OTHELLO - reputation, misogyny/patriarchy

Question 1

quote by desdemona which is manipulated by iago showing his view and society’s view of the duplicitous nature of women

method: image of the duplicitious woman

Answer 1

I am not merry; but I do beguile The thing I am, by seeming otherwise. Act II, Scene i

Question 2

cassio quote about the divinity of reputation

method: repetition, exclamatory, hyperbolic language

Answer 2

Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. Act II, Scene iii

Question 3

quote from emelia to show the female perspective on men’s treatment of women

method: imagery of consumption

Act 3 scene 4

Answer 3

They are all but stomachs, and we all but food. To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us

Question 4

Reputation as the product of action

method: the overwhelming male voice

Act 1 scene 2

Answer 4

“My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/shall manifest me rightly” - othello

Question 5

Reputation as deceptive

method: appearance vs reality

act 1 scene 3 soliloquoy

Answer 5

“The Moor is of a free and open nature/that thinks men honest that but seem to be so”

Question 6

Reputation reflecting worth

Answer 6

“Good name in man and woman/is the immediate jewel of their souls”

Question 7

reputation valued over monetary possessions

method: imagery of thievery and wealth

Answer 7

“But he that filches from me my good name/robs me of that which not enriches him/and makes me poor indeed” - Iago

Question 8

misogynistic attitude towards female sexuality

Act 4 scene 2

Answer 8

“i took you for that cunning whore of venice”

Question 9

honesty as reputation

Act 5 scene 2

Answer 9

an honest man he is and hates the slime/ that sticks of filthy deeds - othello

Question 10

appearances as deceiving

act 5 scene 2

Answer 10

i look down towards his feet- that’s a fable/ if he that thou be’st a devil, i cannot kill thee

Question 11

imagery of thievery, repeated throughout by male characters

Answer 11

he that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen// let him not know’t, and he is not robbed at all

Question 12

the value othello places upon his reputation as a soldier

loss of sense of self due to

Answer 12

othello: farewell the plumed troops and the big wars//…farewell othello’s occupations gone