Critical interpretations

Question 1

A.C. Bradley 1904

Answer 1

“the most romantic figure among Shakespeare’s hereos”

Love is the central idea in ‘Othello’ and Othello is one of the greatest lovers in literature.

Question 2

S.T. Coleridge 1819

Answer 2

“the motive-hunting of motiveless malignity”

Question 3

T.S.Eliot 1927

Answer 3

“Othello’s last speech is a terrible exposure of human weakness”

Question 4

F.R Leavis

Answer 4

“the tragic protagonist was responsible for his own downfall because he has a propensity to jealousy”

Question 5

Lisa Jardine 1983 (patriarchy)

Answer 5

“The stage world of Jacobean drama is wholly masculine and there is only a male viewpoint on offer”

Question 6

Lisa Jardine 1983 (Desdemona)

Answer 6

“Desdemona is punished by patriarchy […] and she becomes a stereotype of female passivity.

Question 7

Caryl Phillips (insecurity)

Answer 7

“Othello feels constantly threatened and profoundly insecure”

Question 8

Caryl Phillips (Othello’s love)

Answer 8

“Othello’s love of Desdemona is the love of a possession. She is a prize, a spoil of war.