SCENE SUMMARIES AND NOTES Act I, Scene 1 The play opens late at night on a street in Venice. Roderigo, a wealthy Venetian gentleman, is discussing the marriage of Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio. Earlier in the evening, she ... festivities will be a celebration of Othello's marriage to Desdemona. According to his orders, all people are to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves at Othello's expense. Notes This brief scene invites the citizens to celebrate the recent victory over the Turks, largely due to Othello's noble efforts. It is also to be a celebration of ... . As Cassio presents himself ...

• Word Count: 6585
• Approx Pages: 26
• Grade Level: High School

... hypocritical is Claudius. He has established a very cheerful court of admirers and as Phyllis Rackin observes Hamlet's black clothing, no less than his bitter grief, associates him with the cold night of the opening scene in opposition to the spurious brightness and warmth of Claudius's court. Outwardly, he is friendly and praises Hamlet openly, but inside he is scheming of ways ... the sake of damaging their lives. In contrast, Claudius, who is also driven by a need for self-fulfillment, is not out to specifically harm anybody. As literary critic Morris White notes, His government work...

• Word Count: 1814
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School