Act 5 scene 2

Question 1

What happens in this scene?

Answer 1

Othello smothers Desdemona.
Emilia discovers Desdemona and Othello admits it was him.
Emilia learns of Iago’s lies.
Emilia reveals she stole the handkerchief.
Othello attacks Iago.
Iago stabs Emilia.
Othello commits suicide.
Cassio is left to carry out Othello’s execution.

Question 2

What does Othello say about Desdemona’s skin?

Answer 2

‘Nor scar skin whiter than snow.’

Question 3

‘Nor scar skin whiter than snow.’ Technique

Answer 3

Simile

Question 4

‘Nor scar skin whiter than snow.’Meaning

Answer 4

Othello admires and idealises Desdemona’s white skin.

Question 5

‘Nor scar skin whiter than snow.’ context

Answer 5

Reflects renaissance beauty ideals

Question 6

Who does Desdemona say is to blame for her death?

Answer 6

‘Nobody I myself farewell.’

Question 7

‘Nobody I myself farewell.’ Meaning

Answer 7

Desdemona asserts her loyalty for Othello even when dying she remains subordinate.

Question 8

What does Emilia say about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage?

Answer 8

‘The more angel she and you the blacker devil.’

Question 9

‘The more angel she and you the blacker devil.’ technique

Answer 9

Religious imagery

Question 10

‘The more angel she and you the blacker devil.’ Meaning

Answer 10

Implies black and white denotes the division between good and evil.

Question 11

‘From this time forth I will not speak another word.’ Technique

Answer 11

Irony

Question 12

‘From this time forth I will not speak another word.’ Meaning

Answer 12

Despite the chaos he has caused he still remains in control through silence and the ambiguity of his actions.

Question 13

What does Othello boast about in his soliloquy?

Answer 13

‘I took by th’ throat the circumcised dog. And smote him thus.’

Question 14

‘I took by th’ throat the circumcised dog. And smote him thus.’ Meaning

Answer 14

Highlights racial prejudice against muslims emphasising his place as an outsider.