Othello Flashcards
1
Q
Othello Themes
A
Justice
danger of Isolation
Military heroism vs love
Deception and treachery
Jealousy
Class and race
2
Q
Symbol: Handkerchief
A
- Desdemonas faith and chastity
- Evidence of infidelity
- Marital fidelity
- Symbol of Othello’s love
Shifts in meaning throughout the play
3
Q
Symbol: ‘Willow’ song
A
- Song about a woman who is betrayed by her lover
- Desdemona’s mother maid died singing the song
- Song’s lyrics suggest that both men and women are unfaithful to one another
- Represents a melancholy and resigned acceptance
- Bond between Emilia and Desdemona
4
Q
Symbol: Candle
A
- Just before killing Desdemona, Othello ponders at a candle
- Symbolic of Desdemona’s life
- Extinguishing her ‘light’
- Extinguishing truth and wisdom
5
Q
Othello
A
- Outsider, racistly discriminated, makes him and east prey for Iago
- Excellent general, has done service to state
- Tragic flaw, trusting people
