Worksheet 1: Zounds, Sir, You Re Robbed!

Worksheet 1: Zounds, Sir, You Re Robbed!

Worksheet 1: “Zounds, sir, you’re robbed!”

Name(s):

Part 1

Review Act 1 and Act 2.1 in search of examples of Iago’s use of rhetorical devices. Keep in mind the arguments he is making- he must persuade many different characters to believe many different things.

  • Copy each quote you choose for analysis in the CENTER column
  • Put your analysis of the rhetorical device(s) used in that quote in the RIGHT column
  • Put the act, scene and line numbers for the quotes in the LEFT column
  • For the analyses, you should discuss the way the device is used- what is the speaker’s intended effect on the audience (the audience being the character to which the speaker is speaking)? For example, if the quote shows Iago using repetition, discuss what effect that repetition might have or should have on the listener. Also, consider whether the use of each device conveys a logical, ethical or emotional appeal.
  • You might not identify examples of each device, but you should be able to identify examples of at least six or so.

Act,Sc.,Ll. / Quotes / Analysis
Appeals to Logos (presentation of logical points)
Appeals to Ethos (establishing trust and credibility)
Appeals to Pathos (manipulating emotions)
Figurative Language
Imagery
Repetition
Rhetorical Questions
Connotative Language/Diction
Irony
Intimation
Paralipsis
Ellipses/Cut-offs/Silences

PART 2

  1. Iago's speech to Roderigo (1.1. 41–65) for what he says about himself and how he describes himself. Rewrite this section the way it would sound today. (That is, paraphrase using plain language.)
  1. Examine and write down Iago's reasons for wishing to appear false to Othello (see especially 1.1.7–33; 1.3.331–356; and 2.1.268–294). What are the reasons? Is there any evidence for these reasons? If not, how does Iago use words to convince himself that he is completely justified in destroying Othello? That is, how does Iago use rhetorical devices to convince himself that he is in the right? Which devices does he use here?

PART 3

Review Othello’s speeches in 1.3 (particularly lines 78-96 and 129-171).

  • Describe Othello’s use of language/rhetoric in these sections. Consider to whom he is speaking and what he wants to accomplish. How does he use language to effectively meet his goal? What devices does he use? Be sure to cite and comment on specific lines.
  • What does Othello’s way of speaking and use of language reveal about his character?
Top View