English Department of National University

09/08/2026

Doctor Faustus

This article is about the play by Christopher Marlowe.

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, commonly referred to simply as Doctor Faustus, is an Elizabethan tragedy by Christopher Marlowe, based on German stories about the title character Faust. It was probably written in 1592 or 1593, shortly before Marlowe's death. Two different versions of the play were published in the Jacobean era several years later.

03/07/2026

💡*Othello* by Shakespeare .💡
*Main Characters*
1. *Othello* – The Moor of Venice. A noble, respected general in the Venetian army. Brave and honest, but insecure about his race, age, and marriage. His tragic flaw = jealousy, which Iago exploits.
2. *Desdemona* – Othello’s wife, Brabantio’s daughter. Loyal, innocent, and loving. She defies her father to marry Othello. Her blind faith in others makes her Iago’s easiest victim.
3. *Iago* – Othello’s ensign/flag-bearer. The villain. Smart, manipulative, and full of resentment. He pretends to be “honest Iago” but plots to ruin Othello out of jealousy/ambition. No clear motive = pure evil.
4. *Michael Cassio* – Othello’s lieutenant. Young, handsome, honorable, and well-educated. Iago makes him look drunk and dishonorable to get him fired, then frames him with Desdemona.

*Supporting Characters*

5. *Emilia* – Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s lady-in-waiting. Starts loyal to Iago, steals Desdemona’s handkerchief for him, but later exposes him. Her arc: from obedient wife to truth-teller.
6. *Roderigo* – A wealthy, foolish Venetian. Obsessed with Desdemona. Iago uses him for money and as a hitman. He’s gullible and ends up dead.
7. *Brabantio* – Desdemona’s father, a Venetian senator. Hates Othello’s marriage at first, later dies of grief. Represents the old Venetian prejudice.
8. *Bianca* – Cassio’s mistress in Cyprus. A courtesan. Iago uses the handkerchief found with her to frame Cassio.

*Quick relationships map*
Othello + Desdemona = married
Iago + Emilia = married, but loveless
Iago manipulates → Roderigo, Cassio, Othello
Othello trusts → Iago, doubts → Desdemona

Iago is the only character with no moral compass, while everyone else’s virtues become weaknesses. Othello’s honor → jealousy. Desdemona’s loyalty → blindness.

*Themes in _Othello*_ – Shakespeare packs a lot into this tragedy.

*1. Jealousy / “The Green-Eyed Monster”*
The central theme. Iago calls it “the green-eyed monster”.
- *Othello’s jealousy*: He goes from trusting husband to murderer in just a few scenes. Iago just plants the seed; Othello’s insecurity does the rest.
- *Roderigo’s jealousy*: Of Cassio, because Desdemona prefers him.
- *Iago’s jealousy*: Of Cassio’s promotion + rumors about Othello & Emilia.
*Point*: Jealousy makes good people destroy themselves and others.

*2. Race & Otherness*
Othello is “the Moor” in white Venetian society.
- Brabantio, Iago, and Venetian society constantly call him “black”, “barbarian”, “thick-lips”.
- He internalizes it: “I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation”.
- His insecurity about being an outsider makes him believe Desdemona could prefer Cassio.
*Point*: Racism isolates Othello and makes him vulnerable.

*3. Appearance vs. Reality*
“Honest Iago” is the most dishonest character.
- *Iago*: Appears loyal, is actually evil.
- *Desdemona*: Appears unfaithful, is actually innocent.
- *Cassio*: Appears dishonorable after the brawl, but he’s honorable.
- The handkerchief: Appears to be proof of cheating, but it’s just stolen.
*Point*: People in the play constantly misread what they see.

*4. Manipulation & Deception*
Iago is a master manipulator. He uses:
- *Language*: Twists words, insinuates instead of stating.
- *Timing*: Chooses moments when Othello is tired/stressed.
- *Evidence*: The handkerchief = fabricated proof.
*Point*: A skilled liar can destroy someone by controlling what they believe.

*5. Love & Loyalty*
Multiple types shown:
- *Othello & Desdemona*: Romantic love that crosses race/social lines. Ends in tragedy.
- *Emilia & Desdemona*: Female loyalty. Emilia finally chooses truth over her husband.
- *Iago & Othello*: False loyalty. Iago pretends to serve Othello.
*Point*: True loyalty survives, false loyalty kills.

*6. Gender & Power*
- Women are expected to be obedient: Desdemona defies Brabantio, Emilia defies Iago.
- Men’s honor is tied to female chastity: Othello kills Desdemona to “restore honor”.
- Emilia’s final speech is a proto-feminist moment: “Let husbands know their wives have sense like them”.

*Othello Summary* - Shakespeare’s tragedy in 3 acts worth of detail 👇

*Act 1: Venice – The Setup*
Othello, a Moorish general in Venice’s army, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of senator Brabantio. Brabantio is furious and accuses Othello of witchcraft.

Meanwhile, Othello’s ensign *Iago* is angry. Othello promoted Cassio to lieutenant instead of him. So Iago plots revenge. He teams up with Roderigo, who loves Desdemona, and convinces him Othello will be ruined.

The Turks attack Cyprus, so the Venetian state sends Othello + Desdemona + Cassio there.

*Act 2-3: Cyprus – The Trap*
Iago starts his plan. He gets Cassio drunk, starts a fight, and Cassio loses his job. Desdemona pities Cassio and promises to help him get his job back.

This is perfect for Iago. He tells Othello: “See, Desdemona is defending Cassio too much. They’re having an affair.” He also tricks Emilia, his wife, into stealing Desdemona’s handkerchief – a first gift from Othello. Iago plants it in Cassio’s room.

Othello, already insecure as an outsider + older husband, starts to believe Iago.

*Act 4-5: The Tragedy*
Consumed by jealousy, Othello calls Desdemona a “whore” and decides she must die. He ignores her innocence.

Iago tells Roderigo to kill Cassio. Roderigo fails and is killed by Iago to silence him. Cassio is only wounded.

In the final scene, Othello smothers Desdemona in her bed. Emilia finds out and exposes Iago – he stole the handkerchief. Othello realizes he was tricked. Too late.

He kills himself with his sword. Iago is arrested. Cassio becomes the new governor of Cyprus.

*The End Message*
A great man destroyed by a lie. Jealousy + manipulation + racism = tragedy.

*Key line to remember*: _“O beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”_ – Iago

*Othello - Brief Viva Q&A*

*1. Who is the hero of Othello?*
Othello, the Moorish general of Venice. He is a tragic hero.

*2. Who is the villain?*
Iago, Othello’s ensign. He is called "honest Iago" ironically.

*3. What is Othello’s tragic flaw?*
Jealousy. He believes Iago and kills Desdemona.

*4. What is the significance of the handkerchief?*
It was Othello’s first gift to Desdemona. Iago uses it as false proof of her affair.

*5. Why does Iago hate Othello?*
He was passed over for promotion. Cassio became lieutenant instead of him. + Rumor that Othello slept with Emilia.

*6. How does Othello die?*
He stabs himself with a sword after realizing Desdemona was innocent.

*7. What is the theme of ‘green-eyed monster’?*
Jealousy. Iago says jealousy eats the person who has it.

*8. Where does the main action take place?*
Venice in Act 1, and Cyprus from Act 2 to Act 5.

*9. What is Desdemona’s character?*
Loyal, innocent, and obedient. She dies for no fault.

*10. What does ‘Moor’ mean?*
A Muslim from North Africa. Othello is an outsider in Venetian society.

*Pro viva tip*: If they ask “Why is Iago evil?” say: “He has no clear motive. Shakespeare shows motiveless malignity.” That line gets marks.

5 more *brief viva Q&A on Themes & Quotes* from Othello:

*Themes & Quotes - Viva Q&A*

*1. What does Iago mean by “I am not what I am”?*
He means he hides his true evil nature. He pretends to be loyal but he’s a liar. Theme: Appearance vs Reality.

*2. Give one quote on jealousy.*
_“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster”_ – Iago to Othello.
Theme: Destructive power of jealousy.

*3. How does Shakespeare show racism in the play?*
Through words like “Moor”, “barbarian”, “black ram”. Brabantio says _“an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”_.
Theme: Othello as an outsider.

*4. What is the role of Emilia in the tragedy?*
She steals the handkerchief for Iago, but later exposes him. Her final speech defends women.
Theme: Truth and female loyalty.

*5. What is the meaning of “Farewell the tranquil mind”?*
Othello says this after he decides Desdemona is unfaithful. He means he has lost peace and honor.
Theme: Jealousy destroys a noble man.

*Viva hack*: If you forget the full quote, just say the first 3-4 words + speaker. Teachers accept it.

5 more *brief viva Q&A on Characters* from _Othello_:

*Characters - Viva Q&A*

*1. How is Othello different from a typical Shakespearean hero?*
He’s a black outsider and a soldier, not a king/prince. His flaw is insecurity + jealousy, not ambition.

*2. Why is Cassio an important character?*
He’s the reason for Iago’s plan. His promotion + friendship with Desdemona makes Othello jealous. He’s honorable but naive.

*3. What do we learn about Roderigo?*
He’s rich, foolish, and obsessed with Desdemona. Iago uses him for money and finally kills him. He shows blind love.

*4. What is special about Emilia’s character development?*
She starts as Iago’s obedient wife but ends by telling the truth about the handkerchief, even against her husband.

*5. How is Brabantio presented?*
As a protective father and racist senator. He opposes Othello-Desdemona’s marriage and dies of grief after losing her.

*Viva tip*: If asked “Who do you sympathize with most?” say Desdemona — she’s innocent and pays for others’ sins.

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

Exam kmn hyece sobar?

25/04/2026

You never can tell by GB Shaw.
*English: Justifying the Title _You Never Can Tell*_

G.B. Shaw’s 1897 comedy _You Never Can Tell_ gets its title from the waiter William’s favorite saying. But Shaw uses it as the whole play’s theme: *life and people are unpredictable*.

*Why the title fits:*

1. *Unpredictable characters*
Everyone acts against type. Gloria is a “New Woman” — rational, modern, raised to reject romance. Yet she’s the one who proposes to penniless Valentine with a kiss. Valentine is a romantic dentist who claims “I don't know anything about women” despite 12 years’ experience. Mrs. Clandon, the fierce feminist, ends up waltzing after swearing she hadn’t danced in 20 years. _You never can tell_ what people will do when emotion hits.

2. *Unpredictable plot*
The Clandon twins Phil and Dolly expect a stern Victorian father. They get Mr. Crampton, a bad-tempered man who turns out to be ridiculous, not terrifying. The family that ran from him ends up reconciling. Valentine expects Gloria to reject him because he’s poor. Instead she tells him to earn money. Every assumption is flipped.

3. *Shaw’s philosophy*
Shaw mocks Victorian certainties. The “advanced” mother thinks she’s controlled her children’s upbringing, yet they’re full of surprises. The “scientific” Gloria learns logic can’t control love. The waiter William, source of the title, says “You never can tell, sir” as his answer to everything — and he’s right. The play argues that human nature, love, and family don’t follow rules.

*In short*: Shaw shows that logic, class, gender roles, and plans all collapse before human quirks. So, _you never can tell_.

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*বাংলা: _You Never Can Tell_ নাটকের নামের যৌক্তিকতা*

G.B. Shaw-এর _You Never Can Tell_ নামটা এসেছে ওয়েটার William-এর মুখের বুলি থেকে। কিন্তু এই কথাটাই পুরো নাটকের মূল ভাব: *মানুষ আর জীবন কখন কী করবে, আগে থেকে বলা যায় না*।

*নামটি কেন সার্থক:*

1. *চরিত্রের অপ্রত্যাশিত আচরণ*
সবাই নিজের চরিত্রের উল্টো কাজ করে। Gloria “নব্য নারী” — যুক্তিবাদী, প্রেমকে তুচ্ছ ভাবে। অথচ সেই-ই গরিব Valentine-কে চুমু খেয়ে বিয়ের প্রস্তাব দেয়। Valentine রোমান্টিক ডেন্টিস্ট, কিন্তু বলে “মেয়েদের ব্যাপারে আমি কিছুই জানি না”। নারীবাদী Mrs. Clandon ২০ বছর নাচেননি বলে দাবি করেও শেষে ওয়াল্টজ নাচেন। আবেগের সামনে পড়লে মানুষ কী করবে, _you never can tell_ — কখনোই বলা যায় না।

2. *গল্পের অপ্রত্যাশিত মোড়*
Clandon যমজ Phil আর Dolly ভেবেছিল তাদের বাবা হবে কড়া ভিক্টোরিয়ান পুরুষ। পেল Mr. Crampton-কে, যে রাগী হলেও হাস্যকর। যে পরিবার বাবার কাছ থেকে পালিয়েছিল, তারাই শেষে মিলে যায়। Valentine ভেবেছিল গরিব বলে Gloria তাকে ফিরিয়ে দেবে। উল্টো Gloria বলে “রোজগার করো”। সব ধারণা উল্টে যায়।

3. *Shaw-এর দর্শন*
Shaw ভিক্টোরিয়ান যুগের নিশ্চয়তাকে ব্যঙ্গ করেছেন। “আধুনিক” মা ভেবেছেন ছেলেমেয়েদের তিনিই গড়েছেন, কিন্তু তারাই চমকে দেয়। “বৈজ্ঞানিক” Gloria বোঝে যুক্তি দিয়ে প্রেম আটকানো যায় না। ওয়েটার William সব কথায় বলে “You never can tell, sir” — আর সেটাই সত্যি। নাটকটা বলে: মানুষ, ভালোবাসা, পরিবার — কোনোটাই নিয়ম মানে না।

*সংক্ষেপে*: যুক্তি, শ্রেণি, নারী-পুরুষের ভূমিকা, পরিকল্পনা — সবই মানুষের খেয়ালের কাছে হার মানে। তাই নাটকের নাম _You Never Can Tell_ — তুমি কখনোই বলতে পারবে না কী হবে।