousness, hopelessness, and sorrow.
         This monologue showed me more characteristics of Othello. In the beginning of the play Othello is seen as a very strong character with much pride. During this monologue, Othello shows that he can also be very weak, by showing his guilt and killing himself. Also this monologue showed how important reputation was to Othello. This is shown when he says "When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak".
          This monologue was a major important part of the plays resolution. After the reader knew that Othello was being manipulated and lied to, Othello finally realizes it too. The fact that Othello decides to commit suicide after he murders Desdemona , makes this play a tragedy. It also further complicated the conflict because Othello could not get the full story of what truly happened between Iago and Cassio.