Othello Flashcards
How are the views of Othello contradictory?
He is a military commander and a loving husband.
He is an ‘outsider’ but has significant power in Venice.
He is black in a white world- he tries to ignore stereotypes but ends up confirming to expectations.
What quotes show that Othello is eloquent?
“most patent, grave and reverence signors”
“keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them”
“valiant” epithet
“Rude am I in my speech” false modesty, humble brag
What quotes show the awareness of Othello’s race?
“an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”
“she had eyes and chose me”
“Her name that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face”
“the Moor”
“Rude am I in my speech”
What quotes show Othello doubting Desdemona’s loyalty?
"show me the ocular proof" "Her name that was a s fresh as Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face." "Impudent strumpet!" "whore of Venice" "honourable murderer"
What quotes show Othello’s love for Desdemona?”
“she gave me for my pains a world of sighs”
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her, that she did pity them.”
“when I love thee not, chaos is come again”
How does Shakespeare use structure to show Othello’s demise?
He uses Iambic pentameter and blank verse to show Othello’s control. He loses this structure as he loses his mind.
What is Othello’s hamartia?
Jealousy, doubt or awareness of race.
Phillips says “the pressures placed upon him rendered his life a tragedy” (due to his insecurity and isolation). He thinks he is an “impulsive and insecure man”.
Leavis suggested he was “simple minded” because of his readiness to believe Iago.
What are Desdemona’s characteristics (as viewed by the audience and other characters)?
Brabantio sees her as innocent and girlish. She is actually strong-willed and determined.
Desdemona knows her place and is respectful but sometimes speaks her mind.
She is Othello’s emotional support, salvation and comfort.
How is Desdemona described?
“jewel”
“A maiden never bold”
“O my fair warrior”
“supersubtle Venetian”
What quotes show Desdemona’s relationship with Othello?
“I saw Othello’s visage in his mind”
“that I did love the Moor to live with him”
“she has deceived her father and may thee”
“I myself farewell commend to me my high Lord”
“Does thou in conscience think that there are women who anise their husbands in conscience”
What does Desdemona’s love of Othello show?
How love can challenge expectations. She is transgressive.
She rebels against her father to be with her father (ironically choosing a worse life). She then begins to symbolise Othello- they are strong together and weak together.
She becomes the catalyst for the play.
How does Shakespeare show Desdemona’s unimportance in their patriarchal society? What do her last words say about her?
She doesn’t say much- minimal MLU. She often is on stage for long periods of time without saying anything. Her opinion is not values as a woman.
Honigmann says her last words are an “act of forgiveness” and “love and goodness defeat the evil”.
What are Iago’s characteristics?
He is the villain.
He is manipulative, deceitful, cynical, quick witted and opportunistic. He is also solipsistic, egotistical and influential- he knows his self-worth, very focuses on money.
Iago is the epitome of evil.
He might also be described as a source of irony and humour. He is a typical Jacobean stage villain.
What quotes show that Iago is deceitful and evil”
"I am not what I am" "indeed but a sign" "in following him, I follow but myself" "were I the Moor, I would not be Iago" "ensnare" "enmesh" "I'll pour this pestilence in his ear" "poison" "medicine" "when the advice I give is free and honest" "cause" "honest" epithet- irony
What quotes show Iago’s obsession with money?
“I know my price, I am worth no less a place”
“put money in thy purse”
