Act 1, Scene 1 - Key Themes Flashcards
What themes do Othello first introduce? What does the audience familiarise itself with?
Conflict
Venetian society
How does the play open?
In medias res
How would In Medias Res help the audience? What does it set up?
It would get them settled
Conflict
Who is reputation in military reflected on? What 2 ways does Iago describe them?
Cassio
“Never set a squadron in the field”/”Mere prattle without practice”
How do Iago and Roderigo speak about Othello’s high status? What 2 things do they mock?
Racial slurs
Appearance and sexual activity
How is gender inqeuality exposed? What does this emphasise?
Desdemona is described as being “robb’d by thieves”
Women were seen as men’s property
What ability of Iago’s is presented? How is this shown?
Psychological manipulation
He influences Roderigo to anger Brabantio
How does Iago talk about Othello? What are 2 examples?
Racial slurs
“Barbary horse/devil”
What is Iago’s nature a warning of?
He is untrustworthy
