ENG PAPER 2

NOTES

Othello Summary

Act 1:
The play opens in Venice, where Iago, Othello's ensign, and Roderigo, a disillusioned suitor of
Desdemona, discuss their resentment towards Othello for promoting Cassio as his lieutenant over
Iago. Iago reveals his plan to manipulate Othello by sowing seeds of jealousy regarding
Desdemona's fidelity.
Meanwhile, Othello has secretly married Desdemona, a Venetian noblewoman, much to the dismay
of her father, Brabantio. When Brabantio learns of their marriage, he accuses Othello of using
witchcraft to seduce his daughter.
The Duke of Venice intervenes, and Desdemona defends her love for Othello. Othello recounts the
story of how he won Desdemona's love by telling her tales of his adventurous life.
Othello is summoned to Cyprus to defend the island against the Turks. Desdemona insists on
accompanying him, and they depart together.

Act 2:
In Cyprus, a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet, saving the island from invasion. Othello and
Desdemona's ship arrives safely, followed by Cassio's ship.
Iago continues his plot to manipulate Othello by planting seeds of doubt regarding Cassio's intentions
towards Desdemona. He encourages Cassio to drink excessively, hoping to provoke a confrontation.
Meanwhile, Iago persuades Roderigo to provoke Cassio into a fight. Roderigo is injured in the scuffle,
and Cassio is demoted by Othello for his role in the disturbance.
Iago convinces Cassio to seek Desdemona's intercession in restoring his position, knowing that this
will further incite Othello's jealousy.

Act 3:
Iago begins to execute the next phase of his plan, manipulating Othello into believing that
Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. He plants a handkerchief, a gift from Othello to
Desdemona, in Cassio's lodgings to incriminate her.
Othello becomes increasingly tormented by jealousy, haunted by Iago's insinuations. Desdemona
innocently tries to reconcile Cassio and Othello, unaware of the turmoil brewing within her husband.
Iago further fuels Othello's suspicions by distorting innocent conversations and manipulating Othello's
perceptions. Othello becomes convinced of Desdemona's infidelity and vows revenge.
The act ends with Othello swearing allegiance to Iago's plan for revenge, setting the stage for the
tragic events that will unfold in the subsequent acts.
These three acts set the stage for the unfolding tragedy, establishing the central conflicts and
characters' motivations while foreshadowing the devastating consequences of jealousy and
manipulation.

Act 4:
Scene 1
Iago continues to manipulate Othello, planting doubts about Desdemona's fidelity. He suggests that
she has been unfaithful with Cassio. Iago further fuels Othello's jealousy by talking about an alleged
affair between Cassio and Desdemona, and even goes as far as to arrange for Othello to overhear a
conversation between himself and Cassio about Bianca, a courtesan, making it seem as though they
are discussing Desdemona. Othello becomes increasingly enraged and falls into a trance. When he
recovers, he vows to kill Desdemona and Cassio. Lodovico, a Venetian nobleman, arrives with orders
for Othello to return to Venice and leave Cassio in command in Cyprus. Othello strikes Desdemona in
Lodovico's presence, shocking him.

Scene 2
Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona’s behavior, but Emilia insists that Desdemona is faithful.
Othello confronts Desdemona and accuses her of infidelity, but she denies the accusations and
pleads her innocence. Othello orders her to go to bed and dismisses Emilia. Desdemona is distraught
and confused by Othello’s behavior.

Scene 3
Desdemona prepares for bed and sings the "Willow Song," a melancholy tune about lost love. She
speaks with Emilia about infidelity, and Emilia argues that women have the same desires as men and
may stray if their husbands mistreat them. Desdemona, however, remains loyal to Othello and
expresses her love for him despite his harsh treatment.

Act 5:
Scene 1
Iago convinces Roderigo to ambush Cassio, hoping to kill him. Roderigo attacks Cassio but fails to kill
him, Cassio wounds Roderigo. Iago, in the confusion, wounds Cassio in the leg and then pretends to
come to his aid. Othello, hearing the commotion, believes Iago has killed Cassio as planned and goes
to complete his own plan to kill Desdemona. Iago kills Roderigo to prevent him from revealing the
plot.

Scene 2
Othello enters Desdemona's bedroom and, after a tense and emotional confrontation, smothers her
to death despite her pleas of innocence. Emilia enters and discovers Desdemona dying. Desdemona
manages to speak, declaring her innocence and that she has killed herself. Othello confesses to
Emilia that he killed Desdemona because of her supposed infidelity. Emilia realizes the full extent of
Iago’s treachery and reveals his plot to Othello and the assembled nobles, including Lodovico and
Gratiano. Iago kills Emilia and flees but is captured and brought back. Othello, devastated by the
realization of his error and consumed by guilt, kills himself. Cassio is appointed governor of Cyprus,
and Iago is taken away to be tortured and executed.

The tragic ending underscore’s themes of jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of false
accusations.

Quotes:
Act 1:
1. "I know my price, I am worth no worse a place." - Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)
 Explanation: This quote reveals Iago's resentment towards Othello for promoting Cassio
over him, setting the stage for his manipulative intentions.
2. "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe." - Iago (Act 1, Scene
1)
 Explanation: Iago uses racist and crude imagery to plant seeds of doubt about
Desdemona's fidelity in Brabantio's mind.
Act 2:
1. "I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin / And let him find it." - Iago (Act 2, Scene 3)
 Explanation: Iago plans to use Desdemona's handkerchief as evidence of her infidelity,
furthering his scheme to manipulate Othello.
2. "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it
feeds on." - Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)
 Explanation: Iago warns Othello about the dangers of jealousy, ironically foreshadowing
the jealousy he will incite in Othello himself.
Act 3:
1. "Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio." - Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)
  Explanation: Iago subtly encourages Othello to watch Desdemona's interactions with
Cassio, planting seeds of suspicion in his mind.
2. "I am your own for ever." - Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)
 Explanation: Iago pretends loyalty to Othello while plotting his downfall, showcasing his
deceitful nature and manipulative tactics.
Act 4
Scene 1
 Iago: "Work on, My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught, And many worthy and
chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach."
Significance: This quote reveals Iago's manipulation and deceit. He acknowledges how easily
Othello has been tricked and comments on the tragic fate of innocent women who suffer unjustly due
to men's suspicions.

 Othello: "Pish! Noses, ears, and lips. Is't possible?—Confess—handkerchief!—O devil!"

Significance: Othello's fragmented speech highlights his descent into madness and the
overwhelming impact of jealousy. The handkerchief symbolizes the false evidence that drives his
rage.

 Lodovico: "Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the
nature Whom passion could not shake?"
Significance: Lodovico's shock at Othello's behavior underscores the dramatic change in Othello's
character, illustrating the destructive power of jealousy and Iago's influence.

Scene 2
 Othello: "O thou black weed, why art so lovely fair? Thou smell'st so sweet that the sense
aches at thee, Would thou hadst ne'er been born!"
Significance: Othello's conflicting feelings of love and hatred toward Desdemona are evident. This
quote shows his inner turmoil and the tragic consequences of his misplaced trust in Iago.

 Desdemona: "His unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love."
Significance: Desdemona's unwavering love and loyalty to Othello, even in the face of his cruelty,
highlight her virtuous character and the tragedy of her unjust fate.

 Emilia: "But I do think it is their husbands' faults If wives do fall."

Significance: Emilia's words challenge the double standards of gender roles and marital fidelity. She
suggests that men's behavior can drive their wives to infidelity, reflecting her proto-feminist views.

Act 5
Scene 1
 Iago: "This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite."
Significance: Iago acknowledges the high stakes of his scheming. This quote foreshadows the
impending resolution of his plot and his ultimate downfall.

Scene 2
 Othello: "Put out the light, and then put out the light."
Significance: This metaphorical statement reflects Othello's intention to kill Desdemona. The
repetition emphasizes the finality and irreversible nature of his actions.

 Desdemona: "A guiltless death I die."

Significance: Desdemona's final words assert her innocence, highlighting the tragic injustice of her
death and the extent of Othello's misguided jealousy.

 Othello: "Then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely, but too well; Of one not easily
jealous, but being wrought, Perplexed in the extreme."

Significance: Othello's final speech reflects his realization of his tragic flaws. He acknowledges his
excessive love and misguided jealousy, encapsulating the essence of his character and the play's
themes.

 Emilia: "I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak."

Significance: Emilia's courageous decision to speak the truth about Iago's villainy, even at the cost
of her life, underscores her integrity and the importance of exposing deceit.

 Lodovico: "O Spartan dog, More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea, Look on the tragic
loading of this bed. This is thy work."
Significance: Lodovico condemns Iago, holding him accountable for the tragic events. This quote
emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of Iago's manipulation.
The Theory of Flight Summary:

Plot Overview

The Theory of Flight is a richly layered story set in a fictional African country, mirroring Zimbabwe. It
covers several generations and presents a tapestry of characters whose lives are interwoven through
love, loss, political upheaval, and the enduring human spirit.

Part 1: Baines Tikiti and Prudence

The story begins with Baines Tikiti, an eccentric man obsessed with the idea of flight. Baines marries
Prudence, a woman from a conservative background. Their marriage is troubled from the start, as
Baines is more interested in his aviation dreams than in his family. After the birth of their son,
Livingstone, who is born with albinism, Baines abandons the family, leaving Prudence to raise
Livingstone alone.

Part 2: Livingstone/Golide Gumele

Livingstone, who later takes the name Golide Gumele, grows up to become a freedom fighter during
the civil war that plagues the country. He becomes involved with Elizabeth Nyoni, a strong-willed
woman who shares his dreams of freedom. Together, they dream of building an airplane, a symbol of
escape and hope for a better future.

Elizabeth and Golide have a daughter, Genie, who is born from a mysterious golden egg. This
miraculous birth sets the tone for the magical realism that permeates the novel. Genie is seen as a
child of destiny, embodying the hopes of her parents and the community.

Part 3: Genie's Childhood

Genie grows up on her family's sunflower farm, a place of beauty and refuge in a country ravaged by
war and political unrest. She forms a close bond with Marcus, a boy who is left behind by his parents
when they go to study in the United States. The two children spend their days playing in the fields,
their innocence standing in stark contrast to the violence and turmoil surrounding them.

As they grow older, their bond deepens, but their lives are disrupted when Marcus's parents return to
take him back to the U.S. This separation marks the end of Genie's childhood and the beginning of
her journey into the complexities of adulthood.

Part 4: Adulthood and Loss

In her adult years, Genie faces the harsh realities of life in a post-war society. The sunflower farm,
once a symbol of hope, becomes a site of destruction as soldiers and political forces devastate the
land and its people. Genie contracts HIV, a consequence of the violence and trauma inflicted on her
community. She becomes increasingly isolated, grappling with her illness and the loss of her
childhood dreams.
Genie eventually leaves the farm and her adopted family, choosing to live on the streets with Vida, a
homeless artist who becomes her companion. Together, they navigate the challenges of life on the
margins of society.

Part 5: The Final Flight

The novel concludes with a mystical and poignant ending. Genie, now gravely ill, falls into a coma
and is cared for by Vida. In a surreal turn of events, Genie mysteriously disappears. It is later
revealed that she has ascended to the skies on silver wings, fulfilling the dream of flight that has been
a recurring motif throughout the novel.

Her departure is marked by the discovery of a "beautiful and precious something" made from her
heart, symbolizing the enduring hope and resilience of the human spirit.

Quotes:
Love:
1. "Promise me you will never speak to me of love... To not have to speak of love is such a
freeing thing." - Genie
2. "It was only when he saw Genie looking at the things he had created with awe and wonder...
that he realized that the things he created could actually have lives of their own—beyond him."
- Narrator (about Vida)
Belonging:
1. "You cannot break me. You see, I know for certain that my parents were capable of flight." -
Genie
2. "The man wanted people to know that they were capable of flight, and at first he had
erroneously thought that they would realize this if he taught them how to build airplanes." -
Narrator (about Golide Gumede)
Family:
1. "Funny that during her final moments her thoughts and concerns should be so domestic." -
Narrator (about Genie)
2. "They had loved her in their own way, the only way they knew how... jealously... possessively...
imperfectly." - Narrator (about Krystle Masuku reflecting on her family's love for Genie)
Relationships:
1. "You understand that in the grander scheme of things you are but a speck... a tiny speck... and
that that is enough." - Genie
2. "After a lifetime of believing she was in flight... had she rather been a hybrid thing—something
rooted but free to fly?" - Narrator (about Genie)
Detailed Explanation:
Love:
1. "Promise me you will never speak to me of love... To not have to speak of love is such a
freeing thing." – Genie

Explanation: Genie, one of the main characters, expresses a reluctance to talk about love. This
quote reflects her complicated relationship with love, likely influenced by past experiences of
disappointment or betrayal. For Genie, avoiding discussions about love represents a form of liberation
from the constraints and expectations often associated with romantic relationships.
2. "It was only when he saw Genie looking at the things he had created with awe and wonder...
that he realized that the things he created could actually have lives of their own—beyond him."
- Narrator (about Vida)

Explanation: This quote highlights Vida's realization about the impact of his creative work on others,
particularly Genie. Vida discovers that his sculptures have a life beyond his own intentions and
existence, suggesting a deeper connection between artistic expression and human relationships. It
emphasizes the transformative power of art and the potential for shared experiences to transcend
individual boundaries.

Belonging:
1. "You cannot break me. You see, I know for certain that my parents were capable of flight." –
Genie

Explanation: Genie asserts her resilience in the face of adversity, drawing strength from the example
set by her parents, Golide Gumele and Elizabeth Nyoni. The concept of "flight" symbolizes freedom
and empowerment, suggesting that Genie derives a sense of belonging and identity from her parents'
courage and determination to pursue their dreams despite challenging circumstances.

2. "The man wanted people to know that they were capable of flight, and at first he had
erroneously thought that they would realize this if he taught them how to build airplanes." -
Narrator (about Golide Gumele)

Explanation: This quote refers to Golide Gumele's visionary pursuit of flight as a symbol of human
potential. Golide's desire to inspire others reflects a longing for belonging and shared purpose within
a community. However, the realization that teaching people to build airplanes is insufficient highlights
the complexities of belonging and the limitations of external validation in fostering a sense of
collective identity.
Family:
1. "Funny that during her final moments her thoughts and concerns should be so domestic." -
Narrator (about Genie)

Explanation: The quote reflects on Genie's contemplation of mundane matters amid significant
events, suggesting a juxtaposition between the personal and the profound. Despite facing life-altering
circumstances, Genie's focus on domestic concerns underscores the importance of family and
intimate relationships in shaping her identity and sense of belonging.

2. "They had loved her in their own way, the only way they knew how... jealously... possessively...
imperfectly." - Narrator (about Krystle Masuku reflecting on her family's love for Genie)

Explanation: Krystle's reflection on her family's love for Genie acknowledges the complexities of
familial relationships. The quote conveys a sense of ambivalence and regret, recognizing the
limitations of love expressed through jealousy and possessiveness. It highlights the imperfect nature
of family dynamics and the challenges of navigating conflicting emotions within intimate relationships.

Relationships:
1. "You understand that in the grander scheme of things you are but a speck... a tiny speck... and
that that is enough." – Genie

Explanation: Genie reflects on the insignificance of individual existence within the broader context of
the universe. Despite feeling small and insignificant, she finds solace in accepting her place in the
world. The quote underscores the importance of perspective and self-awareness in navigating
relationships and finding meaning in life's uncertainties.

2. "After a lifetime of believing she was in flight... had she rather been a hybrid thing—something
rooted but free to fly?" - Narrator (about Genie)

Explanation: The quote explores Genie's evolving understanding of her identity and aspirations.
Genie's metaphorical journey from believing she was "in flight" to considering herself a "hybrid thing"
reflects her internal conflict between autonomy and belonging. It raises questions about the balance
between individual freedom and interpersonal connections in shaping one's sense of self and
purpose.
More Quotes:

1. Theme of Flight and Freedom

Quote: “People said that Baines had gone mad. That he had fallen in love with the idea of flight and
this had somehow scrambled his brains. They said that flying was for birds and angels and that it was
sacrilegious for man to try to take to the skies.”

 Explanation: This quote highlights Baines Tikiti's obsession with flight, which symbolizes the
human desire for freedom and transcendence. The idea of flying, usually reserved for birds
and angels, represents the unattainable or the divine, setting the tone for the novel's
exploration of freedom in various forms.

2. Theme of War and Political Unrest

Quote: “In those days, it was hard to tell whether you were running from the enemy or from your own
people. You simply ran because it was better than standing still and becoming a part of the earth.”

 Explanation: This quote encapsulates the chaos and fear during the civil war. The
indistinguishability between enemies and one’s own people underscores the confusion and
moral ambiguity that war brings. It also reflects the characters' constant struggle for survival in
a violent and unstable environment.

3. Theme of Identity and Belonging

Quote: “She had lived most of her life trying to find a place where she belonged, only to discover that
perhaps no such place existed, at least not for someone like her.”

 Explanation: This quote reflects Genie's internal conflict regarding her identity and sense of
belonging. It speaks to the broader theme of alienation experienced by individuals in a society
that is fractured by war, politics, and social divisions. Genie’s struggle mirrors the challenges of
finding one's place in a world that is constantly changing.

4. Theme of Resilience and Hope

Quote: “Even in the darkest times, she found a way to turn her tears into something that would shine
brightly for others to see.”

 Explanation: This quote symbolizes the resilience and hope that characters like Genie
embody. Despite the numerous hardships she faces, she transforms her pain into something
meaningful and enduring. It is a powerful statement about the human capacity to find light even
in the darkest circumstances.

5. Relationship between Genie and Marcus

Quote: “Marcus was the only one who saw Genie for who she really was, not just the girl who came
from a golden egg or the daughter of freedom fighters, but as someone who was, like him, trying to
make sense of a world that often made no sense at all.”

 Explanation: This quote highlights the deep and unique bond between Genie and Marcus.
Their relationship is based on mutual understanding and a shared sense of searching for
 meaning in a chaotic world. It underscores the theme of connection amid disconnection, as
both characters find solace in each other’s company.

6. Theme of Magical Realism

Quote: “In the end, it did not matter whether she was born from a golden egg or from the love
between a man and a woman. What mattered was that she had lived a life that was, in its own way,
as extraordinary as any fairy tale.”

 Explanation: This quote embodies the novel’s use of magical realism, blending the fantastical
with the real to explore deeper truths. Genie’s miraculous birth and her life’s trajectory blur the
lines between reality and fantasy, suggesting that the value of a life lies not in its origin but in
how it is lived.

7. Relationship between Golide and Elizabeth

Quote: “Together, they dreamed of a future where their daughter could fly free, untethered by the
chains that had bound them. It was their love for each other that fueled that dream, even when
everything else seemed impossible.”

 Explanation: This quote illustrates the powerful relationship between Golide and Elizabeth,
rooted in a shared vision of freedom for their daughter, Genie. Their love becomes a source of
strength and motivation, driving them to aspire for a better future despite the overwhelming
challenges they face.

8. Theme of Loss and Grief

Quote: “Sometimes, the things we lose have a way of coming back to us, not in the form we expect,
but in ways that we need.”

 Explanation: This quote touches on the theme of loss and the unexpected ways in which what
is lost can reappear or be remembered. It reflects the novel's exploration of grief and the
process of healing, suggesting that while loss is inevitable, it can also lead to new forms of
understanding or growth.

9. Theme of Community and Connection

Quote: “It was in the shared silence, in the unspoken understanding between them, that they found a
connection stronger than any words could convey.”

 Explanation: This quote emphasizes the importance of community and the bonds that are
formed through shared experiences and mutual understanding. It suggests that true
connection often transcends language and is rooted in a deep, almost instinctual, empathy
between individuals.

10. Theme of Dreams and Reality

Quote: “The world of dreams was where they could be free, where the limitations of reality did not
bind them, and where they could imagine a future that was brighter than the one they lived in.”
  Explanation: This quote captures the theme of dreams as an escape from harsh realities. For
many characters, dreams represent a space where they can envision a better future,
unrestrained by the difficulties of their present lives. It highlights the tension between aspiration
and reality that permeates the novel.

Characters and Connections:

1. Baines Tikiti

 Role: Baines is an eccentric man obsessed with the idea of flight. He is the husband of
Prudence and the father of Livingstone.
 Connections:
o Prudence: Baines’s wife, whom he marries despite their differences.
o Livingstone/Golide: Baines’s son, born with albinism. Baines abandons Prudence and
Livingstone, leaving them to fend for themselves.

2. Prudence

 Role: Prudence is Baines Tikiti’s wife and the mother of Livingstone.

 Connections:
o Baines: Her husband, who leaves her to pursue his obsession with flight.
o Livingstone/Golide: Her son, whom she raises on her own after Baines abandons the
family.

3. Livingstone/Golide Gumele

 Role: Livingstone, later known as Golide Gumele, is the son of Baines and Prudence. He
becomes a freedom fighter during the civil war.
 Connections:
o Baines: His father, who abandons him and his mother.
o Prudence: His mother, who raises him alone.
o Elizabeth Nyoni: Golide’s partner and the mother of their daughter, Genie. Together,
they share the dream of building an airplane.
o Genie: His daughter, born from a golden egg, representing hope for a better future.

4. Elizabeth Nyoni

 Role: Elizabeth is a strong-willed woman and Golide’s partner. She dreams of freedom and a
better future for their daughter.
 Connections:
o Golide: Her partner and the father of their daughter. They share a deep connection and
a shared vision of freedom.
o Genie: Her daughter with Golide, who becomes the central figure of hope in the novel.

5. Genie

 Role: Genie is the daughter of Golide and Elizabeth, born from a golden egg. She symbolizes
hope, innocence, and the future of her family and community.
 Connections:
 o Golide and Elizabeth: Her parents, whose dreams and hopes are centered around her.
o Marcus: A close childhood friend who shares a deep bond with Genie. Their
relationship is one of mutual understanding and emotional connection.
o Vida: A homeless artist whom Genie befriends in adulthood. Vida becomes her
companion as she navigates life on the streets.

6. Marcus

 Role: Marcus is Genie’s close childhood friend. He is left behind by his parents, who go to
study in the U.S., and forms a strong bond with Genie.
 Connections:
o Genie: His best friend and confidante during their childhood. They share a deep
emotional connection that is disrupted when Marcus’s parents return to take him away.
o Marcus’s Parents: They leave Marcus behind to study in the U.S., creating a sense of
abandonment in him.

7. Vida

 Role: Vida is a homeless artist who befriends Genie in adulthood. She provides
companionship to Genie during her final years.
 Connections:
o Genie: Her close friend and companion during a difficult period in Genie’s life. They
support each other as they live on the margins of society.

8. The Community

 Role: The broader community surrounding Genie, Golide, and Elizabeth, including the
sunflower farm and the people affected by the war and political turmoil.
 Connections:
o Golide and Elizabeth: Members of the community who share in the collective
experiences of war, loss, and hope.
o Genie: As a child of this community, Genie represents its future and the hope for a
better tomorrow.

Summary of Connections:

 Baines Tikiti and Prudence are married and have a son, Livingstone (later known as Golide
Gumele).
 Golide Gumele partners with Elizabeth Nyoni, and they have a daughter, Genie.
 Genie forms a close childhood bond with Marcus, a boy abandoned by his parents.
 In adulthood, Genie befriends Vida, a homeless artist who becomes her companion.
 The entire community, including Golide and Elizabeth, is intertwined by the shared
experiences of war, loss, and hope.