Big Ideas In Othello

Question 1

Othello and des marriage

Answer 1

Ultimately, the tragedy is that othellos and Desdemonas optimistic desire for a world in which all races and genders can achieve autonomy is destroyed by forces that wish to maintain the status quo. This is a play about where racism and misogyny coexist, but it’s also about the failure of the individual to combat oppression

Question 2

Othello

Answer 2

During the play’s exposition, othellos nobility and integrity was admirable; through his eloquent speeches which challenges racist stereotypes. However, uses othello as a vessel to demonstrate the power of such ideologies; his racial identity makes him vulnerable to iagos schemes, and as he internalises characteristics of his identity he is shaped into the very stereotype he refuted in act 1.

Question 3

Iago

Answer 3

Is the quintessence of prejudice and discontent. Not only does he he rail anyone who is an outsider, but he also attempts to manipulate them to their downfall. His character is used to comprehend mankind’s capacity for evil, unsettling especially in a very religious society

Question 4

Desdemona

Answer 4

Provides a glimmer of hope for women; her outspoken nature and her determination to make her own choices shows how women can have agency. However ultimately the play suggest that female empowerment is not possible within renaissance society

Question 5

Cassio

Answer 5

Foil to iago
Demonstrates that it is possible to maintain one’s integrity and moral compass even in the face of being reduced to a debased pawn

Question 6

Emilia

Answer 6

Her development as a character is the mirror of Desdemonas trajectory , as Desdemona becomes more passive, Emilia finds her own voice