Act 1, Scene 2 Flashcards
Overall what happens in this scene?
Iago warns Othello his secret marriage to Desdemona has been discovered.
Othello is summoned to see the Duke to discuss situation in Cyprus.
Brabantio enters and accuses Othello - decided to bring case before the Duke.
What do the audience get to see in this scene?
Iago can adapt to suit any situation.
He reverses his alliances - he calls Othello ‘sir’ and threatens to attack Roderigo ‘come, sir, I am for you’
How is Iago’s hypocrisy shown in this scene?
He criticises Brabantio for the ‘provoking terms’ and says to Othello he should have ‘yerked’ Brabantio for it.
Encourages Dramatic Irony because Iago was the one who encouraged Brabantio.
How is Othello described by others? back up with quotations.
Proud+selfish - ‘loving his own pride and purposes’.
Sexual - ‘lascivious’
Savage, uncivilised ‘thing’.
‘old black ram’ ‘devil.
Immoral - ‘foul thief’ using ‘foul charms’.
But how does Othello act in this scene?
Proud of his service he has done for Venice.
Defends himself against Brabantio’s attacks on his reputation and he believes he has a ‘perfect soul’.
In love with Desdemona - ‘i love the gentle Desdemona’ no mention of lust.
Controlled - he avoids violence and his behaviour contradicts the racist slurs.
How does Brabantio represent an Elizabethan audience’s view on the marriage of a black man and white women?
He uses racist language - ‘sooty bosom’ and dehumanises him by calling Othello a ‘thing’.
Uses language of witchcraft - ‘chains of magic’, he can’t imagine she would marry Othello by own choice.
He thinks she should ‘fear’ Othello instead of ‘delight’.
Who’s in this scene ?
Othello
Iago
Cassio
Brabantio
How is Othello, in this scene?
Calm
Confident
Dignified
Pride
Says: ‘I fetch my life and being//From men of royal siege’
The calm, confident Othello (quotes):
“My services, which I have done the Signiory shall out tongue his complaints”
“My parts, my title and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly”
Othello’s love for Desdemona:
“I love thee gentle Desdemona “
Othello’s anti-violence:
“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust”
Brabantio’s thoughts on Othello as a “thief”:
“Foul thief”
He thinks that something unnatural has occurred for a “maid so tender, fair and happy” to marry the “sooty bosom”
Quote on the supernatural:
Brabantio believes Othello has “Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals”
