Vocab for Othello

Question 1

Diatribe

Answer 1

Brabantio’s diatride to Othello.
Othello’s diatribe to Desdemona, as he constantly calls her a “whore”

Question 2

State of vexation

Answer 2

Being annoyed.

Question 3

Empiricism

Answer 3

Theory that knowledge is based on experience derives from the senses. Othello’s isolation from Venetian society cause him to have empistemological isolation. Thus, resulting in Othello’s false judgement of himself, Desdemona and Iago.

Question 4

Hermeneutic agency

Answer 4

Power to construct signs and meanings. Othello has a flawed hermeneutic agency where he is consumed by mere possibilities that Iago paints in his head.

Question 5

Race is the insurmountable obstacle

Answer 5

The constant dehumanisation of Othello, comparison to animals and stereotypes causes Othello to internalise this prejudice apparent throughout Venetian society.

Question 6

Vindication

Question 7

Sexual jealousy is an inevitable endemic in a flawed patriarchal society

Answer 7

Bring this up in Shakespeares authorial intention. Shakespeare condems this.

Question 8

Panacea

Answer 8

Othello’s belief that killing Desdemona will be the panacea is his flaw.

Question 9

The surfeit dehumanisation of Othello

Answer 9

Surfeit means constant/ too much

Question 10

venerable

Answer 10

Synonym for honourable/ noble

Question 11

The evocative Iago

Answer 11

Evocative means bringing strong images, feelings to the mind (Of Othello)

Question 12

Resplendent Cassio

Answer 12

Synonym for handsome Cassio

Question 13

Abdicate

Answer 13

Desdemona decides to abdicate the duty of being a wife

Question 14

Iago’s pernicious actions

Answer 14

Pernicious means to cause harm or ruin

Question 15

Othello is besotted with Desdemona as she is a symbol of his social acceptance into Venetian society

Answer 15

Obsessed with Desdemona

Question 16

Milieu

Answer 16

The racist mileu of Venice.

Question 17

Hubris

Answer 17

excessive pride