Othello being criminalised

Question 1

Thieves, thieves!

Answer 1

Iago 1.1 - suggesting that in marrying Desdemona, Othello has committed a crime

Question 2

you’re robbed

Answer 2

Iago 1.1 - as if this marriage is illegal

Question 3

Where may we apprehend her and the Moor?

Answer 3

Brabantio 1.1 - criminalising language, suggesting that he will bring law and order to the supposedly illegal marriage between Othello and Desdemona

Question 4

O thou foul thief

Answer 4

Brabantio 1.2 - suggesting that in marrying Desdemona, Othello has committed a crime in stealing her

Question 5

I therefore do apprehend and do attach thee/For an abuser of the world, a practiser/Of arts inhibited and out of warrant

Answer 5

Brabantio 1.2 - criminalising language suggesting that Desdemona is Brabantio’s whole ‘world’, and that Othello has stolen and ‘abuse[d]’ her

Question 6

For if such actions may have passage free/Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be

Answer 6

Brabantio 1.2 - the rhyming couplet emphasises the racist, pointed language that digs at Othello’s past and implies that such a marriage is so illegal and unnatural that it will disrupt the natural order of things, and chaos will follow (foreshadowing!)