Act One, Scene Two

Question 1

Desdemona is viewed as a possession, though her femininity is viewed as a means for prestige…

Answer 1

“you have lost half your soul” ‘“My daughter is not for thee” “robbing”
her female presence acting as a crutch as much as masculinity is a woman’s aid through life.

Question 2

Miscegenation is viewed as usurpation of GCOB, though Desdemona’s presence even as a possession is a tool for social progression- social commentary on the placement of women in society.

Answer 2

“She has deceived her father and may thee”

Question 3

Father’s ownership of his daughter- perhaps Brabantio’s sudden redundancy over the course of the play is Shakespeare’s remark on the redundancy of male ownership of women.

Answer 3

“She deceives me”: ‘“The property of youth and maidenhood // may be abused”’

Question 4

Repeated emphasis on Desdemona’s purity but also rendering her character one-dimensional, a pawn in the possessive men’s games…

Answer 4

… and an objectified (though precious) possession

Question 5

Used to connote respect but also detachment

Answer 5

“You”
Iago addresses Othello as ‘you’ perhaps showing his detachment or mock respect.

Question 6

Iago’s address of and description of Othello shows his mock-respect, ____________ still suggests Iago’s intent with his expressions

Answer 6

over-amplification/emphasis on his nobility

Question 7

Opening of 1.2, ______ Iago illustrates himself as an honourable, lawful man by stating his adherence to the boundaries of war while stating previous…

Answer 7

“slain” vs “murder”
use of violence for gain of personal respect (ironic foregrounding?)

Question 8

Iago feigns humility, distancing himself from Christianity.
Ref. to pagan god, Iago as a white man is able to trespass the confines of Christianity.

Answer 8

“by Janus” ‘“The little godliness I have”’

Question 9

Iago’s description of Brabantio’s ______ which Iago himself instigated is an early sign of his later duplicity

Answer 9

“bad intent”

Question 10

Othello compares his ______ to ____ showing their value and in his mind eternal presence. This suggests he is loyal and dedicated, though naive, believing his experience of the present is permanent.

Answer 10

love and freedom to the sea,

Question 11

Othello uses abstract nouns to describe his possessions, perhaps suggesting holiness as he isn’t concerned with the protection of material objects, but spiritual ones

Answer 11

“My parts, my title, and my perfect soul”