Sept. 24

Objective:Students will use various search engines to conduct historical background on the Moors. In doing so, students will better understand the cultural as well as the social context of Shakespeare’s Othello.

Aim: What is the cultural as well as the social context of Shakespeare’s othello?
Please post on your Blog Page.
Do Now: In yesterday’s lesson, we created a scene. If you had to select an actor to play one of the characters (protagonist/antagonist) who would you choose and why?

Who were the Moors?
- Moors are Muslim who are of Berber and Arabs descent
http://www.answers.com/Moors
Who were the Venetians?
-They were wealthy and powerful people, during the late 1500's and early 1600's
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
What was the military duty of ranked officers?
-The general and the lieutenant.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
What was the military hierarchy?
- The aristocratic class is the wealthiest and most powerful individuals. The cavalry members were quite wealthy. They supplied chariots, horses and were commanders of small units.
The hoplite soldiers were third class members. The lowest class was the generals and commanders.
http://www-adm.pdx.edu/user/sinq/greekciv2/sport/army/seanh3.htm
What was the role of women?
-Women were mostly silent. They don't speak much about their opinions, especially in public. Noble women had easier lives. While poor women had to work hard to keep their husbands and families happy.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
What was expected of a daughter?
-Daughters were seen as property that was controlled by their fathers. They were expected to obey father's wishes and to marry at 13. They were expected to protect their virginity until marriage.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
What was expected of a bride?
-The woman are expected to give birth to 2 boys and be loyal to her husband.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
What relationships between men and women were considered beyond reproach?
-
What rules for getting married existed at the time of the play?
-The brides's family must agree on how much money is being offered. They must be from equal social class. There must be publicly declare the wedding and there must be a witnesses. The couple must consummate the marriage.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
Who was the most famous Moor?
-Othello
http://www.answers.com/
What were the rules of courtship?
-Courtships were held by two major forms. One was parents and friend were the matchmakers.
Two was handled for the part by the parties involved. An example will be that a man attracted to a woman would ask her family for permission.
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Collab/Othello/othrsrchrslt.htm
When conducting your research please use .org or .edu websites. Don’t forget to cite your sources.


Homework:
Post the following on your Blogs:

What rules dictate the behavior of men and women in relationships today?
-The rules in relationships will be to be loyal to each other, respect each and to care for each other.
Name a situation in which the rules have been clearly violated?
-When the people in the relationship feels when the relationship is going the other way.
That is, what are things “nice girls” or “nice boys” just don’t do?
-They don't break the rules.
Why do these rules exist?
-Rules exist to control the people so they would be out of control.
Do you think they apply locally or even just at your school?
-I think they apply locally and even in school.
What are the possible consequences of breaking these rules?
Do you know if these rules are applicable to other cultures or are they totally different?
-I think it can apply to other cultures.

Think of scenes from ANY show/movie that adheres to these rules as well as shows/movies that violates these rules.
-Like in Lipstick Jungle when a girl goes to a club with a fake ID. She was suppost to be at a friends house.