Othello Flashcards
What is it called when a piece of literature’s title is that of the main character?
One would say that the literature has an ‘eponymous’ title, and that the character is the ‘titular character.’
Where an when is Othello (A1) set?
1600’s Venice.
What military position does Othello hold?
He is a general.
What are some of the major themes in acts 1 and 2 of Othello?
- Hypocrisy
- Passion
- Jealousy
- Revenge
- Prejudice
What does the early modern English preoccupation with cuckoldry demonstrate?
A basic male insecurity about women’s sexuality.
Can the men under Othello be trusted? Why or why not?
No.
- Cassio means well but can easily be influenced.
- Iago pretends to be Othello’s friend but is secretly resentful as he was passed over for a promotion.
Why is Iago resentful towards Othello? Give two reasons.
- He is bitter that Othello chose Cassio over him to be promoted to a lieutenant.
- He believes that Othello has slept with his wife.
Why is Othello alienated?
He is black and foreign.
Who is the lover of the titular hero?
Desdemona, the daughter of a man of very high power / nobleman. She and Othello secretly marry, which was very alarming to the Venetian high society.
What type of power system does Venice use in the play?
Venice is an oligarchy. An oligarchy consists of a small group of people who have a lot of power (primarily noblemen).
Where does Act 1, Scene 1 begin?
Outside Desdemona’s house.
Give two quotes from Iago.
Any of the following:
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him!”
“I am not what I am.”
“In which regard, Though I do hate him as I do hell’s pains.”
““It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago. In following him, I follow but myself.”
“With as little a web as this will I ensnare a great a fly as Cassio.”
“…Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgement cannot cure.”
Give two quotes from Othello.
Any of the following:
“I love the gentle Desdemona.”
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.”
(In reference to Iago): “A man he is of honesty and trust.
To his conveyance I assign my wife.”
Give two quotes from Brabantio.
“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.
She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
“But words are words; I never yet did hear
That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear.
Beseech you now, to the affairs of state.”
Give quotes that reflect themes of love.
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them.” (Othello)
“I love the gentle Desdemona.” (Othello)
Give quotes that reflect themes of prejudice.
“To fall in love with what she feared to look upon?” (Brabantio)
“Sans witchcraft could not.”
How is Desdemona’s response to Othello’s vulnerabilities atypical?
Desdemona responds to Othello’s vulnerabilities rather than his strength and prowess as a soldier. Desdemona contrasts Brabantio’s picture of her in scenes 1-3 as weak, showing she has a voice.
What role does Roderigo play?
The fool. He is continuously the victim of iago’s deception.
What imagery does Iago use when describing his plans?
That of a spider. He describes his plan to “ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” with “as little a web as this.”
What is the purpose of Iago’s soliloquies?
To make the audience feel complicit. He has a compelling voice and uses persuasive language. Shakespeare uses Iago as a mirror for the audience - to make us reflect on ourselves and to think about what needs to change.
Give a summary of events up until the end of act 1.
- Iago and Roderigo stir things
- Iago ‘warns’ Othello
- Brabantio accuses Othello
- Othello and Desdemona defend themselves
- Iago plots Revenge
- They all head to Cyprus
