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.
How does Othello’s perception of Desdemona change?
He reduces Desdemona to a series of arbitrary objects and gestures.
This reflects his deteriorating trust in her.
What does Shakespeare illustrate about Othello’s military background?
Othello’s military attributes shift from leadership to becoming a bloodthirsty soldier reacting violently to conflict.
This is evident in his declaration, “Farewell […] the big wars / That makes ambition virtue [.]” (Act 3 Scene 3)
What does Othello equate with his manhood?
Othello ties his manhood to his occupation as a soldier and feels disconnected from this role.
This is reflected in his sentiments in Act 3 Scene 3.
What does Othello’s declaration, “Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!” signify?
This resembles a war cry or call to arms, indicating his desire to regain military prowess.
It shows his shift towards a violent reaction.
What is Othello’s view on love in the context of war?
Othello views love as a weakness and an obstacle to achieving victory.
His thoughts reflect a soldier’s mindset, emphasizing violence over affection.
What happens to Othello’s worldview as he becomes paranoid?
His worldview narrows and he becomes immune to voice or reason
Othello becomes insidiously self-reliant and cut adrift from everything he knows.
In military terms, how does Othello’s behavior change?
He goes AWOL and becomes a lone wolf, fighting his own personal war
This reflects his isolation and detachment from reality.
What paradoxical statement does Othello make about Cassio and Desdemona?
“To confess and be hanged for his labour. First to be hanged and then to confess”
This reflects his broken state of mind and loss of awareness of justice.
What does Othello crave instead of truth?
He craves the death of his ‘enemies’ rather than truth
This highlights his distorted sense of justice.
What does Othello mean when he says, “The justice of it pleases”?
His sense of lawfulness and justice is now centred around his own desires
This shows his moral decline and inflated ego.
How does Othello’s identity change after Desdemona’s betrayal?
He feels reduced to being a cuckold, stripping him of his manhood and triumphs
This drives him to seek revenge and recompense.
What does Othello’s speech reveal about his mental state?
It is full of “death and damnation”
This indicates a significant shift from the peacemaker of Act 1.
What does Othello express when he says, “I’ll tear her all to pieces!”?
His fixation on being cuckolded and his desire for revenge
This reflects his emotional turmoil and rage.
What does Othello’s remark, “I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!” signify?
His unrelenting viciousness and obsession with humiliation
It demonstrates that truth is no longer important to him.
What does Othello believe must happen to Desdemona?
She must die, else she’ll betray more men
In his mind, her death symbolizes a victory over cuckoldry.
What does Desdemona symbolize in Othello’s mind?
She symbolizes his insecurity
Her death is seen as necessary for the reinstatement of his masculinity.
What is the main theme of the play Othello?
Jealousy
Othello is known for its exploration of jealousy and its destructive effects.
How does Shakespeare convey Othello’s emotional deterioration?
Through structure and form
Shakespeare uses Othello’s speech patterns and behavior to illustrate his descent into irrationality.
What does Othello’s initial measured speech indicate?
His rational thought and respect
He addresses the Venetian council with a respectful tone at the beginning of the play.
What happens to Othello’s speech as he becomes engulfed by jealousy?
It becomes littered with oaths and gruesome imagery
His transformation is marked by violent language and loss of decorum.
What does Othello’s phrase ‘a horned man’s a monster and a beast’ imply?
Wounded pride and jealousy
This reflects the societal view of cuckoldry and its perceived dehumanization.
What does Othello lament about marriage?
The curse of ownership over desires
He expresses frustration that marriage does not guarantee fidelity.
What semantic field does Shakespeare use to describe Desdemona’s betrayal?
Property and ownership
Othello’s anger suggests he feels robbed of a material contract rather than emotional loss.
What does the adjective ‘stol’n’ imply about Desdemona’s affections?
They belong to Othello
Othello feels that Desdemona has robbed him by committing adultery.
What is the focus of postcolonial theory?
Impact of imperialism and colonization
It examines how colonization has shaped identities in decolonized societies.
What does postcolonialism seek to rectify?
Imbalance between colonist and colonised
It emphasizes giving voice to members of colonised societies.
What was a key motivation of colonialism?
Indoctrination into European culture
Colonies were often seen as extensions of the European mother country.
What does Othello’s shame regarding Desdemona’s treachery signify?
A man’s marriage was important to his public image
Othello fights for his honour rather than love.
How can ‘Othello’ be interpreted through a postcolonial lens despite the absence of postcolonial theory in Shakespeare’s time?
Modern knowledge of colonial practices gives the play new meaning
This perspective contrasts modern and contemporary audiences.
What was considered the ultimate humiliation for a man in Shakespeare’s time?
Being cuckolded
It suggested impotence and weakness.
What does the metaphor of a ‘beast’ imply about a cuckolded man?
He has no place in high society
Cuckolded men are viewed as animals.
In what way does the term ‘monster’ hold a double meaning in ‘Othello’?
Embarrassment and moral failure
Othello fears social failure and foreshadows his fate as a murderer.
What motivations drive Othello’s jealousy?
Selfishness, ego, and misogyny
Othello views women as property.
What societal view supports Othello’s overwhelming feelings of jealousy?
A woman’s complete subservience to her husband
This view is fundamental to Othello’s anger.
What does the concept of the Other explore in literature?
How the strange and unfamiliar threaten perceptions of normalcy
Othello is a Moor in Venice, set apart by race and culture.
How does Othello’s position in Venetian society challenge traditional views of the Other?
He occupies a respectable, secure position
This contrasts with the fear typically associated with the Other in power.
Who is responsible for uprooting the workings of Venetian society in ‘Othello’?
Iago
He leaves chaos and tragedy behind.
What themes does Shakespeare explore through the character of Othello?
Colonialism and race
They manifest in similar ways but have crucial differences.
How can Iago’s manipulation of Othello be viewed in the context of colonialism?
As an encounter with colonialism
It reflects the psychological aspects of colonial domination.
What does Alexander W. Crawford suggest about the issue of race?
It is a matter of racial divergence that amounts to an incompatibility of character
Crawford highlights the underlying racial tensions in societal interactions.
What does Ben Okri imply about relationships between Black men and white women?
There are many challenges and societal pressures involved
Okri suggests that race plays a significant role in perceptions and experiences of interracial relationships.
How does Jyotsna Singh characterize Othello’s internalization of racism?
Othello self-destructively internalizes the prevailing racism
Singh contrasts Othello’s perception of himself with Desdemona’s idealized image.
What does Michael Neill state about discussing race in Othello?
To ignore race is to efface something fundamental to the tragedy
Neill emphasizes the importance of race in understanding the play’s themes.
What role does Iago play in Othello’s mind according to the text?
Iago represents the white man who strips the black man of identity and free will
Iago’s manipulation of Othello’s thoughts symbolizes colonial domination.
What does Othello reveal about his awareness of his race?
He is very conscious of his own race and outsider status
Othello’s self-perception is influenced by the racist remarks he encounters.
Fill in the blank: Othello mentions ‘the cannibals that each other eat,’ which perpetuates the perception of foreign lands as _______.
primitive, grotesque places
This description reflects Othello’s attempt to distance himself from his past.
What does the reference to ‘cannibalism’ signify in relation to Othello’s view of other cultures?
It depicts these cultures as violent and lawless
Othello’s portrayal of other cultures aligns with European beliefs of barbarism.
How does Othello’s self-perception affect his view of Desdemona?
He concludes that his race is the cause of his struggles
Othello’s self-loathing leads him to distance himself from Desdemona.
What simile does Othello use to express his feelings about Desdemona’s lost innocence?
‘Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face’
This simile illustrates Othello’s link between race and shame.
How does Othello’s perception of Desdemona change by the end of the play?
He views her as he views himself, linking her fall from grace to his own identity
Othello’s tragic flaw is his inability to separate his racial identity from his relationship.
What causes Othello’s paranoia and jealousy regarding Desdemona’s faithfulness?
Othello’s deprecating view of himself
Othello’s self-perception is influenced by racist ideologies prevalent in Europe.
How does Othello’s race affect his position in the play?
Othello is the only character of colour, isolating him as the Other and scapegoat for Venetian bigotry
This highlights the themes of racism and xenophobia in the play.
Where is the play ‘Othello’ set, and what significance does this have?
The play opens in Venice, known for its splendour and developed society
The setting contrasts with Othello’s Otherness, which persists even in Cyprus.
What does the displacement of characters to Cyprus symbolize in ‘Othello’?
It symbolizes the universality of colonial ideology and arbitrary constructs of Otherness
No one is in familiar territory, yet Othello’s status as the Other remains.
What is a major theme concerning civilization in ‘Othello’?
The idea that no society is more evolved or civil than another
This theme intersects with race and reputation, highlighting societal duplicity.
How does Catherine Bates characterize love in her essay regarding Shakespeare’s tragedies?
Love is a fundamentally creative force opposed to destruction
Bates argues that love counters chaos with order and creates human families.
What is the role of language in Othello’s love and its civilizing power?
Language is the vehicle of love’s civilizing power
Othello’s persuasive speech contrasts with Iago’s destructive manipulation of language.
Fill in the blank: The symmetry between Othello and Iago lends a tragic ______ to Othello’s fate.
irony
Othello’s ability to love makes him susceptible to jealousy and manipulation.
True or False: The majority of characters in ‘Othello’ believe that cultures and races other than their own are capable.
False
The characters predominantly hold prejudiced views against other cultures.
What is the significance of speech in Othello?
Speech is the vessel of civilisation and high society. It is vital for succeeding in Venetian society.
How does Othello’s self-doubt manifest?
Othello’s self-doubt manifests as insecurities about his speech, fearing he won’t articulate himself well.
What does Othello mean when he says, ‘Rude am I in speech / And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace’?
He expresses his worries about his public speaking abilities and his feelings of inadequacy.
What cultural divide does Shakespeare draw through the juxtaposition of ‘rude’ and ‘peace’?
‘Rude’ connotes immorality and immaturity, while ‘peace’ connotes law and order, highlighting the divide between ‘civilised’ and ‘uncivilised’.
How is Othello characterized in relation to Venetian society?
Othello, the Moor, is portrayed as ‘rude’ and clumsy, destined to upset the ‘peace’ of Venice.
What semantic field is repeated throughout the play?
The semantic field of calmness and delicacy is repeated, contrasting with malice and violence.
What does Shakespeare suggest about the manipulation of language?
It is used to cover a multitude of sins and serves as a tool for the duplicitous.
What does Othello seek in his speech and interaction with others?
Othello seeks civility and respectability, desiring ‘those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have’.
What does Othello resent Desdemona for?
He resents her for making him ‘the fixed figure for the time of scorn’.
How does Othello view his actions towards Desdemona?
He views his intention to murder her as a ‘sacrifice’ and ‘honourable’ rather than an act of hate.
What does the phrase ‘honourable murderer’ imply about Othello’s perspective?
It highlights the duplicity of language; what is ‘murder’ to some may be seen as ‘sacrifice’ by others.
What is the significance of history in Othello’s actions?
Othello cares more about appearing civilised to others than acting civilised, as long as history preserves his reputation.
What does Iago reveal about society when he refers to a cuckolded man?
Iago points out that society is filled with both ‘civil monsters’ and ‘beasts’, highlighting the hypocrisy of societal norms.
What does the image of a ‘city’ populated by ‘civil monsters’ symbolize?
It symbolizes society’s double standards and the unrealistic nature of ‘high society’.
How does Shakespeare expose colonial ideology in Othello?
He reveals the belief that other cultures are primitive and bestial, contrasting with Othello’s quest for respectability.
What happens to Othello’s faith in Venetian society?
Othello’s faith in Venetian society as a figurehead for ‘honour’ and morality leads to his disillusionment.
How does Desdemona’s betrayal affect Othello?
It symbolizes society deceiving him, leading to his regression into a more violent state.
What happens to Othello’s moral compass throughout the play?
It skews to mirror that of his society, leading to his tragic downfall.
