A Study of The Drama

Name : Chudasama Diptiba Pravinsinh

Year : T.Y.B.A.

Subject : English ( sem - 5 )

Paper Name : The Study of Drama 

Class Assignment: Class Activity and Test 

Home Assignment : Othello : A Tragedy for all time 

Essay : Nora Helmer: A Symbol of Women's Struggle in Society 

College :Maharanishree Nandkuvarba 

College 

Submission Date : 1/ 9 / 2025

Class Assignment 

• Class Activity 1 

   

Answer : 

Part 1 

A. Desdemona 

B. Emilia 

C. Iago

D. Roderigo

E. Brabantio

F. Othello 

G. The Duke 

Part 2 

1. Bianca 

2. Grazanio 

3. Lodovico

4. Montano

Part 3

1. In othello 🗝️ is used to describe for Emilia because Emilia uncovered the truth of Iago that Iago make her to keep Desdemona's handkerchief that he plans affair of Desdemona with Roderigo. Emilia opens up the truth of Desdemona's innocence and the tragic end.

2. The 💔 emoji suggests Othello's journey is filled with sadness, heartbreak, and pain, especially due to his tragic mistakes and loss of Desdemona.

3. The 🤥 emoji suggest about Iago that he is a lier and maniupaltor and jealous from othello and cassio. Iago being honest in front of Othello but he is the one who ruined Othello's life.

Bonus 

Cassio in three emojis 

 1. 🤍 

Cassio is honest with Othello and didn't love Desdemona. He is innocent and never cheated anyone.

2. ⚔️

Cassio is brave and has military skills and this is the reason that othello gave him the position of lieutenant.

3. 😔

Cassio is sad and distressed because he lost his position and the trust of Othello.

• Class Test ( MCQ )

 

 1. What is William Shakespeare often called?

A) The Father of Drama

B) The King of Poets

C) The Bard of Avon

D) The Legend of Language

Answer: C) The Bard of Avon

2.In which year was William Shakespeare born?

A) 1544

B) 1564

C) 1584

D) 1604

Answer: B) 1564

3.How many sonnets did William Shakespeare write?

A) 130

B) 144

C) 154

D) 160

Answer: C) 154

4.What type of play is Othello?

A) Comedy

B) Tragedy

C) History

D) Romance

Answer: B) Tragedy

5.In what language was the original story of Othello written?

A) French

B) Latin

C) English

D) Italian

Answer: D) Italian

6.What is the name of the Italian book that inspired Othello?

A) La Tragedia

B) De gli Hecatommithi   

 C) Vita di Otello

D) Racconti Italiani

Answer: B) De gli Hecatommithi

7.When was the first published version of Othello released?

A) 1604

B) 1616

C) 1622

D) 1623

Answer: C) 1622

8.Which collection included the second version of Othello?

A) Shakespeare’s Folio

B) The First Folio

C) Quarto Collection

D) The Bard’s Anthology

Answer: B) The First Folio

9. Which genre does not belong to Shakespeare’s categories of plays?

A) Comedy

B) Epic

C) History

D) Tragedy

Answer: B) Epic

10.Why is William Shakespeare considered highly influential?

A) He wrote in many different languages

B) He performed in royal courts

C) His works are studied, translated, and performed worldwide

D) He invented the English alphabet

Answer: C) His works are studied, translated, and performed worldwide

11.How many plays did William Shakespeare write (including collaborations)?

A) 29

B) 35

C) 39

D) 45

Answer: C) 39

12.What is a “quarto”?  

A) A large theatre

B) A small book format

C) A Shakespearean actor

D) A poetic device

Answer: B) A small book format

13.In which year was Othello first written?

A) 1600

B) 1603–1604

C) 1610

D) 1622

Answer: B) 1603–1604

14.Why is Roderigo furious with Iago at the beginning of the play?

A) Iago has married Desdemona

B) Iago failed to secure Desdemona for him despite being paid

C) Iago lied about Othello's military victories

D) Iago publicly embarrassed him

Answer: B) Iago failed to secure Desdemona for him despite being paid 

15.Why does Iago claim to hate Othello?

A) Othello insulted Iago's father

B) Othello married Desdemona

C) Othello promoted Cassio over him

D) Othello was born a Moor

Answer: C) Othello promoted Cassio over him.

16.What action do Iago and Roderigo take to provoke Brabantio?

A) Kidnap Desdemona

B) Send a forged letter

C) Wake him to tell of Desdemona’s elopement

D) Attack his house

Answer: C) Wake him to tell of Desdemona's elopement 

17.How does Othello defend himself against accusations of using witchcraft?

A) He claims Desdemona cast the first spell

B) He presents witnesses

C) He recounts tales of his life that won her heart

D) He denies marrying her

Answer: C) He recounts tales of his life that won her heart 

18.What ultimately convinces the Duke and Senate of Othello’s honesty?

A) Desdemona’s own testimony

B) Evidence from Cassio

C) Iago’s defense of Othello

D) A letter from Brabantio

Answer: A) Desdemona's own testimony 

19.What event eliminates the Turkish threat to Cyprus?

A) A Venetian pre-emptive strike

B) A Turkish civil war

C) A severe storm at sea

D) The arrival of Othello’s fleet

Answer: C) A severe storm at sea 

20.What minor gesture between Cassio and Desdemona does Iago use to manipulate Othello?

A) A kiss on the cheek

B) A handshake

C) Sharing a drink

D) Walking together

Answer: B) A handshake 

21.What advice does Iago give to Roderigo about Cassio during the celebration?

A) Challenge him to a duel

B) Steal from him

C) Start a fight to discredit him

D) Spy on his room

Answer: C) Start a fight to discredit him 

22.How is Cassio demoted?

A) He fails to deliver a military order

B) He is caught stealing

C) He wounds Montano during a drunken fight

D) Othello overhears him mocking Desdemona

Answer: C) He wounds Montano during a drunken fight 

23.What advice does Iago give Cassio after his demotion?

A) Flee the island

B) Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello

C) Challenge Othello

D) Blame Roderigo

Answer: B) Ask Desdemona to speak to Othello 

24.How does Iago obtain Desdemona’s handkerchief?

A) He steals it from her room

B) Othello gives it to him

C) Emilia picks it up and gives it to him

D) Roderigo finds it and hands it over

Answer: C) Emilia picks it up and gives it to him 

25.What false proof does Iago give Othello of Desdemona's infidelity?

A) A letter Cassio wrote

B) A rumor from Roderigo

C) Cassio wearing Desdemona’s handkerchief

D) A drawing made by Cassio

Answer: C) Cassio wearing Desdemona's handkerchief 

26.What effect does jealousy have on Othello’s physical state?

A) He becomes mute

B) He faints

C) He experiences an epileptic seizure

D) He loses his eyesight

Answer: C) He experiences an epileptic seizure 

27.Why does Othello strike Desdemona in front of Lodovico?

A) She confesses to an affair

B) She says she still loves Cassio

C) She talks back disrespectfully

D) Lodovico announces Cassio’s promotion

Answer: D) Lodovico announces Cassio's promotion 

28.How does Iago use Bianca to reinforce his plot?

A) He bribes her to lie

B) He lets her return the handkerchief Cassio has

C) He kills her as a warning

D) He frames her for poisoning Desdemona

Answer: B) He lets her return the handkerchief Cassio has 

29.What lie does Iago tell Desdemona to explain Othello’s rage?

A) That Othello has a mental illness

B) That Cassio insulted him

C) That Othello is troubled by political matters

D) That her father is gravely ill

Answer: C) That Othello is troubled by political matters 

30.Why does Roderigo agree to attack Cassio?

A) To gain military rank

B) To help Iago win Emilia

C) To stop Othello from leaving with Desdemona

D) To win Desdemona’s love

Answer: D) To win Desdemona's love 

31.How does Iago cover his tracks after the attack on Cassio?

A) He frames Roderigo and murders him

B) He blames Bianca

C) He wounds himself and claims innocence

D) He disappears into the night

Answer: A) He frames Roderigo and murders him 

32.What claim does Desdemona make before dying?

A) That Cassio is the true villain

B) That she poisoned herself

C) That she committed suicide

D) That she never loved Othello

Answer: C) That she committed suicide 

33.What final actions close the play?

A) Cassio becomes general, Iago is to be executed, and Lodovico returns to Venice

B) Othello escapes, Desdemona’s funeral is planned

C) Bianca inherits Othello’s house

D) Emilia survives and becomes a hero

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?

A) Fear of war

B) Trust in Iago

C) Overconfidence

D) Lack of education

Answer: B) Trust in Iago 

35.What does Desdemona’s loyalty represent in the play?

A) Foolishness

B) Political power

C) True love and innocence

D) Greed

Answer: C) True love and innocence

36.How does Iago manipulate Othello’s military mindset?

A) Uses logic

B) Encourages peace

C) Turns love into a battle

D) Blames Cassio

Answer: C) Turns love into a battle 

37.How does Iago use the theme of “Appearance vs. Reality”?

A) He confesses all early

B) He shows his hatred openly

C) He pretends to be honest

D) He tells only truth

Answer: C) He pretends to be honest 

38.What object becomes a symbol of betrayal for Othello?

A) Sword

B) Necklace

C) Letter

D) Handkerchief

Answer: D) Handkerchief 

39.Why is Othello’s idea of justice flawed?

A) He waits too long

B) He uses logic only

C) He acts on anger, not truth

D) He forgives too easily

Answer: C) He acts on anger, not truth

40.What does the play teach about judging people by looks?

A) Looks never lie

B) Trust only yourself

C) Outer appearance can deceive

D) Reality is always clear

Answer: C) Outer appearance can deceive 

41.Who originally gave the handkerchief to Othello’s mother?

A) A priest

B) A soldier

C) An Egyptian sorcerer

D) A king

Answer: C ) An Egyptian sorcerer 

42.How does Iago use the handkerchief in his plan?

A) He sells it

B) He drops it in the sea

C) He plants it with Cassio

D) He gives it to Desdemona

Answer: C) He plants it with Cassio 

43.What animal is Othello compared to in the play?

A) Bear

B) Horse

C) Snake

D) Dog

Answer: B ) Horse 

44.What does animal language in the play mostly represent?

A) Humor

B) Military strategy

C) Prejudice and racism

D) Othello’s power

Answer: C ) Prejudice and racism 

45.What does the symbolic use of animals reveal about Iago’s language?

A) It is poetic and beautiful

B) It reflects his love for nature

C) It shows his use of dehumanizing insults

D) It has no real meaning

Answer: C) It shows his use of dehumanizing insults 

46.What happens to the meaning of the handkerchief by the end of the play?

A) It is forgotten

B) It becomes magical

C) It symbolizes lies and jealousy

D) It is returned to Othello

Answer: C ) It symbolizes lies and jealousy 

47.Why does Iago hate Othello?

A) Othello insulted him

B) Othello married Desdemona

C) Othello didn’t promote him

D) Othello arrested him

Answer: C) Othello didn't promote him 

48.Who is the "Moor of Venice"?

A) Cassio

B) Iago

C) Othello

D) Roderigo

Answer: C) Othello 

49.What kind of person is Desdemona?

A) Proud and selfish

B) Kind and loyal

C) Brave but dishonest

D) Clever and suspicious

Answer: B ) Kind and loyal 

50.What does Iago do throughout the play?

A) Helps Othello and Desdemona

B) Spreads truth and peace

C) Tricks people and causes destruction

D) Marries Desdemona

Answer: C) Tricks people and causes destruction 

51.Who is Emilia?

A) Desdemona’s sister

B) Cassio’s wife

C) Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maid

D) The Duke’s daughter

Answer: C ) Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid 

52.What is Cassio’s main problem in the play?

A) He is secretly evil

B) He loses his job after a fight

C) He betrays Othello

D) He falls in love with Emilia

Answer: C ) He betrays Othello 

53.What does Roderigo want most?

A) To be a soldier

B) To marry Emilia

C) To become governor

D) To win Desdemona’s love

Answer: D ) To win Desdemona's love 

54.Who is Bianca in the play?

A) Othello’s cousin

B) A prostitute who loves Cassio

C) Desdemona’s maid

D) Iago’s second wife

Answer: B ) A prostitute who loves Cassio 

55.What is Brabantio’s reaction to Desdemona’s marriage?

A) He celebrates

B) He forgives quickly

C) He is angry and shocked

D) He helps Othello

Answer: C ) He is angry and shocked 

56.What role does Lodovico play at the end of the play?

A) He kills Iago

B) He gives Othello’s property to Graziano

C) He becomes governor

D) He marries Desdemona

Answer: B ) He gives Othello's property to Grazanio 

• Characterization Test of Othello  

Q.1 Describe any three Major Characters of Othello.

1) Desdemona 

Desdemona was the wife of Othello and the daughter of Brabantio. She was very beautiful and sweet-hearted. She loved Othello because of his adventurous and brave journey. Desdemona was loyal to Othello.

Desdemona did not cheat on Othello. But eventually, due to the trap of Iago, Othello believed that she cheated on him. Desdemona was innocent and was killed by Othello. Desdemona was honest and loyal, but it was the end of her tragic story.

2) Othello 

Othello was the 'Moor of Venice'. Othello was brave General of Venice. In his life he has been fight with many enemies with bravery. 

Othello was the Protagonist of the play. He was brave and know that how to behave in the battlefield but in social life he believes in what others said, not assures that what right or wrong his self.

Othello believed that Iago was his loyal servant but in reality Iago was the one who responsible for Othello and Desdemona's tragic end. 

Othello was maniupalted by Iago that Desdemona was cheated him. Othello blindly believed on Iago. When Iago came with the proof 'Handkerchief' that he plant in Cassio's room with the help of Emilia, Othello didn't even take care of assures with Desdemona. He didn't listen Desdemona's begging of Innocence.

Othello's mind was filled with jealousy and insecurity and he killed Desdemona.

When the evil trap of Iago revealed, Othello regrets and killed himself.

3) Iago 

Iago is a clever and manipulative character in the play Othello. He's driven by jealousy and anger, particularly towards Othello, who promoted Cassio to a higher rank instead of him.

 Iago uses his intelligence and cunning to deceive others, including Othello, and manipulate them into doing what he wants. 

He's only loyal to himself and will do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means hurting others. Iago's actions are destructive and ultimately lead to tragic consequences. He's a master of playing on people's emotions and using their weaknesses against them.

Q.2 Description of any two Minor characters of Othello.

1) Brabantio 

Brabantio is Desdemona's father in Othello. He's loving but also possessive and racist. He accuses Othello of witchcraft for marrying his daughter. His character shows the prejudices of the time.

2) Lodovico 

Lodovico was  noble man and relative of Brabantio. He was bringing messages form Venice to Cyprus. He was upset when know about the Othello's behaviour towards Desdemona.

Home Assignment 

Othello: A tragedy for all time 

• About The Author 

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor widely regarded as the ' Greateast writer in the English language ' and the ' world's greatest Dramatist '.

🔹Born : Shakespeare was born in Stratford upon Avon , England in 1564.

🔹Works : Shakespeare wrote 39 Plays, 154 sonnet.

Shakespeare known as ' Bard of Avon '.

🔹Died : Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616 at Stratford upon Avon.

• Introduction 

William Shakespeare’s Othello (1604) is one of the most powerful tragedies in world literature. Though written more than four centuries ago, it continues to resonate with modern readers and audiences. The play explores universal human emotions like love, jealousy, betrayal, manipulation, and insecurity that remain unchanged across time. This makes Othello not just a tragedy of one man, but a tragedy for all time.

• Major Characters 

1. Othello 

Othello Represents the outsider, facing racial prejudice but also struggling with his inner weakness of insecurity.

2. Desdemona 

Desdemona - A symbol of innocence and loyalty, yet her voice is silenced by patriarchal structures, a reflection still visible in many societies.

3. Iago

Iago was Embodiment of evil, envy, and ambition. His character shows that betrayal often comes from those closest to us.

• The Universality Of Jealousy 

The destructive force of jealousy is at the very heart of Othello. Iago calls it the “green-eyed monster”that feeds on itself.

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” 

  

 Shows how jealousy destroys both the jealous person and their relationships still relevant in modern times.

 Othello’s downfall shows how suspicion, once planted, can consume love and reason. Even in today’s world, jealousy ruins families, friendships, and relationships, proving its timelessness.

•  Manipulation and the Power of Lies

Iago’s genius lies in his ability to twist truth into falsehood. His confession reflects a world where appearances deceive.

“I am not what I am.”

  

 Iago openly admits his deceitful nature. Reflects modern-day hypocrisy and double-faced people.

  In the 21st century, we see the same manipulation in toxic relationships, workplace politics, and even misinformation on social media. Shakespeare warns us that deception destroys trust and leads to tragedy.

•  Race, Identity, and the Outsider

Othello’s position as a Moor in Venetian society makes him both respected and distrusted. 

“Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have.” 

 

 Othello expresses his insecurity about being different — a reflection of how racial prejudice still affects identity today.

 Issues of racism, exclusion, and identity are still present today, making Othello’s struggles painfully modern.

•  The Silenced Voice of Women

Desdemona’s loyalty and innocence are tragically silenced in a world that mistrusts women. Her final words,

"Nobody ; I myself " 

reveal how women’s voices are often suppressed even when they are victims. This connects strongly to ongoing struggles for gender equality and justice in today’s societies.

• Conclusion 

Othello remains relevant today because he never truly understands himself and allows Iago to control his thoughts. Instead of trusting Desdemona, who is honest and deeply loves him, Othello blindly believes Iago’s lies without even seeking the truth. The handkerchief becomes the false “proof” that seals his tragedy. In the same way, even today, many innocent people are manipulated by “Iagos” who know how to create fake stories and trap others. This makes Othello not just a tragedy of the past, but a tragedy for all time. As Shakespeare warns us, “Men should be what they seem.”

• Reference

▪️ Shakespeare image 

https://share.google/images/s8PMt2tP53LtJXsN4

▪️Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Michael Neill, Oxford University Press, 2006.

Essay 

Nora Helmer : A Symbol of Women's Struggle in Society 

• Introduction 

“A woman who wants to be independent not only fights with society, but also with the thoughts that have continually prevented her from success.” 

This idea perfectly reflects Nora Helmer’s journey in Henrik Ibsen’s 'A Doll’s House' (1879). The play is not just the story of a single woman, but a bold exploration of how women were trapped in a patriarchal world, denied individuality and independence. Nora’s gradual awakening from being treated as her husband’s “doll” to asserting her right to live as a “reasonable human being” makes her a "symbol of women’s struggle in society."

• Nora’s Sacrifice and Lack of Recognition

Nora secretly borrows money to save her husband’s life, but because society forbids women from signing legal contracts without a man’s consent, she must hide her sacrifice. Her pride and frustration come out when she admits:

“It was I who saved Torvald’s life.” 

This moment reflects the social injustice of a system where women’s contributions are hidden and unacknowledged. Nora’s silence is symbolic of countless women whose work and sacrifices remain invisible.

• Nora as a ‘Doll’ in a Patriarchal Society

Throughout the play, Nora is treated as a child or plaything, first by her father and then by her husband, Torvald. She recognizes this painful truth when she declares:

“I have been your doll-wife, just as at home I was Papa’s doll-child.” 

Here, Ibsen exposes the way patriarchal society reduces women to ornaments without agency or individuality. Nora’s realization of this role marks the beginning of her transformation.

• Nora’s Awakening and Struggle for Identity

The most striking moment in the play comes when Nora decides to leave her husband and children in order to discover herself. She asserts:

“I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are or, at all events, that I must try and become one.” 

This declaration captures the essence of women’s struggle not only for legal or social equality but for recognition as human beings with the right to self-determination. Nora’s choice to walk out of the “doll’s house” shocked audiences of the 19th century, but it remains relevant today.

• Relevance to Women’s Struggle in Society

Nora’s story is not confined to her time. Even in the 21st century, many women face societal pressures, gender inequality, and expectations that limit their individuality. As Ibsen himself once remarked:

“A woman cannot be herself in contemporary society; it is an exclusively male society, with laws written by men, and with accusers and judges who judge feminine conduct from the male point of view.”

This statement reinforces that Nora is more than a character, she is a symbol of women’s universal struggle against patriarchy and social constraints.

• Conclusion

Nora Helmer’s journey in 'A Doll’s House' reflects the timeless struggle of women seeking dignity, freedom, and equality. From her hidden sacrifice to her bold decision to leave, Nora becomes a literary symbol of resistance against patriarchal oppression. Her story reminds us that the fight for women’s independence continues even today. As I believe, “There are many Noras even in the 21st century, who still do not live as themselves but as dolls for others, and who feel empty within until death.”

• References

▪️Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. 

Translated by Michael Meyer, Methuen Drama, 1965.

▪️Ibsen, Henrik. Quoted in speeches and letters, 1898, from Speeches and New Letters.