Brabantio Flashcards
The patriarch
Ironically, the qualities he shares with Othello
Recognises Desdemona elopement as an assault on patriarchy
Hold ‘traditional’ (for Shakespeare’s audience) suspicious views of foreigners
Suggests her marriage with Othello undermined not just his own authority but the whole social order
Love for Desdemona
Any audience would understand his desire to find a suitable match for his daughter
Paternal love has been wise
Recognises her virtues and cares for her deeply
Love for Desdemona
“My particular grief is of so floodgate and overbearing nature that engulfs and swallows other sorrows “
Intense emotion described in this speech foreshadows of fellows outrage feelings when he feels that he has been betrayed by Desdemona
Act one scene one clear that the loss of Desdemona weighs heavily on his soul
Ironic that him and Othello are linked by the language of loss they use
Unsympathetic character
Immovable unkindness to Desdemona and Othello prevent us from sympathising with the patriarch
Refuses to have anything to do with Desdemona and cast her off - “ rather adopt a child then get it”
The loving generous father that is replaced by a mean spirited prophet of doom
Victim of iagos manipulation
Unfavourable view of Othello is influenced heavily by Iagos crude and prejudice characterisation of Othello
“Jewel”
Regards to her as a possession
“ this is not Venice my house is not a Grange”
Implicit that a fellow is an animal in his eyes
Reflective of the wide of views held on black men in the 16th century
“ to fall in love with what she feared to look on”
Argues that their marriage is unnatural
As a white woman, she was inherently fear Othello because he is black
Shows his views on black men
“ maiden never bold of spirit so still and quiet that her motion blushed at herself”
Beginning characteristically bold and valiant - breaks convention of 16th century women
“ so still and quiet” foreshadows deterioration into a passive and submissive woman - more typical attitude towards men
