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Desdemona Flashcards

1
Q
A
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2
Q

What is a prominent quality of Desdemona’s characterisation?

A

Her innocence and virtue

Desdemona is portrayed as the perfect ‘maiden’ by Shakespeare.

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3
Q

How do other characters perceive Desdemona’s innocence?

A

Brabantio calls her ‘a maiden never bold’, Cassio refers to her as ‘a maid / That paragons all description’, and Othello describes her as an ‘excellent wretch’

These perceptions highlight the idealized view of her character.

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4
Q

What archetype does Desdemona fit into?

A

The ingenue archetype

This is characterized by innocence and a lack of awareness regarding male fantasies.

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5
Q

What aspect of military culture creates friction between Desdemona and Othello?

A

Her ignorance of the workings of military culture

This lack of understanding leads to misunderstandings in their relationship.

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6
Q

What does Desdemona maintain about her husband in relation to toxic masculinity?

A

She believes he is better than such a base emotion

This reflects her naive outlook on their marriage.

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7
Q

What role does Emilia play in Desdemona’s perspective on married life?

A

Emilia provides down-to-earth wisdom that recalibrates Desdemona’s naive outlook

This interaction helps Desdemona confront the realities of her situation.

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8
Q

What is Desdemona’s role as a mediator?

A

She is diplomatic and empathetic, aiming to resolve conflicts

Examples include her appeals to Othello and Cassio.

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9
Q

What does Desdemona say to her father that demonstrates her mediating skills?

A

‘I do perceive here a divided duty’

This line shows her understanding of the complexities in her relationships.

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10
Q

What does Desdemona offer to Cassio regarding his case?

A

‘Thy solicitor shall rather die / Than give thy cause away’

This statement reflects her loyalty and determination to help others.

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11
Q

What does Shakespeare portray through Desdemona’s character regarding altruism?

A

Her extreme altruism, culminating in her sacrifice

Desdemona’s selflessness ultimately leads to her tragic fate.

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12
Q

What is an important exam tip regarding typicality?

A

Consider the typicality of a text to understand context and the author’s intentions

This analysis can reveal cultural influences and trends in literature.

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13
Q

What might presenting a female character as weak indicate about the era?

A

It reflects the legal rights of women and the resulting cultural perspective

Such attributes can be emblematic of the period’s literary trends.

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14
Q

When an author writes something atypical, what should be considered?

A

Why they have done this and what message they are trying to convey

Atypical representations challenge prevailing trends and highlight critical themes.

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15
Q

How does Brabantio characterize Desdemona?

A

As a ‘maiden never bold’

This characterization suggests a contrast with Desdemona’s actual behavior in the play.

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16
Q

What does Desdemona openly defy in Act 1 Scene 3?

A

Her father

She declares her love for Othello, challenging societal norms.

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17
Q

What qualities does Desdemona demonstrate by accompanying Othello to Cyprus?

A

Bravery and fierce commitment

This act reflects her resilient spirit in a wartorn setting.

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18
Q

What is Desdemona’s response to Othello’s accusations in Act 5 Scene 2?

A

She maintains her innocence

Desdemona confronts Othello, refusing to surrender to his authority.

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19
Q

What does Desdemona say about death in Act 5 Scene 2?

A

‘That death’s unnatural that kills for loving I…’

This reflects her tragic fate and her view on love.

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20
Q

How does Desdemona express her unwavering love at the beginning of the play?

A

Her love lifts her spirits and liberates her

She feels invincible and optimistic despite societal disapproval.

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21
Q

What does Desdemona mean when she says, ‘To his honours and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate’?

A

Their lives are linked forever

This indicates her total commitment to Othello.

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22
Q

What religious imagery does Shakespeare use to depict Desdemona’s commitment?

A

Imagery that evokes the wedding ceremony

This highlights her devotion to her husband.

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23
Q

What does Desdemona say about Othello’s unkindness in Act 4 Scene 2?

A

‘His unkindness may defeat my life, / But never taint my love’

This shows her unwavering fidelity even in dire circumstances.

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24
Q

What role does love play in Desdemona’s character throughout the play?

A

It empowers her

Love is a central theme that defines her actions and resilience.

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25
Fill in the blank: Desdemona's presence on stage is bookended with another defiant act, as she maintains her innocence in the face of _______.
[Othello's lies and fury]
26
True or False: Desdemona's character is depicted as submissive and compliant.
False ## Footnote She exhibits assertiveness and defiance throughout the play.
27
What does Desdemona's character ultimately represent in the play?
The ideal wife and a strong female protagonist ## Footnote Her complexity lies in her assertiveness and unwavering love.
28
What happens to Desdemona as the play reaches its denouement?
Desdemona becomes forlorn and dispirited.
29
How does Desdemona's dialogue change as the play progresses?
She speaks of death instead of lively, colourful imagery.
30
What does Desdemona request in her funeral request to Emilia?
To be shrouded in one of the same sheets.
31
What does Desdemona's acceptance of her fate signify?
It may indicate surrender or strength of will.
32
How does Desdemona respond to Othello's judgement?
She yields to his judgement and accepts the blame for her murder.
33
What does Desdemona protest in her final moments?
Her own innocence.
34
What does Desdemona's death represent for women?
A call to arms.
35
What does Othello discover too late?
Desdemona's innocence.
36
What flaws are exposed by Othello's actions?
Flaws in his judgement and in patriarchal society.
37
What does Desdemona become in death?
A saint.
38
How does Desdemona's faithfulness contribute to her character?
It turns her death into a symbol of truth.
39
Fill in the blank: Desdemona's dialogue shifts from lively imagery to speaking of _______.
death.
40
True or False: Desdemona's acceptance of her fate is portrayed as a sign of weakness.
False.
41
What phrase does Desdemona use to express her wish for her burial?
In one of those same sheets.
42
What does Desdemona's willingness to die for her beliefs suggest?
A strength of will.
43
What does Othello's quote about Desdemona's look signify?
It indicates his realization of his flawed judgement.
44
Fill in the blank: Desdemona's death is a reflection of the flaws in _______ society.
patriarchal.
45
In death desdemona becomes a saint…
“Heavenly true” (act 5 scene 2)
46
What is the nature of Othello and Desdemona's relationship at the beginning of the play?
They have eloped and are deeply in love despite societal disapproval ## Footnote Their union is challenged by Othello's race and outsider status.
47
How did Othello and Desdemona fall in love?
Othello entertained Desdemona with tales of his life during visits to speak with her father ## Footnote Their love develops in the context of Othello's storytelling.
48
What does Desdemona's love for Othello represent?
It empowers her and challenges societal norms ## Footnote Their relationship defies racism and misogyny.
49
What are the characteristics of Othello and Desdemona's relationship?
Mutual respect, balance, strength, and comfort ## Footnote They draw strength from each other.
50
What societal issues does their relationship challenge?
Racism and the misogyny of marriage as a patriarchal institution ## Footnote Othello gives Desdemona more freewill than typical for the time.
51
What conflict arises in their relationship during the opening acts?
Their attempts to consummate their marriage are repeatedly denied ## Footnote This reflects the ongoing societal objection to their union.
52
What adds strain to Othello and Desdemona's relationship in Cyprus?
Chaos from war and Cassio's demotion ## Footnote Their contrasting views on duty and warfare become apparent.
53
How does Desdemona's approach to Othello's military responsibilities create tension?
She appeals Cassio's case to Othello, mixing his work with personal life ## Footnote This may indicate her ignorance of military customs or a belief that they are trivial.
54
What drives a wedge between Othello and Desdemona?
Desdemona's naive, caring heart and Iago's lies ## Footnote These factors complicate her intentions and actions.
55
Who is Emilia in relation to Desdemona?
Emilia is Desdemona's maid or servant and close friend.
56
How does Desdemona defy traditional class structures?
Desdemona follows her heart in her marriage.
57
What is a key parallel drawn between Emilia and Desdemona's marriages?
Both husbands are driven by sexual jealousy and anger by the end of the play.
58
What is Emilia's marital status compared to Desdemona's at the beginning of the play?
Emilia's marriage has collapsed; Desdemona is in a blissful union.
59
What does Emilia's experience represent in contrast to Desdemona's outlook?
Emilia's grounded realism and cynicism contrast with Desdemona's youthful, naive optimism.
60
What role does Emilia play for Desdemona?
Emilia acts as Desdemona's counsel and guide, exposing her to harsh marital realities.
61
How does Emilia view adultery compared to Desdemona?
Emilia defies tradition in her views towards adultery; Desdemona swears loyalty to her husband.
62
How might Emilia's character be interpreted by different audiences?
She may appear pragmatic and cold-hearted or progressive and sexually liberated.
63
What action does Emilia take when Desdemona is murdered?
Emilia exposes her husband's lies and advocates for Desdemona's innocence.
64
What is the significance of the bond between Desdemona and Emilia?
Their sororal bond shows the power of female solidarity.
65
Fill in the blank: Emilia's experiences make her the perfect friend for _______.
Desdemona.
66
True or False: Emilia's marriage is depicted as successful throughout the play.
False.
67
What do Desdemona and Emilia do after death?
They lay next to each other, pledging allegiance over their husbands.
68
What is the nature of the bond between Desdemona and Emilia in the play?
It is likely the truest, most honest relationship out of all those in the play.
69
What distinguishes Desdemona and Emilia's conversations from others in the play?
They lack mind games and ulterior motives.
70
What act of deceit occurs in the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia?
Emilia steals the handkerchief for Iago.
71
Who influences Emilia to steal the handkerchief?
Her husband, Iago.
72
What argument can be made about the treachery in Desdemona and Emilia's relationship?
The only treachery is man-made.
73
What does Shakespeare suggest about female solidarity in the play?
It is threatened only by external, male influence.
74
Fill in the blank: The only deceit in Desdemona and Emilia's relationship comes when Emilia steals the _______.
handkerchief
75
True or False: The conversations between Desdemona and Emilia are characterized by deceit and manipulation.
False
76
What is Emilia's duty that leads her to commit an act of deceit?
To honour her husband.
77
What theme does Shakespeare explore through the relationship of Desdemona and Emilia?
The purity and love of female friendship.
78
Who does Desdemona marry without her father's knowledge?
Othello ## Footnote Desdemona's marriage to Othello is a significant act of defiance against her father's wishes.
79
What does Desdemona feel obligated to honor in her relationship with her father?
Her father ## Footnote Desdemona expresses indebtedness to her father for her education and lifestyle.
80
In what way does Desdemona compare her relationship with her husband to that of her mother?
Honoring her husband over her father ## Footnote This reflects the tradition of prioritizing the husband in a marriage.
81
What significant social influence affects the relationship between Desdemona and Brabantio?
Cultural prejudice and social contracts ## Footnote These factors constrain their relationship and highlight the power dynamics at play.
82
How does Brabantio perceive Desdemona when he objects to her marriage?
As a meek, obedient, quiet lady ## Footnote This perception contrasts sharply with Desdemona's actual assertiveness.
83
What character traits does Desdemona display when she appears on stage?
Fearless, assertive, and self-assured ## Footnote These traits challenge Brabantio's understanding of her character.
84
What does Brabantio's description of Desdemona imply about his love for her?
He loves an idealized version of her ## Footnote This indicates a disconnect between Brabantio's perception and Desdemona's true self.
85
What ultimately causes Brabantio's death?
A broken heart ## Footnote It is suggested that he mourns the loss of authority more than Desdemona herself.
86
Fill in the blank: The ideals of a 'pure maiden' and an 'obedient daughter' create a ______ between Desdemona and Brabantio.
barrier ## Footnote These societal expectations hinder their genuine relationship.
87
What does Iago's treatment of Desdemona reveal about his view of women?
Iago perpetuates the objectification of women, viewing Desdemona as a trophy and symbol of his virility and authority over Othello. ## Footnote His actions cause immense suffering to Desdemona, contradicting his professed love for her.
88
How does Iago justify his actions towards Desdemona?
Iago states, 'wife for wife,' suggesting a revenge motive against Othello, similar to the Biblical principle of 'an eye for an eye'. ## Footnote This reflects Iago's dehumanization of Desdemona, treating her as merchandise.
89
What is Cassio's relationship to Desdemona?
Cassio is Othello's lieutenant and is respected by Desdemona. ## Footnote Their prior relationship before the play is unclear.
90
How does Cassio's behavior reflect his identity as a gentleman?
Cassio greets women with kisses and performs actions typical of chivalry, indicating his self-identity as the perfect Florentine gentleman. ## Footnote However, his chivalrous behavior still objectifies Desdemona.
91
What does Desdemona do to help Cassio?
Desdemona uses her position as Othello's wife to campaign for Cassio, risking strain on her relationship with Othello. ## Footnote This shows her willingness to put others before herself.
92
What sacrifice does Desdemona make for Cassio?
Desdemona sacrifices herself fully for Cassio, carrying his burden and ultimately risking her life. ## Footnote This highlights her loyalty and selflessness.
93
Fill in the blank: Iago views Desdemona as a _______.
[trophy] ## Footnote This reflects his perception of women as objects to be possessed.
94
True or False: Cassio expresses a desire to sleep with Desdemona when prompted by Iago.
False. ## Footnote Cassio does not rise to Iago's bait when asked about his desires concerning Desdemona.
95
What does Desdemona's willingness to speak to Othello on behalf of Cassio indicate?
It indicates her loyalty and willingness to advocate for others, even at personal risk. ## Footnote This action demonstrates her character and dedication.

Othello (13 decks)

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