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Othello > Female Persepctive On Cuckoldry And Female Solidarity > Flashcards

Female Persepctive On Cuckoldry And Female Solidarity Flashcards

1
Q

What perspective does Shakespeare present on Desdemona’s alleged adultery?

A

A balanced perspective that humanizes the issue

It gives a face and name to the typically anonymized women involved.

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2
Q

How does Desdemona react to Othello’s jealousy?

A

With confusion, dismay, and hurt

This emotional turmoil encourages audience sympathy towards Desdemona.

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3
Q

What is Desdemona’s view on Othello’s character?

A

She believes he is true of mind and not base like jealous creatures

This is contrasted with Emilia’s cynical view of men.

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4
Q

What does Emilia’s quote, ‘They are all but stomachs, and we all but food,’ imply?

A

It implies that jealousy and greed are inherent in men’s nature.

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5
Q

What situational irony is present in Desdemona’s perception of Othello?

A

She bestows him with qualities he does not possess, believing he is better than other men.

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6
Q

How does Desdemona respond to Othello’s outburst about the handkerchief?

A

She expresses denial and maintains Othello’s virtue despite his disrespect.

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7
Q

What does Desdemona’s statement, ‘My lord is not my lord,’ signify?

A

It signifies her realization that jealousy has transformed Othello into someone unrecognizable.

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8
Q

What does Desdemona’s fear and anxiety reveal about her situation?

A

It shows her isolation and disorientation in the face of Othello’s jealousy.

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9
Q

What societal belief is reflected in Desdemona’s self-blame for Othello’s unhappiness?

A

The belief that if a husband is unhappy, the blame falls solely on the wife.

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10
Q

How does Desdemona remain steadfast in her commitment to Othello?

A

She assures him she is his ‘true and loyal wife’ despite his transformation.

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11
Q

What does Shakespeare suggest about women’s emotional freedom in the context of Desdemona’s character?

A

Women are not at liberty to follow their emotions or act out of turn.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Desdemona’s thoughts on cuckoldry are _______.

A

naive and optimistic.

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13
Q

True or False: Desdemona’s character reflects a belief that jealousy can destroy relationships.

A

True.

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14
Q

What does Desdemona blame herself for?

A

Desdemona blames herself for Othello’s unhappiness

She feels she judged him harshly, believing she suborned a witness against him.

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15
Q

What conceit does Shakespeare use regarding Desdemona and Othello?

A

Shakespeare uses a conceit of law and justice, where Othello becomes the judge and jury in Desdemona’s ‘trial’

This reflects on themes of blame and justice in relationships.

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16
Q

What does Shakespeare argue about women’s innocence in relation to accusations of adultery?

A

Women are defenseless against the accusation of adultery; their innocence is irrelevant to men

Desdemona’s innocence does not protect her from Othello’s wrath.

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17
Q

How does Desdemona’s treatment by Othello affect her?

A

Othello’s abusive treatment confounds and tortures Desdemona because she knows she is innocent

She struggles to imagine a world where someone would be falsely accused.

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18
Q

What does Desdemona lament to Emilia?

A

Desdemona laments, ‘I never gave him cause’

This highlights her belief in her innocence amidst Othello’s jealousy.

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19
Q

What does Emilia suggest about men’s jealousy?

A

Emilia states, ‘They are not jealous for the cause, / But jealous for they’re jealous’

This implies that men’s jealousy is irrational and independent of women’s actions.

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20
Q

Fill in the blank: Desdemona believes she judged Othello _______.

A

harshly

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21
Q

True or False: Desdemona’s actions are considered in Othello’s accusations against her.

A

False

Women’s actions are removed from the equation in the context of male jealousy.

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22
Q

What tragic element is highlighted by Desdemona’s ignorance?

A

Her ignorance towards male insecurity and the myth of cuckoldry

This adds to the tragedy of her situation.

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23
Q

What is the significance of Desdemona’s belief that she never gave Othello cause?

A

It illustrates the disconnect between her innocence and the irrational jealousy of Othello

It emphasizes the theme of false accusations in relationships.

24
Q

What is the consequence of cuckoldry for women according to the text?

A

Entrapment and anguish

This reflects the emotional turmoil women experience in the context of infidelity.

25
What phrase does Othello use to refer to Desdemona?
"that cunning whore of Venice" (Act 4 Scene 2) ## Footnote This derogatory term highlights Othello's betrayal and Desdemona's suffering.
26
What does Desdemona declare after being called a whore?
"I have none [no lord]" (Act 4 Scene 2) ## Footnote This statement can be interpreted as both liberation and disownment.
27
What does Desdemona ask Emilia to lay on her bed?
[her] wedding sheets" (Act 4 Scene 2) ## Footnote This symbolizes her bond to Othello through marriage.
28
How does Desdemona feel about Othello's accusation?
"It is my wretched fortune" (Act 4 Scene 2) ## Footnote This reflects her sense of despair and fate.
29
What connotation does the word 'fortune' have in Desdemona's statement?
Destiny ## Footnote It suggests an unavoidable fate that confines her.
30
What does the phrase 'wretched fortune' imply about women's treatment?
All women are confined to the same treatment ## Footnote It generalizes Desdemona's plight to all women.
31
What are the two paths that lie ahead for Desdemona?
* Die destitute and alone like her maid, Barbary * Become a prostitute like Bianca ## Footnote These options highlight the dire consequences of her situation.
32
What does Desdemona say about Othello's unkindness?
"His unkindness may defeat my life, / But never taint my love" (Act 4 Scene 2) ## Footnote This indicates her unwavering love despite his betrayal.
33
What does Desdemona mean by saying she cannot say 'whore'?
She is too shocked by the word to become one ## Footnote This reflects her integrity and the impact of the accusation.
34
What does Shakespeare demonstrate about accusations of adultery for women?
They serve as a death sentence ## Footnote This underscores the severe societal consequences for women accused of infidelity.
35
What bond does Shakespeare illustrate between Desdemona and Emilia?
The sororal bond between women in a patriarchal society ## Footnote This bond highlights the importance of solidarity among women.
36
What is unique about the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia in the play?
It is the only relationship between women that endures until the very end ## Footnote This makes it the purest and truest form of love depicted.
37
How does Emilia support Desdemona in the play?
Emilia comforts Desdemona when Othello is cruel and mentors her on the harsh realities of the world ## Footnote This support reflects the need for women's solidarity.
38
What is suggested about the only meaningful relationships available to women?
They are those with other women, free from the dangers of male scrutiny ## Footnote Close relationships with men could lead to accusations of infidelity.
39
What metaphor does Emilia use to describe male jealousy and cuckoldry?
Men are compared to 'stomachs', and women to 'food' ## Footnote This metaphor implies that men view women merely as a means to satisfy their desires.
40
How does Desdemona view Othello despite his flaws?
She sees 'grace and favour' in his stubbornness and frowns ## Footnote This unwavering love places her at serious risk in the context of their relationship.
41
What does Emilia's cynicism aim to do for Desdemona?
Protect Desdemona from the men in her life ## Footnote Emilia's wisdom provides a counterbalance to Desdemona's romanticized view of Othello.
42
What happens when the men abandon Desdemona?
Emilia advocates for her friend and exonerates her of guilt ## Footnote This shows the role of female solidarity in the face of male abandonment.
43
What does Emilia protest when Iago tells Desdemona to stop crying?
'Hath she forsook her father, and her country, and her friends, to be called whore?' ## Footnote This highlights the injustice faced by women in the play.
44
What does Emilia empathize with in relation to Desdemona?
Emilia empathizes with Desdemona's great sacrifice to be with Othello ## Footnote This highlights the theme of female loyalty and suffering in the play.
45
What reward do women receive for their devotion to men, according to the text?
Abuse ## Footnote This reflects the societal views on women's roles and treatment in the context of the play.
46
How does Emilia highlight Othello's hypocrisy?
By pointing out that Desdemona defied her father to be with Othello, yet he accuses her of deceit ## Footnote This underscores the irony in Othello's accusations.
47
What does Emilia declare when she confronts Othello about Desdemona's innocence?
"She was heavenly true" ## Footnote This statement emphasizes Desdemona's loyalty and truthfulness.
48
What does Emilia say that shows her defiance against her husband?
"Let heaven, and men, and devils, let them all [...] / Cry shame against me, yet I'll speak" ## Footnote This illustrates her courage and commitment to truth over obedience.
49
What does Emilia prioritize over her duty to her husband?
Her duty to Desdemona ## Footnote This reflects the theme of female solidarity in the face of male authority.
50
What does Emilia request when she is dying?
"Lay me by my mistress' side" ## Footnote This symbolizes her loyalty to Desdemona over her husband.
51
What does Emilia's decision to lie next to Desdemona in death signify?
Her commitment to Desdemona over her husband ## Footnote This act represents a rejection of marital violence.
52
What are Emilia's dying words regarding Desdemona's character?
"She was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor; / [...] As I speak true; / So speaking as I think, I die, I die" ## Footnote This reaffirms Desdemona's innocence and loyalty.
53
What does Scene 2 present regarding female solidarity?
It presents female solidarity as the whole, uncorrupted truth.
54
What does Shakespeare demonstrate as the cost of female solidarity and advocacy?
The cost is death.
55
What is symbolized by the image of the two women dead on the marital bed?
It symbolizes the way women are treated equally in death and in oppression.
56
How does the image of two dead women reflect on female friendships?
It displays female friendships as the ultimate bond and a safe haven from male violence.
57
What does the union of female friendships represent compared to marriage?
It represents a union that survives longer than marriage.

Othello (13 decks)

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