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Othello > Love And Marriage > Flashcards

Love And Marriage Flashcards

1
Q

What does marriage symbolize in the context of Shakespeare’s writing?

A

A symbol of political alliance or tactics rather than a testament to true love

During Shakespeare’s time, fathers often chose their daughters’ husbands.

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2
Q

How do Iago and Othello perceive marriage?

A

As a legal contract that gives the husband authority and ownership over his wife

This reflects the patriarchal views of marriage in the play.

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3
Q

What is Desdemona’s view of marriage?

A

In accordance with the perfect romantic ideal, it is about love

Desdemona actively seeks love and marriage, contrasting with societal norms.

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4
Q

How does Shakespeare depict Desdemona’s role in her courtship with Othello?

A

She is given an active role, unlike the traditional passive role expected of women

This challenges gender norms of the time.

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5
Q

Which verb does Othello use to describe Desdemona’s engagement in their relationship?

A

‘Devour’

This verb indicates her intense desire and active participation.

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6
Q

What connotation does the verb ‘devour’ carry in the context of Desdemona’s actions?

A

It connotes carnal desire and aggressive pursuit

Reflects female sexuality in relationships.

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7
Q

What does Othello suggest love should provide to both partners?

A

Comfort and strength

This reflects the ideal of mutual support in a loving relationship.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank: Othello states that Desdemona gave him a world of _______.

A

sighs

This indicates her emotional response to Othello’s struggles.

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9
Q

True or False: Desdemona’s pursuit of Othello aligns with traditional expectations of women’s roles in courtship.

A

False

She actively engages in the relationship, defying traditional norms.

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10
Q

What does Desdemona’s empathy for Othello indicate?

A

It shows the respect she has for him.

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11
Q

How does Desdemona view marriage with Othello?

A

As a mutual give and take.

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12
Q

What does the line ‘she wished / That heaven had made her such a man’ suggest about Othello?

A

It suggests Othello’s heroism is romanticised.

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13
Q

What do Othello’s exotic tales represent for Desdemona?

A

An escape from her mundane, restricted world.

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14
Q

What alternative interpretation exists for Desdemona wishing to be ‘such a man’?

A

It suggests she desires Othello’s qualities for herself.

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15
Q

How are Othello’s life story, colour, and class perceived in contrast to Desdemona’s life?

A

They are far flung from her restrained life in Venice.

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16
Q

What could be interpreted about Desdemona’s feelings towards Othello?

A

She may be in love with the idea of Othello rather than Othello himself.

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17
Q

What does Shakespeare suggest about Othello’s feelings regarding Desdemona’s love?

A

Othello doesn’t mind that Desdemona may love the idea of him.

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18
Q

What does Othello say about their mutual respect?

A

‘She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them.’

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19
Q

What is the foundation of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage according to Shakespeare?

A

Othello’s Otherness and Desdemona’s ambitious, large heart.

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20
Q

How does Desdemona describe her love for Othello?

A

Fearless, unyielding, and unapologetic

Desdemona expresses her love boldly to the Senate.

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21
Q

What does Desdemona’s declaration to the Senate signify?

A

Her refusal to back down

She asserts her love for Othello and demands respect for her choice.

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22
Q

What argument regarding marriage is typical of Shakespeare’s plays?

A

Women have a right to choose their husbands

This theme is prevalent in various works by Shakespeare.

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23
Q

What imagery does Desdemona use to convey the power of her love?

A

Downright violence and storm of fortunes

These masculine connotations highlight her passionate feelings.

24
Q

How does Desdemona view marriage with Othello?

A

As perfect harmony between two people

She expresses a deep sense of union and solace.

25
What metaphor does Desdemona use to describe her connection with Othello?
My heart's subdued even to the very quality of my lord ## Footnote This reflects complete devotion and loss of self.
26
What does the blurring of lines between Othello and Desdemona signify?
Love's goal to transcend all barriers ## Footnote Their union represents deep emotional and spiritual connection.
27
What semantic field does Shakespeare use to portray Desdemona's love?
Religious allusions ## Footnote This elevates her love to something sacred and idealized.
28
What does Desdemona mean by 'I did my soul and fortunes consecrate'?
She dedicates herself to Othello ## Footnote This reflects the sanctity of her love.
29
How does Desdemona's love resemble faith?
She worships Othello ## Footnote This comparison suggests deep reverence and devotion.
30
Fill in the blank: Desdemona refers to marriage as a ______ for true love.
ritual ## Footnote This highlights the significance of marriage in her view of love.
31
What does Desdemona imply when she says, 'We must think men are not gods'?
She is recognizing her naivety in worshipping Othello as an infallible being. ## Footnote This reflects Shakespeare's view on the realities of marriage and the flaws of partners.
32
How does Shakespeare portray Desdemona's commitment to Othello?
Her commitment is unwavering, even in the face of his abuse. ## Footnote This illustrates the entrapment of women in marriage in a patriarchal society.
33
What societal expectation does Desdemona's unwavering love for Othello reflect?
The expectation that women must love and obey their husbands despite their flaws. ## Footnote This demonstrates how women were conditioned to accept their circumstances.
34
What does Desdemona mean by 'divided duty'?
It refers to her obligation to both her father and her husband. ## Footnote This highlights the pressure women faced in balancing familial loyalty and marital loyalty.
35
How does Desdemona's statement reflect the nature of marriage in Jacobean society?
It challenges the idea that marriage is merely a transaction between father and husband. ## Footnote Desdemona asserts her agency in choosing whom to serve.
36
What are the consequences for women who fail to perform their familial duties in the Jacobean era?
They could be disowned or deprived of financial support. ## Footnote This illustrates the lack of autonomy women had during this period.
37
Who are the two 'lords' that Desdemona must serve?
Brabantio and Othello. ## Footnote Their conflicting interests place Desdemona in a challenging position.
38
What does Desdemona's role symbolize in the context of her conflicting duties?
She symbolizes compromise and diplomacy. ## Footnote Her character navigates the complexities of loyalty in a patriarchal society.
39
Fill in the blank: Desdemona's love for Othello is portrayed as _______.
[idealized and dutiful]
40
What does Desdemona imply by saying, 'My heart's subdued even to the quality of my lord'?
Desdemona implies that her identity and individuality are subordinated to Othello's qualities. ## Footnote This suggests a profound level of devotion and dependency.
41
What does Desdemona mean when she says, 'To his honours and valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate'?
Desdemona indicates that she has dedicated her entire being and future to Othello. ## Footnote This metaphor highlights her loss of autonomy.
42
How does Shakespeare illustrate the dangers of Desdemona's dependency on Othello?
Shakespeare reveals that Desdemona's devotion leads to the loss of her individuality and freedom. ## Footnote She cannot leave him and must serve him as a follower.
43
What does the phrase 'Whate'er you be, I am obedient' suggest about Desdemona's loyalty?
It suggests that Desdemona exhibits blind loyalty and has lost her personal liberty. ## Footnote She is subject to Othello's changing moods.
44
What does Desdemona's obedience imply about the nature of marriage in the context of the play?
It implies that the legal contract of marriage supersedes personal feelings, requiring submission regardless of Othello's actions. ## Footnote This reflects the societal norms of the time.
45
What does Desdemona's literal death symbolize in the context of women's lives?
It symbolizes the metaphorical deaths women experience due to their dependence on men. ## Footnote Their worth and societal standing are often dictated by male authority.
46
How does Desdemona's statement, 'His unkindness may defeat my life, / But never taint my love,' reflect her feelings?
It reflects her unwavering love for Othello despite his mistreatment. ## Footnote This highlights the power imbalance in their relationship.
47
Fill in the blank: Desdemona's identity is ________ with Othello's.
[enmeshed]
48
True or False: Desdemona's love for Othello allows her to escape the constraints of marriage.
False ## Footnote Her love does not grant her freedom; instead, it leads to her subjugation.
49
What does Desdemona's love for Othello illustrate despite his power over her?
Her love persists even if he decides to end her 'life'. ## Footnote This highlights the theme of devotion in the face of domestic abuse.
50
What is the significance of the term 'unkindness' in the context of domestic abuse?
'Unkindness' is a euphemism for domestic abuse, conveying societal taboos regarding a husband's violence towards his wife. ## Footnote It shows how such violence is often ignored or unacknowledged.
51
How does Shakespeare contrast Desdemona's 'life' and 'love'?
She has to sacrifice her 'life' for 'love', prioritizing her duty to her husband above herself. ## Footnote This illustrates the expectations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
52
What does Desdemona mean when she says her only sin is loving Othello too much?
It implies her love is seen as a fault, especially as she speaks this on her deathbed. ## Footnote The Biblical reference to 'sin' amplifies the idea of a ritual sacrifice.
53
What does Desdemona's act of 'bearing' her sins to Othello represent?
It depicts a wife as someone who surrenders their whole being as a gift to their husband. ## Footnote This signifies complete and unconditional devotion.
54
What does Desdemona's comfort to Cassio reveal about women's roles?
Women had to serve all men above themselves, sacrificing their own interests. ## Footnote This highlights the expectation of female self-sacrifice.
55
How does Desdemona's commitment to Cassio ironically lead to her death?
Her support for Cassio enrages Othello and bolsters Iago's lies, ultimately causing her demise. ## Footnote This situational irony emphasizes the dangers of societal expectations.
56
What does the situational irony surrounding Desdemona's fate suggest?
It creates a sense that she is trapped in a rigged system designed to see her fail. ## Footnote Shakespeare critiques the hypocrisy and unreasonable standards of patriarchal society.

Othello (13 decks)

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