Sight and Blindness Flashcards
1
Q
Stagecraft of sight and blindness
A
Othello is visually different to all other characters
2
Q
Desdemona’s insight
A
- ‘I saw Othello’s visage in his mind’
- This later contrasts Othello’s own perception of him
- ‘Haply for I am black’
3
Q
Purpose of the motif of sight and blindness
A
- Sight is considered as having power
- Blindness is connected with being a cuckhold.
4
Q
How does Brabantio introduce the motif of sight and blindness?
A
‘if thou has eyes to see, she has deceived her father and may thee’
5
Q
How does Othello acknowledge his lack of sight?
A
He demands ‘occular proof’ (A3S3)
6
Q
How does the motif of sight and blindness establish a power dynamic between Othello and Iago?
A
- ‘this honest creature doubtless sees and knows more’
- since sight is associated with knowledge and power, Othello views Iago as more powerful
7
Q
How does Iago use blindness
A
In A1S1 and A5S1, he uses to cover of darkness to commit his deeds (manipulating Brabantio and injuring Cassio)
8
Q
How is Othello’s blindness exemplified in Act 5?
A
- Hearing Cassio’s scream without seeing him which prompts him to kill Desdemona
- ‘minion, your dear lies dead’
