Othello Flashcards
Othello’s initial character
Approaches adversity with reason Ex. Barbantio’s accusations
•”[his] parts, [his] title and [his] perfect soul will manifest him rightly”
•[his] services (…) shall tongue out his complaints”
•iambic pentameter highlights self discipline and poise
•”keep up your bright swords for the few will rust them”- shows not violent
What triggered Othello’s character change
Iago “pours pestilence into his ear” by turning “desdemona’s virtue into pitch”
What happens to Othello’s character after ago tells him rumours
Succumbs to jealousy “the green eyed monster that doth mocks the meat it feeds on”
Acts illogically due to insecurity even tho Iago “speak[ing] not yet of proof”
Loses self control and starts lashing out and “speaking so startlingly and rash” because “passion has [his] best judgement collied”
“Breaks out into peevish jealousies”
Loss of iambic pentameter when insinuating about handkerchief shows loss of sophistication
What does Othello deem as evidence for desdemona’s infidility
“Hand is moist”- moist hands are seen as evidence of sexual activity
Lost handkerchief- handkerchief is symbolic for their love and it being lost shows their love being lost
How does Othello’s jealousy affect his moral compass
Calls determine derogatory names “cunning white” “public commoner”
“Kill[s] thee”
Use of hamartia
Othello’s tragic flaw which was excessive jealousy and insecurity which highlights how as he become overwhelmed by immoral vices and neglect their ration and resort to emotion it leads to tragedy
Character foil iago and Othello
Othello- swear “by heaven”=morality and goodness
Iago- swears “by Janus”- allusion emphasizes his two faced nature=bad
The characters embodied the distinction between good and evil however this line started to blur as Othello began to act out of insecurity
