Love and war Flashcards
Why does Othello trust Iago over Des?
Because soldiers were traditionally seen as loyal and honest.
Suggest how love makes people irrational.
- Roderigo’s love for Des turns him “wrong side out”, leads him to follow Iago and ultimately causes his downfall.
- Emilia’s betrayal of Des, stealing the handkerchief, is also motivated by her unquestioning desire to “please (Iago’s) fantasy”.
Suggest how love and war can exist harmoniously.
- Othello explains elegantly that his tales of war caused Des to love him: “she loved me for the dangers i had passed”.
- Des seems to find his military powers attractive, which is one of the reasons he loves her back - it makes him feel heroic.
Describe how Shakespeare uses imagery of war to reveal strengths in their relationship.
In cyprus, Othello describes Des as a “fair warrior”, suggesting that he values both her beauty and her strength of character. This implies they are well-matched.
Contradict this imagery of harmony between love and war.
Othello’s speech in Act 1 Scene 3 places war before love.
Also - “’tis the soldiers’ life/To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.”
Why does Othello’s ensuring that Cyprus remains safe an example of dramatic irony?
He wants to make sure Cyprus is safe and inspects the “fortifications”, however, the audience knows that these fortifications won’t protect Othello’s marriage from Iago’s attacks.
What is integral to Othello’s character? Describe the significance.
- His honour and military career. When he becomes convinced of his wife’s infidelity, he sees it as a failure of his personal masculine honour.
- He bids farewell to his military career and compares the loss of his wife to the loss of his military prowess: Othello’s occupation is gone”.
Describe Othello’s corrupt sense of honour.
He justifies the murder by saying “naught i did in hate, but all in honour” - his sense of honour is stronger than his faith in his wife’s innocence.
