Bianca

Question 1

The victim

Answer 1

Used and abused
Seen only in relation to the male characters
Always in a vulnerable position
Vulnerability is a result of her social position as well as her treatment by the male characters
If they abuse her, Bianca‘s voice count for nothing because her profession makes her morally dubious
Love also makes her vulnerable

Question 2

“Tis the strumpets plague to beguille many and to be guiled by one”

Answer 2

Irony is that Bianca is more honest and true than the “honourable men” who abuse her
Bianca’s victimisation by Iago prepare for the destiny of other female characters in the last scene

Question 3

The lover

Answer 3

Relationship with Casio is less idealistic than Othello and Desdemona match
Unfounded jealousy mirrors Othellos

Question 4

“To felt the absence now I feel a cause”

Answer 4

Foreshadows Othellos opening line in the final scene he repeats “ it is the cause” to justify killing his wife?

Question 5

“Cassio, Cassio, Cassio”

Answer 5

Genuine love for Casio is uncovered when she discovers Casio was stabbed
Her constancy and love links her to Desdemona

Question 6

“ it’s very good I must be circumstanced”

Answer 6

Bianca’s words reveal how powerless she is
She has to be content with the way men treat her