Othello Flashcards
What type of character is othello?
Tragic hero (protagonist)
What are the key ideas around othello?
1) husband 2) military man 3) wants to be equal 4) trusted foreigner 5) black man in a white world 6) wields power
What are our first impressions of othello?
Iagos reductive assessment makes him seem bombastic, proud and lascivious and crude
How does iago present othello as bombastic?
“Loving his own pride and purposes”
How does iago make othello seem lascivious?
“Old black ram tupping your white ewe”
How is othello seen with natural authority and sincerity in (1:2)
“Keep up your bright swords”
How is othello seen as an impressive military commander in (1:3) ?
“Honours” and “valiant parts”
How is othello presented as a fine rhetorician in (1:3) ?
He speaks in verse “most potent and grave seniors” and “nobel and approved masters”
What are some key ideas that lead to Othellos tragic downfall?
1) reputation 2) sexual jealousy 3) desdemonas chastity 4) honour 5) war 6) doubt 7) manipulation 8) racism
Who admires Othello?
Respected figures - even brabantio admires Othello as a soldier
What do we not doubt about Othello?
Othello is a good soldier - little evidence but he stopped the fight during his wedding festivities
How is Othello and desdemonas relationship presented as sincere and intense?
“Let me go with him”
How are othello and desdemona represented as a worth couple?
“Far more fair than black” and “I think this tale would win my daughter too”
How do othello and desdemona speak freely about their love?
Speak honestly “I won his daughter”
How is Othello presented to be overwhelmed by love in (2:1)?
“Oh my fair warrior”
