Act 5 Scene 2 Flashcards
Summarise what happens in this scene. (A5.2)
Othello is strongly affected by the sight of a sleeping Desdemona, but kills her. Emilia discovers the murder and proclaims Desdemona’s innocence. She reveals what Iago has done. Iago kills Emilia, and Othello is arrested by Lodovico. Othello stabs himself. Iago is arrested.
What do the white objects symbolise?
Symbolise unchanging innocence – indicating that Othello desires a wife who can be controlled and will not alter with time or mood. The references to white also indicate how Othello has internalised racist ideas and is preoccupied with Desdemona’s whiteness; he believes that she will not love him because of the ethnic differences.
What does light symbolise?
Hope, innocence, purity, heavenliness, life.
Complete the quotation: “I’ll not shed…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“her blood not scar that whiter skin of hers than snow and smooth as monumental alabaster.” - Othello - reveals his conflicted state of mind and how he still appreciates her beauty.
Complete the quotation: “I know not where…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“is that Promethean heat that can thy light relume.” - Othello - captures his change in character and his inner turmoil.
Complete the quotation: “Some bloody…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“passion shakes your very frame.” - Desdemona - her awareness of his emotions + adds to the tension.
Complete the quotation: “May his pernicious…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“soul rot half a grain a day.” - Emilia - reflects her anger and horror at the outcome of Iago’s manipulation.
Complete the quotation: “From this time…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“forth I never will speak a word.” - Iago - his refusal to explain his actions.
Complete the quotation: “I have done the…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“state some service and they know it.” - Othello - highlights is fall from grace and being a honourable man.
Complete the quotation: “Of one that loved…” Who says it and why is it significant?
“not wisely but too week of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought. Perplexed in the extreme.” - Othello - attempt to reconcile his actions and acknowledges his downfall.
Define passive.
Submissive - Desdemona
Define seeking retribution.
vengeful - Iago
Define automaton.
self-operating machine - Rodrigo
Define self-aggrandising.
increasing one’s power - Iago
Define tormented by remorse.
guilty - Othello
