Symbols In Othello Flashcards
1
Q
Venice:
A
- A bastion of cosmopolitan civilisation and commerce, protecting the boundaries of Europe from the Ottoman Empire.
- Also corrupted by debauchery.
2
Q
Animal imagery and failure to name Othello:
A
Racism and continual dehumanisation of Othello.
3
Q
Disease:
A
Uncontrollable spread of evil; one person’s evil can infect another; destruction.
4
Q
Misogynistic language
A
- Is used to objectify Desdemona, suggesting that she is “owned” by her father/husband.
- She is diminished to a sexual symbol.
5
Q
Council chamber:
A
- Othello is welcomed into a place of power at the heart of Venetian society.
- His elevated place in the social hierarchy is confirmed - and political imperatives (war) are judged to be more important in deciding this than personal conflict (his illicit marriage).
6
Q
Marriage:
A
- In a world of war, Othello’s marriage appears to be an oasis of calm.
- It offers a possible escape from conflict, and potential reconciliation between different groups.
7
Q
Storm:
A
- Increasing chaos; the magnitude of natural forces that dominate mankind; foreshadows the murder of Desdemona.
8
Q
Cyprus:
A
- This “warlike isle” on the edge of civilisation symbolises chaos and society’s precarious balance.
- It was also Aphrodite’s birthplace (she was accused in infidelity).
9
Q
The sea:
A
- Symbolises the vastness of Othello’s love, and suggests that the marriage is natural (in contrast to racist beliefs).
- Yet mankind is at the mercy of the sea’s currents.
10
Q
The drunken brawl:
A
- Symbolises the shift from political and social order to chaos, just as the natural world has already had a moment of chaos in the storm at the start of Act 2.
11
Q
The shift from blank verse to prose:
A
- Signals increasing disorder.
- Previously, we have heard lago speaking in prose and so it is associated with his malevolence and destructive impulses.
- Later, Othello will also begin to speak in this way.
