Othello Flashcards
How does Shakespeare portray Othello in the beginning of the play?
As a prudent, level-headed individual who seeks to resolve conflict rather than cause it.
Othello’s character contrasts with typical heroes in literature, especially regarding toxic masculinity.
What does Othello tell Brabantio’s men that indicates his view on violence?
“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” (Act 1 Scene 2)
This reflects Othello’s preference for diplomacy over aggression.
What role does Othello hold in the Venetian army?
He is an ambassador to the Moors and a well-respected general.
Othello takes his duties seriously, often prioritizing his obligations to others.
What action does Othello take regarding Cassio that demonstrates his leadership?
He demotes Cassio despite their friendship, stating, “Cassio, I love thee, / But never more be officer of mine.” (Act 2 Scene 3)
This highlights Othello’s willingness to sacrifice personal loyalties for the sake of his leadership role.
What type of persona does Othello embody as a leader?
A Messiah-type persona.
This characterization is controversial due to the racial dynamics of the Jacobean era.
How is Othello’s relationship with Desdemona portrayed?
As one of mutual respect and deep devotion.
Othello’s care for Desdemona transcends physical attraction and societal expectations.
What significant action does Othello take to empower Desdemona?
He invites her to speak for herself, breaking conventions of the time.
This was unusual in a society where women had little authority.
What does Othello say about his love for Desdemona?
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them.” (Act 1 Scene 3)
This illustrates the strength he draws from her support and the idea of marriage as a partnership.
What does Shakespeare convey about Othello’s spirit through love?
Love brightens Othello’s spirit and makes him feel optimistic.
Othello’s joyful imagery reflects his strong feelings for Desdemona.
Which imagery does Othello use to express his feelings about love?
Joyful, fearless imagery such as My soul’s joy, / If after every tempest come such calms…
This highlights the strength love brings him.
How does Othello perceive the challenges he faces with Desdemona?
He feels they can face anything together, even ‘death’ itself.
This reflects the ultimate goal for lovers.
What literary elements does Shakespeare use to draw parallels with traditional love poetry?
References to nature and music.
These elements convey the powerful nature of love.
What is the importance of considering typicality in literary analysis?
It helps to understand the cultural and contextual influences of the period.
Typicality can reveal the author’s intentions and societal norms.
How does Othello initially display his faith in Desdemona’s loyalty?
He is unwavering in his trust and expresses it through declarations.
He states, ‘Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw / The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt.’
What does Othello’s declaration ‘O then heaven mocks itself’ imply?
It implies that Desdemona’s honesty is the foundation of Othello’s worldview.
This resembles someone swearing to God.
What does Shakespeare suggest about Othello’s trust in others?
Othello is too quick to trust, showing naivety in his blind trust in Iago.
He refers to Iago as ‘good lago’ and ‘most honest.’
Fill in the blank: Othello’s trust is greater than his own _______.
self-doubt or insecurity.
True or False: Othello often doubts Desdemona’s loyalty throughout the play.
False.
What does Othello imply about his own weaknesses and jealousy?
Othello believes he is aware of his weaknesses and dismisses jealousy as a fool’s errand.
He tells Iago, “Think’st thou l’d make a life of jealousy, / To follow still the changes of the moon / With fresh suspicions?” (Act 3 Scene 3)
What is Othello’s approach to doubt and proof?
Othello insists that to be once in doubt is to be resolved, stating, “I’1I see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove.”
This indicates his reliance on logic over emotions.
What does Othello believe will save his marriage?
Othello believes that communicating with Desdemona and not allowing ill feelings to fester will save their marriage.
He expresses this in Act 3 Scene 3.
What metaphor does Othello use to express his suffering in Act 3 Scene 3?
Othello says, “Thou hast set me on the rack,” which connotes medieval methods of torture.
This reflects his growing paranoia and doubt.
How does Othello’s character change from the beginning to Act 3 Scene 3?
Othello transitions from being rational and calm to wild and restless, lamenting, “Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!”
This change signifies his internal turmoil.
What does Othello demand from Iago as proof of Desdemona’s fidelity?
Othello demands Iago to give him the ocular proof.
This obsession with physical evidence signifies his insecurities.