Othello's divided duty

Question 1

I will but spend a word here in the house/And go with you

Answer 1

Othello 1.2 - here, Othello is divided between his duty to the Venetian state as he must report to the Senate and his wife and love Desdemona as he wishes to consummate their marriage and spend the night with her

Question 2

these arms of mine … have used/Their dearest action in the tented field

Answer 2

Othello 1.3 - Shakespeare uses language of love (‘arms of mine’ - embrace, ‘dearest action’) to refer to war and to highlight his devotion to his duty as the Venetian army’s general, and also to contrast his lack of experience with love and his extensive experience with war and the conflict that brings

Question 3

The tyrant custom … Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war/My thrice-driven bed of down

Answer 3

Othello 1.3 - contrast of harsh image of war and calm image of domesticity suggests that Othello has become so used to war that he has become comfortable with war as its harshness is comfortable for him because he is used to being a solider, not to being a caring husband

Question 4

heaven defend your good souls that you think/I will your serious and great business scant/When she is with me

Answer 4

Othello 1.3 - swears he will not have a divided duty as he will prioritise his duty to the Venetian army above his duty to Desdemona as her husband

Question 5

Let housewives make a skillet of my helm

Answer 5

Othello 1.3 - in this metaphor, Othello conflates war and domesticity to suggest if he does get distracted by Desdemona, his reputation will be ruined (ridiculous image - he doesn’t think it will ever happen)

Question 6

With all my heart

Answer 6

Othello 1.3 - the use of loving, romantic language demonstrates that he is already conflating love and war