CHARACTERS + THEMES- OTHELLO Flashcards
1
Q
CHARACTERS 👤
OTHELLO
-Who is he?
A
- moor, successful mercenary general who works for the state of Venice
- middle- aged bachelor who elopes with and marries a wealthy young Venetian- Desdemona
- Othello is posted for Cyprus as governor during the Turkish conflict
- In Cyprus, Othello believes Iago’s ideas of his wife’s adultery and smothers her, then kills himself after the truth is revealed
2
Q
What are our first impressions?
A
- first learn of Othello through Iago who presents him as bombastic, conceited and personally lascivious
- his appearance (Act 1, Scene 2) contradicts this
- presents openness, sincerity, natural authority
- unlike other Shakespearean protagonists he is not a monarch, an aspiring monarch nor a prince but nobility still expressed
- descendent from a royal line of kings and is an impressive military commander- “valiant Othello”
- conscientious soldier= makes sure wedding festivities don’t get out of hand
- speaks powerfully and inspires confidence in his character in first 2 acts
- suggest suppose to see as hero
- speech complements manner- blank verse and fine rhetorician
3
Q
What does Caryl Philips believe about Othello?
A
- “the pressure placed upon him rendered his life as a tragedy”
- “life for him is a game in which he does not know the rules”
- referring to pressures of being a black man in a white world
- sees his tragedy as a result of his insecurity and isolation in Venetian society
4
Q
How are opposites and contradictions embodied in the tragic hero Othello?
A
- all hold specific and opposing views of the moor
- judge through evidence by other characters and through his own words, actions and ideas which frequently change
- both military man and lover (husband)
- contradictory personal and political positions
- trusted foreign servant (outsider) with power by Venetian state, seeks to become an equal member of and participant in that society through marriage
- Black man in a white world
5
Q
Othello’s tragedy- a domestic tragedy?
-in what ways does it follow the characteristics of a normal domestic tragedy?
A
- the Turkish invasion and Venetian stage provide a backdrop to a private tragedy being “completed” early on in the play
- but the wider world and policy is does offer a new dimension to Othello’s tragedy eg: reputation as a soldier- Jacobean audience would understand need to recover this (cuckold)
- could argue that Othello’s marriage is a political act- Black soldier marrying a white aristocrat
6
Q
What does the philosopher Stanley Cavell say about tragedy and how does this apply to Othello?
A
- “tragedy is the place we are not allowed to escape the consequences or price”
- lost Desdemona, become a murderer and lost reputation
7
Q
- Othello’s race
- how does this form his characterisation?
A
- not stereotypical immoral and lustful moor of much of Renaissance drama
- encouraged to view the moor’s race positively and part of his nobility eg: race not an issue for the heroine “she had eyes and chose me”
- however, his confidence is destroyed as he is poisoned by Iago and doubts his attractions
- mentions his blackness, unsophisticated manners and advanced age
- Iago’s discrimination is part of his evil and learn cannot trust his judgements around his race from beginning
8
Q
- Othello and slavery
- how does this fit the wider context and othello’s background?
A
- critics suggested he became “tawny” rather than black in stage productions in 1800s- prevent role being linked to idea of slavery
- when first performed- African slave trade already established- Elizabeth’s explorations in 155”s meant villages were raided and inhabitants kidnapped bringing them back to England
- Othello briefly describes how he was an imprisoned slave
9
Q
What was Ania Loomba day in her 1998 “Othello and the Radical Question”?
A
- “Othello is both a fantasy of interracial love and social tolerance, and a nightmare of racial hatred and male violence”
- agree/ disagree?- could include as an A04 point if relevant
10
Q
- Othello-lover and husband:
- why is it difficult to accept Othello as the perfect lover? Does this change?
A
- partly because he married Desdemona in secret- covert act- uncomfortable in Othello’s protestation but do not dwell on elopement as revealed Desdemona was “half the wooer”- meeting at Cyprus reveals the intensity and sincerity of their mutual affection assuring their attraction
- Duke of Venice also recognises Othello as suitable-“ I think this tale would win my daughter too” and reassured Brabantio- “your son-in-law is far more fair than black”
11
Q
-when tensions are created as a result of the relationship?
A
- Desdemona desired to be with Othello, Othello wants to keep marriage separate from his duties
- suggestion Othello is out of depth in matter of the heart as shown by his courtship with Desdemona
12
Q
What does Coleridge say about Othello’s relationship with Desdemona?
A
- says that Othello struggles not to love Desdemona. He claims that Othello is not driven by jealousy, but by ‘moral indignation and regret’ that Desdemona’s virtue has been destroyed
- agree/ disagree ?- could use as a focus of debate- A04 + A05
13
Q
What does Dr Johnson and FR Leavis think causes Othello’s downfall?
A
- Dr Johnson-“Cool malignity” of Iago for Othello’s tragedy
- FR Leavis- Othello’s ‘essential make-up’ and propensity for ‘self-deception’ leas to his tragedy
14
Q
-Othello’s love:
A
-START :) pg: 48!
