Critics Flashcards
What is A. C. Bradley’s view?
They maintain the view that Othello is a sympathetic and noble character whose downfall is caused by Iago who is pure evil - his alleged motives fully explain his actions. They argue that Othello is not naturally jealous, but is put under intense pressure by Iago.
What is T. S. Elliot’s view?
They believe that Othello is responsible for his own downfall. They argue that Othello isn’t a noble hero, but is flawed, foolish and egotistical. Iago simply exploits a weakness that already existed in Othello’s character.
What is Marilyn French’s view?
That the play confirms that men held all the power in society - Iago holds women “in contempt” while Desdemona accepts “that she must be obedient to males”. French pointed out that all the characters who even slightly encourage female independence (for example, Emilia), are destroyed by Iago.
What is Lisa Jardine’s view?
She said that Elizabethan drama only provided a male viewpoint. She thought that Desdemona was punished for being “too-knowing” and “too-independent”. Jardine saw Desdemona’s death as a lesson in what happens if the male hierarchy is disobeyed.
What was Leonard Tennenhouse’s view?
Desdemona’s death is a.n example of silencing the rebellious female voice. Tennenhouse argued that the tragedies in this era often use violence against women who challenged the patriarchy. Tennenhouse claims that the women in these plays continue to demand their own deaths or blame themselves for their murder, just as Desdemona does in Act 5, Scene 2.
What is Karen Newman’s view on Desdemona?
That Desdemona’s decision to marry a black man is portrayed as “heroic rather than demonic” and that the play challenged traditional views about interracial marriage in Elizabethan England.
What is Valerie Traub’s view?
That Elizabethan women were defined by “their sexual activity” and their relationships to men - they were seen as virgins, wives, widows or whores.
What is Karen Newman’s view on Othello?
His portrayal is both “heroic and tragic” when other black characters were generally portrayed as “villains of low status.”
How have some critics compared Desdemona to Christ?
Desdemona is a Christian and Shakespeare also emphasises Othello’s conversion to Christianity when he talks about “Christian shame.” Critics have compared Desdemona with Christ because she’s described as “divine” and is associated with innocence, especially in her death, which is presented as a sacrifice.
