Act 1 Flashcards
Venice, a street at night
Roderigo: Tush never tell me, I take it most unkindly
The play opens in darkness and in media res with Roderigo and Iago in the middle of a fight – this foreshadows the disorder and malcontent which will define the play as a whole
I follow him to serve my turn against him
Iago immediately makes clear his grudge against Othello as a result of Othello picking Cassio to be his lieutenant over him. This overt grudge stated at the opening of the pay immediately presents Iago as manipulative and deceitful – a stereotypical antagonist
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at. I am not whatq I am
“Iago emphasises his duplicitous nature to Roderigo and the audience. He is an unambiguous tragic villain. Roderigo’s pathetic nature is highlighted through the fact that despite Iago making all these assertions, he fails to see that he too is being manipulated. “
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe
“The repetition of now here mimics the sexual act that Othello is referring too. His language here is base and coarse – crude sexual imagery is often a feature of a tragic villain’s language. This statement also reveals the racist beliefs that are a cause of Othello’s tragic isolation and downfall.”
For know Iago that I love the gentle Desdemona
The romantic and tender language acts as a contrast to Iago and Roderigo’s base and crude depiction of their relationship. The simplicity of the statement also counteracts the lewd accusations of curses
Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them. Good signor you shall more command with years than with weapons
Othello’s peaceful and civilised actions again contrast with the barbaric depiction of him in S1. Stage craft here will be helpful, Othello is unarmed and peaceful in the face of many raised swords.
Thou hast practised on her with foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs
Brabantio’s speech reveals the racist and xenophobic attitudes of the time, a belief that Iago exploits and a cause of Othello’s downfall. Here, however, the audience recognises the lack of judgement from Brabantio and sees Othello as the tragic hero.
Senator: Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor
Duke: Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
The repetition of valiant here serves to emphasise Othello’s elevated positon and value. Respected characters refer to his positive and civilised characteristics, affirming the audiences belief in this side of his character.
Most potent, grave and reverend seigniors, my very noble and approved good masters
Othello’s speech is dignified, cultured, ordered and formal this will later contrast to his furious and impassioned ramblings
Send for the lady and let her speak of me before her father.
Othello allows Desdemona autonomy, revealing his trust in her and presenting her as an active female character whose voice is head and respected.
She’d come again, and with a greedy ear devour up my discourse
Desdemona is presented as forward and an active figure through the sexual imagery here. She is not a typical tragic victim.
Put money in thy purse.
This is repeated 7 times during this section to highlight the mercenary nature of Iago.
And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets he’s done my office.
Iago’s first soliloquy – here he reveals that gossip about Othello and his wife has bred jealousy in him.
The moor is of a free and open nature, (…) and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.
Iago shares his plans with the audience, allowing for dramatic irony later on meaning the audience can see how effective his plans are. Iago revels in his cruelty, enjoying his own malevolence and showboating his villany. Meanwhile Othello is presented as trusting and honest allowing the audience to feel empathy for him and to give him aspects of the tragic victim.
