Act 5 Flashcards
How does this scene mirror an earlier part of the play?
This scene is reminiscent of the fight between Roderigo and Cassio in Act 2, Scene 3.
The darkness again causes confusion. Iago adopts the role of the confused bystander that Othello took in Act 2, Scene 3.
Quote: How does Iago adopt Othello’s earlier role? Context link?
Like Othello, Iago asks lots of questions: “Who’s there?” - as Elizabethan plays were performed in the afternoon, the questions help to establish the confusion of the night scene.
How does Othello’s presence show his change in nobility?
In Act 2, Scene 3, Othello steps in to stop the fight between Montano and Cassio, but in Act 5, Scene 1 he stands back to watch the chaos. He has lost his previous nobility - he’s actively involved in the plot to kill Cassio.
Quote: Why does Roderigo agree to kill Cassio?
Roderigo is willing to kill Cassio, despite having “no great devotion to the deed”. Iago has given him “satisfying reasons”
Quote: How does Othello describe Desdemona’s bed?
“lust-stained, shall with lust’s blood be spotted”
How does Iago use setting to his advantage?
Iago continues to improvise, using the situations he’s faced with to his advantage. He has a practical attitude to murder - he doesn’t care who kills who between Cassio and Roderigo because both deaths will benefit him. He uses the darkness and confusion as an opportunity to attack both of them.
Quote: How does Iago, in the final line of Act 5, Scene 1, describe the events that will happen?
He tells the audience “this is the night / that either makes me, or fords me quite.”
Quote: Who is the first character to see Iago for who he really is?
Roderigo: “inhuman dog”
Where is Act 5, Scene 2 set?
In the very personal pace of Othello and Desdemona’s bedroom, but the events are very public. This scene emphasises that Desdemona and Othello’s entire relationship has been played out in public. Initially, they are alone in their private martial bedroom, but by the end, the room is full of officials.
What does the bedroom setting show?
The staging of this scene in one room containing so many characters makes it seem claustrophobic and it intensifies the drama. On stage, the bed would usually have curtains around it, which may be to draw the audience even more closely in on the events taking place on the bed.
Quote: How does Othello describe his sorrow?
He associates himself with God by calling his sorrow “heavenly” - its written in the Bible that God punishes those he loves, and he believes he has killed her for her own good.
Quote: How does Othello describe his killing of Desdemona and what is his justification?
He claims that he is an “honourable murderer” and seems to think that in killing Desdemona, he can restore some honour - “she just die, else she’ll betray more men”.
Quote: How does Othello view Desdemona’s death?
He sees Desdemona’s death as “a sacrifice” and thinks that if she is dead she cannot bring his, or her own, honour into any more disrepute.
Quote: How does Othello show that he believes killing Desdemona is the only way to ensure their love survives?
He tells her sleeping form “I will kill thee / and love thee after.”
Quote: Othello is tempted to let Desdemona survive.
Her breath “dost almost persuade / justice to break her sword”, but feels that he has “just grounds” and justice forces him to act.
