Act 1, Scene 2 - Key Ideas Flashcards
What does Cassio introduce the public issue of? How is the conflict described?
Military conflict in Cyprus
“Business of some heat”
When is Othello required in Cyprus? What does this create a sense of?
“Haste-post-haste”
Chaos
What does Othello’s military background suggest?
His private and public roles will be divisive
What does Brabantio imply about Othello? What does Brabantio believe?
“Arts inhibited in and out of warrant”
Othello has used voodoo/black magic to seduce Desdemona
How does Brabantio make assumptions on Othello?
Common prejudices
What does Brabantio suggest about the marriage in wider society? What does he say?
It will have wider consequences
“If such actions may have passage free/Bondslaves and pagans shall our statesman be”
What do Brabantio’s warnings serve as?
How the marriage will have consequences
How does Othello confidently describe Desdemona? What does he speak proudly of?
“Gentle Desdemona”
His “title” of being her husband
What does Othello compare his love with Desdemona to?
The treasures of the “sea’s worth”
What becomes clear about Othello’s love to Desdemona? What are the audience also under?
It is genuine, and won her with his way of words
Othello’s poetic spell
How does Shakespeare create dramatic irony with Iago? What does he claim to be angered by?
Iago’s untruthful portrayal of his conversation with Roderigo
Roderigo’s “provoking and scurvy terms” about Othello’s “honour”
Which God does Iago swear by? What does he represent? What does this imply?
“By Janus”
Double-faced head
Iago’s devious nature
Why might the audience feel pity for Othello?
He is treated like an outsider
What does Othello’s self-confidence and pride suggest? What does Othello believe?
Hamartia
Men can be judged on their actions
What 2 situations are Othello forced to attend to immediately?
Private and public
Turkish invasion and Brabantio
