Act 1 Scene 3 Flashcards
Summarise what happens in this scene.
The court hears of the Turkish threat to Cyprus, and Brabantio accuses Othello. Then, Desdemona is called to assert her love and the Duke agrees to the marriage and orders Othello to lead the fleet to Cyprus. Desdemona will accompany him, while Iago plots to destroy Othello.
What does the council chamber symbolise?
Othello is welcomed into a place of power at the heart of Venetian society. His elevated place in the social hierarchy is confirmed - and political imperatives are judged to be more important in deciding this than personal conflict.
What does the marriage symbolise?
In a world of war, Othello’s marriage appears to be an oasis of calm. It offers a possible escape from conflict, and potential reconciliation between different groups.
Complete the quotation: “most potent…”
“grave, and revered signiors.”
Complete the quotation: “she loved me…”
“for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them.”
Complete the quotation: “I do perceive…”
“here a divided duty.”
Complete the quotation: “She has deceived…”
“her father, and may thee.”
Complete the quotation: “The Moor is of..”
“a free and open nature.”
Complete the quotation: “I have it…”
“it is engendered! Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light”
Define self-possessed.
Confident, assertive.
Define precarious.
Unstable basis for marriage.
Define embittered.
Filled with resentment.
Define malevolent.
Evil, Immoral.
Define complicit.
Helping to do wrong - by confiding in the audience, Iago makes them complicit in his actions.
