Othello - Critical Interpretations

Question 1

F.R. Leavis on Othello acting

Answer 1

Othello is always acting - he begins and ends the play acting a part. He thrives on “histrionics” throughout.

Question 2

Honigmann on Iagos impulses

Answer 2

lago ‘has neither felt nor understood the spiritual impulses that bind ordinary human beings together, loyalty, friendship, respect, compassion - in a word, love’

Question 3

Daniel wright on racism

Answer 3

‘lago’s racist incentive is spawned by the disappointment he suffers when 4 I
Othello advances Cassio’

Question 4

Nicole smith on nature of men in the play

Answer 4

‘As the play progresses, it is clear that Othello is a man like any other in the § text, the only difference is his race’

Question 5

E.A.J. Honigmann on des and emil love

Answer 5

Iago is clever, but his failure to comprehend the power of love - in particular Emilia’s love for Desdemona - is his downfall.

Question 6

Martin wangh on homosexuality

Answer 6

Iago has latent homosexual desires which drive his obsession with Othello’s relationship with Desdemona.
Love and hate are always closely interrelated.

Question 7

Feminist lense

Answer 7

the tragedy happens because of male insecurities and males constructions & of sexuality, while women are abused, and (in Desdemona’s case) literally silenced

Question 8

Coleridge on blameless Othello

Answer 8

Othello didn’t ‘kill Desdemona in jealousy’- rather it was forced upon him 4 A by ‘the almost superhuman art of lago’

Question 9

Coleridge on blameless Othello

Answer 9

Othello didn’t ‘kill Desdemona in jealousy’- rather it was forced upon him 4 A by ‘the almost superhuman art of lago’