Othello's background and otherness

Question 1

What is Othello repeatedly referred to as?

Answer 1

‘The Moor’ - accentuating his outsider status

Question 2

What derogatory word is used to Othello upon his entry?

Answer 2

‘Barbaric’

Question 3

How does Othello subvert these racial stereotypes?

Answer 3

‘Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them’ - indicating a calm and non-reactive response - use of iambic pentameter

Question 4

Under Brabantio’s accusations Othello subverts our presumption of him through…

Answer 4

‘My services, which I have done the Signiory, shall out-tongue his complaints’ - use of personification - dignifies methodical response

Question 5

What is evidence of Othello believing in Desdemona’s infidelity - due to his outsider status?

Answer 5

‘Haply for I am black and have not seen these soft parts of conversations that chambers have’ - recognises their differences

Question 6

Othello’s outsider status is further made apparent as Emilia says…

Answer 6

‘O, the more angel she and you the blacker devil’ - juxtaposes hell and heaven - colour black encourages a negative response amongst onstage characters

Question 7

Iago sees to manipulate Brabantio with the use of his daughter saying…

Answer 7

‘An old black ram is tupping your white ewe’ - colour emphasised through animalistic and sexually explicit imagery - contrast Desdemona as pure