AO4

Question 1

Cinthio inspiration

Answer 1

Based on Story 7 in the Third Decade of Gil Hecatommithi - but in Cinthio the Moor is killed rather than committing suicide

Question 2

Changes from Cinthio - Othello’s character

Answer 2

Gives Othello a name and a more public role - makes him appear more dignified and attractive to the audience in the first act

Question 3

Changes to Disdemona in Cinthio

Answer 3

Made her more vocal and independent in some aspects - draws on conventions of romantic comedy in which patriarchal tyranrs figures are the main obstacle to lovers

Question 4

Changes - creation of Emilia

Answer 4

Shakespeare makes use if the nurse figure from comic tradition to create her character - character in Cinthio knows of all of her husband’s schemes whereas Emilia remains ignorant of them

Question 5

Changes to Cassio and Iago

Answer 5

Shakespeare makes Cassio a higher rank than Iago to further complicate motives

Question 6

Changes to Iago

Answer 6

Iago is more consistent and purposivr schemer than his counterpart. What are convenient accidents in the original are purposely manufactured by Iago in Shakespeare’s

Question 7

Iago going to Brabantio’s house

Answer 7

Charivari – old custom: if you disproved of an incongruous match, you could call your neighbours and make a disturbance outside their home

Question 8

I am not what I am

Answer 8

Parodying scriptual name of God “I am what I am” - Exodus 3:14

Question 9

“Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lust’s blood be spotted.”

Answer 9

Pythagorean notion that semen was a concoction of the blood, blood mixed during sex

Question 10

Puddled his clear spirits

Answer 10

linked to the Galenic idea that the human body is fueled by ‘animal spirits’ thought to be made out of ‘blood and inspired air’ that can be disturbed by humoral disturbances

Question 11

Perfect soul

Answer 11

In contrast to the devil imagery of Iago this almost christ-like description

Question 12

Venetian ideas of service

Answer 12

Faithful service = ground of social being and identity
Othello’s death = his final act of service
Iago turns his obligation to serve his master into an opportunity to serve himself “in following him, I follow but myself”

Question 13

Idealisation of free service & Iago’s rejection of service

Answer 13

Linked to Christian subject's duty to God as the pattern for all servant-master relationships
Non Serviam (I will not serve) watchword of Lucifer and betrayal of Judas (archetype of disobedience) = Iago

Question 14

Attractive nature of Iago

Answer 14

His rhetoric exploits antipathies and resentments of early modern society, any one who had experienced the arrogance of authority - corruption of service into a commercial contract and materiak relationship

Question 15

Exchanging of vows betw. Iago and Othello

Answer 15

Judas-like ritual of submission, like Faustus binding Mephostophilis to be his servant, Othello indentures his soul to his subordinate

Question 16

Who is thy lord?

He that is yours, sweet lady

Answer 16

Highlights parallels betw. role of wife and servant - may be a female hierarchy but all women are ultimately subordinate to men

Question 17

Parallels with King Lear

Answer 17

Women resisting patriarchal authority, both Brabantio and Lear are dumbfounded by their daughters’ behaviour
Desdemona’s level headed defiance in the face of her father’s passionate fury same as Cordelia

Question 18

Oliver Parker 1995 film - Cassio and Bianca

Answer 18

Cassio frequently forgets Bianca’s name