OTHELLO ACT 1 SCENE 2 Flashcards
Summary
- Iago tells Othello about Brabantio; Othello summoned by Duke
- B demands O’s arrest
- Iago loyal servant and joker- role player
Themes
- Deception
- Race
- Anger/Hatred
Importance
How does the beginning of scene 2 mirror scene 1?
starts in media res, but this time Iago is playing the part of the loyal servant
“I lack iniquity/Sometimes to do me service”
Dramatic irony: he’s saying he isnt evil enough to murder someone
“Let him do his spite; My services…. shall out-tongue his complaints”
Personification: his reputation will speak for him
Othello is so rational here- it is clear why he is in charge, but also highlights his downfall
“But that I love the gentle Desdemona”
Highlights how truly he does love her- links to what he believes his hamartia to be
“My parts, my title and my perfect soul/Shall manifest me rightly.”
- List of three- measured, dignified and justified
- moral way of speaking
- possible hubris?
“By Janus, I think no.”
- 2 faced God- ironic
- matches Iago
“Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack; If it prove lawful prize, he’s made forever.”
- Metaphor: carrack is treasure ship
- Role of joking soldier: rude and coarse as soon as Othello leaves
“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust.”
- Calm and rational
- “Keep”: imperative- diffusing tension
“O thou foul thief”
- Cruelty: cannot believe they are in love, assumes Othello has stolen her
“thou hast enchanted her.”
- Stereotypical: he’s used witchcraft
- Views other races as sinful and cursed
“she shunn’d the wealthy curled darlings of our nation.”
- wealthy men of Venice (white)
- refuses to believe she chose Othello
“a maid so tender, fair and happy.” vs “sooty bosom”
- light and dark: idolises Desdemona’s whiteness and sneers at Othello’s race
- 16th C prejudices
What could be said about Shakespeare’s intention with this scene?
He could be potentially challenging audience’s racist perceptions?
