Themes: Reputation Flashcards
Key theme of reputation in 'Othello'
What is Othello’s reputation at the start of the play?
strong reputation as a noble general who has earned the respect of Venice despite his race
How does Othello’s tragic downfall impact his reputation?
Othello’s downfall is driven by fear of losing his reputation he has worked so hard for (when he believes Desdemona is being unfaithful he only worried about what people will say about him)
Othello’s Reputation: “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition oft got without merit and lost without deserving.” [Act 2, Scene 3]
- Othello claims not believe in the powerful “idle” of reputation despite believing he will lose his, displaying his hypocrisy
- Foreshadowing - Othello soon loses his reputation “without deserving”
What is Iago’s opinions on reputations?
Iago is aware how important reputation is to the characters and exploits it, aligning with the Machiavellian character he is
How do other characters such as Othello commonly describe Iago?
- “Honest Iago” [whole play]
- Ironic - shows how reputations can be built on false perceptions
Iago’s Manipulation of Reputation: “Good name in man and woman […] is the jewel of their souls” [Act 3, Scene 3]
- comparison between a good reputation to precious jewels, showing how it is priceless for your name to be honourable
How is Cassio’s obsession with reputation displayed?
Cassio places immense value on his reputation as a soldier and lieutenant
How is Cassio vulnerable to Iago’s manipulation?
He gives so much weight to other’s opinions of him, and his desperation to restore his honour leads him to unknowingly play into Iago’s plot
Cassio’s Obsession with Reputation: “Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!” [Act 2, Scene 3]
- Repetition and exclamative sentences - shows how devastated Cassio is about losing his high-status position
Cassio’s Obsession with Reputation: “I have lost this immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial”
- his “immortal” reputation is what will live in when he dies, and now the story of how he lost his reputation will become his reputation
- “bestial” - without his social status, all that remains are his primal instincts
How is Desdemona’s reputation central to her relationship with Othello?
Her chastity and fidelity are critical to Othello’s sense of honour as Desdemona is an extension of Othello’s reputation
How does Desdemona’s gender affect her reputation?
As a woman in Renaissance Venice Desdemona’s reputation is dependant on her chastity and obedience, both of which come into question by the other men in her life when she marries Othello
Reputation and Gender: “Her name, that was fresh as a Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face” [Act 3, Scene 3]
- Desdemona’s suspected actions will always affect hers and Othello’s reputation despite not being true
- Self-Deprecating Simile - Othello questions Desdemona’s loyalties based on a rumour and believes his reputation will in turn be affected negatively (being a woman means Desdemona is shackled to her husband’s reputation and drags him down with her)
Themes that link to reputation:
- Jealousy
- Appearance vs reality
- Power
