What reasons does Othello give for having to kill Desdemona?
Othello believes that (Desdemona) "she must die, else she'll betray more men" he believes that this is a moral and valiant thing to do. Othello has talked himself into believing that he is ridding the world of Desdemona's unfaithful, promiscuous nature to save others like himself.
What evidence is there to suggest that Shakespeare adhered to racial stereotypes in this scene?
The fact that Othello even has the thought of murdering Desdemona based on no real evidence is absurd, yet Othello takes it one step further and carries out the deed. This adheres to the racial stereotype of black people being: aggressive, impulsive and that they let their emotions control their actions. Although Desdemona loves Othello, we can see that she is still afraid of him when he comes to her in bed during Act 5 Scene 2. Shakespeare follows the 'mystical negro' stereotype in the line "Yet I fear you, for you're fatal then when your eyes roll so" this portrays that he's blind with rage and follows the unpredictable stereotype of black people in Shakespeare's era.
Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has confessed to sleeping with her (line 68). What was this 'confession'?
Othello takes the fact that Cassio had the 'handkerchief' as a confession of Desdemona's adultery even though he did not confront Cassio himself like he should have; he assumed it had happened anyway.
Emilia says "Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!" [5.2.192-193] what does this indicate about Emilia and society? Consider the circumstances the characters are in.
Emilia, in a natural situation, would obey her husband's orders; yet under the circumstance of Desdemona's death, she no longer has any respect for him because in her eyes, it is Iago's fault that her mistress is dead. The fact that Emilia says "Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak" shows that she still knows her place in society and seeks permission from a higher power (in this case Montano and Gratiano who represent Venice and order). Emilia respects her position in society but she knows what is right, and in this scene she deems it right to cast aside her loyalty to Iago.
How is Emilia presented in lines 125-233. Consider the language she uses, how she behaves and what she says to Othello and Iago.
Emilia is presented as furious within these lines. She unmasks Iago (her own husband) as the reason behind all the happenings and murders that have taken place. Emilia goes against the stereotypical view of women in the 1600s when she deceives her husband when he tells her to "charm your tongue". Emilia sees the act of murdering Desdemona as more important than obeying her husband or Othello.
List all of the names Emilia calls Othello when she realises what he has done. How does this contrast with how Othello was portrayed at the start of the play?
'the blacker devil', 'gull', 'dolt', 'dull moor', 'murderous coxcomb'.
At the start of the play,Othello is deemed as 'valiant' and 'noble' yet now he is being called the complete opposite. Throughout the play he has been slowly becoming more devilish.
Monday 20 June 2016
Thursday 16 June 2016
Act 5 Scene 1
At the beginning of Act 5 scene 1, Iago and Roderigo plan to
murder Cassio, this almost mirrors Act 1 scene 1; the point in the play in
which Iago first manipulates Roderigo into helping him take down Othello. Act 5
scene 1 also mirrors Act 1 scene 1 because the scene is set in the dark evening,
Iago will fight with Roderigo and Cassio, attempting the murder them both, and
in the opening scene Brabantio’s men try to fight Othello over Desdemona. Iago’s
opportunist nature is portrayed in this scene because he takes advantage of
this poorly lit scene to strike and kill his pawns.
In this scene, Iago states “I’ll be at thy elbow” this is ironic
as in the time in which ‘Othello’ is set, people would say that the devil is at
your elbow; Iago is the devilish character in the play and he almost presents
himself to be the devil.
The fact that Roderigo doesn’t die no matter how many
attempts Iago has, presents the inevitability that Iago will eventually be
unmasked and his plan will surface; this is the start of Iago’s downfall. After
Iago’s failed second attempt to murder Roderigo, Roderigo will know that his
theory of Iago’s duplicitous nature is correct and that all the events leading
to and Desdemona’s murder were Iago’s fault.
As Bianca turns up out of the blue straight into the scene
where two attempted murders have taken place, Iago is quick to blame her for
the occurrences. As Bianca admits “he supped at my house” Iago can make up the
story that the two men were fighting over Bianca (as although she wasn’t, she
was sleeping with both men), therefore she is a prime target for Iago.
Tuesday 24 May 2016
Cast Cassio
Matthew Daddario as Cassio
Matthew Daddario would make a good Cassio because he is good looking. This is helpful because Othello has to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him with Cassio; it enhances the reality of the theory.
Cassio becomes Othello's right hand lieutenant and the character Alec is the male protagonist's companion. Both of the characters are very similar, so for Daddario to act as another character like this, it would come very naturally.
Matthew Daddario would make a good Cassio because he is good looking. This is helpful because Othello has to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him with Cassio; it enhances the reality of the theory.
In his previous role as Alec Lightwood in Shadowhunters, Daddario acts as a selfless character who treasures the reputation of tradition and family, therefore he would suit the role as Cassio because reputation means a lot to him.
Cassio becomes Othello's right hand lieutenant and the character Alec is the male protagonist's companion. Both of the characters are very similar, so for Daddario to act as another character like this, it would come very naturally.Wednesday 18 May 2016
Othello & Iago
According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
According to Adrian Lester, Othello has been fighting since the young age of seven. This could show Othello's character to have known only of war and battle since his childhood, which explains why he seeks solace in aggression and later on the murder of his innocent wife, Desdemona.
According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
Lester presents that, because Othello isn't born into any sort of wealth or position, Othello's image and reputation is very important to him. He marries Desdemona which heightens his position in society and eventually kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation. Eventually Othello kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation.
What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Othello marries Desdemona, which heightens his position in society as she comes from a very well respected family in Venice. This allows Othello to gain more respect from his peers and even more authority.
Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Rory Kinnear says that Iago is disgruntled with Othello because, Iago has worked very hard striving for the position of lieutenant, which then gets given to Cassio (a younger, posher officer). Iago sees himself slighted by Othello as Cassio has gained the job from status not hard work.
What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
According to Rory Kinnear, Othello and Iago have both started out right at the bottom of the ranks and have both moved upwards to where they are in the play. Although Othello becomes a general, Iago is stuck in his position, not quite reaching the position he has strived for (lieutenant). This leaves Iago bitter and seeking revenge.
Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Some ways, which are listed by Kinnear, that Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio are through: subterfuge, insinuation and getting people on his side.
According to Adrian Lester, Othello has been fighting since the young age of seven. This could show Othello's character to have known only of war and battle since his childhood, which explains why he seeks solace in aggression and later on the murder of his innocent wife, Desdemona.
According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
Lester presents that, because Othello isn't born into any sort of wealth or position, Othello's image and reputation is very important to him. He marries Desdemona which heightens his position in society and eventually kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation. Eventually Othello kills out of jealousy but also in a desperate act to save his beloved reputation.
What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Othello marries Desdemona, which heightens his position in society as she comes from a very well respected family in Venice. This allows Othello to gain more respect from his peers and even more authority.
Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Rory Kinnear says that Iago is disgruntled with Othello because, Iago has worked very hard striving for the position of lieutenant, which then gets given to Cassio (a younger, posher officer). Iago sees himself slighted by Othello as Cassio has gained the job from status not hard work.
What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
According to Rory Kinnear, Othello and Iago have both started out right at the bottom of the ranks and have both moved upwards to where they are in the play. Although Othello becomes a general, Iago is stuck in his position, not quite reaching the position he has strived for (lieutenant). This leaves Iago bitter and seeking revenge.
Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Some ways, which are listed by Kinnear, that Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio are through: subterfuge, insinuation and getting people on his side.
Tuesday 10 May 2016
Casting the role of Desdemona
Mia Wasikowska as Desdemona
I believe that Mia Wasikowska would play the role of Desdemona well in the play, Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
Mia has had a lot of experience working alongside the biggest name in the film industry such as Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway when playing the lead role of Alice in the film Alice in Wonderland. The role that Mia played as Alice, a character with naïve perception of the world and others, (similar to Desdemona) relates well to the role of Desdemona as the character of Desdemona is very naïve of how people can act and be manipulated to do, as she is completely lost when Othello becomes angry.
Mia has a young, innocent look about her which is perfect for the role of Desdemona as she continues to be obedient to Othello throughout the play because she believes that the man she married would never harm her. Mia's pale complexion and fair hair would help to reinforce to the audience the differences between Desdemona and Othello in the play, making Desdemona seem even more naïve, therefore making the audience feel even more sympathy towards her and more resentment towards Othello.
Tuesday 12 April 2016
Big Question 2
How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene?
Earlier in the play, Othello shows his insecurity of how he
speaks differently to the Italian people “rude am I in my speech”, which shows
that he believes on some level that he is beneath the Italian race even if he
is higher than them in rank. Cassio helped Othello to win Desdemona’s heart,
and therefore was close to Desdemona; they spent a lot of time together. As
Iago questions Othello about this discretely “Did Michael Cassio, when you
wooed my lady, know of your love?”, this automatically makes Othello think that
there could be a slight chance that something has happened between Cassio and
Desdemona in the past and that there even could be something on going.
Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona is different to him in “clime,
complexion and degree”; he picks up on differences between Desdemona and
Othello to use against their relationship. Iago presents the idea that
Desdemona may realise that she wants someone more like herself, as their
relationship is of “Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural” according to Iago
and the rest of society in this time period. This again strikes Othello’s
insecure streak as he knows that he and Desdemona are very different and a lot
of people think that their marriage isn’t right and therefore, Desdemona may
conforms to pressure from society.
Overall, Iago uses many ideas and ways to manipulate Othello’s
thoughts into what he wants him to think which is the opposite of the truth by
laying foundations and giving Othello situations that could have happened.
Tuesday 15 March 2016
Iago- Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston is famous for his role in both the Avengers and the Night Manager. Loki who he plays the role of in the Avengers lies and is a very deceptive and manipulative character like Iago. Tom Hiddleston also plays Johnathon Pine in The Night Manager who originally starts as a hotel manager in order to keep an eye on a wealthy family who are suspected of doing risky deals with suspicious men, he gains their trust by lying to the family. He changes his identity to remain incognito but his plan is foiled when he gets beaten up by a gang of thieves who targeted the family for money and took their son as a ransom. I think that Tom Hiddleston would be a good character to play Iago as he is used to playing deceptive, manipulative and evil characters like Iago.
Friday 11 March 2016
Othello Act 2 Scene 3 questions
Iago switches from verse to prose when he speaks with Cassio, and Cassio follows. What does this indicate about the exchange? What might it indicate about Cassio? AO2 LFS
Iago speaks in verse when he is speaking normally as everyone else, yet he switches to prose as he puts the next stage of his plan into action. Iago speaks in prose as he begins to manipulate and persuade Cassio into becoming close with Desdemona. Iago manipulates Cassio into thinking that if he is to "confess.. freely" to Desdemona, she will sway Othello's mind and Cassio will regain his position. This indicates that Cassio is naïve because he doesn't believe that Iago would be giving him this advice for any underlying reason, he is similar to Othello in this way as he doesn't believe that a loyal friend would ever lie to or betray him.
What language does Cassio use when speaking about Desdemona? How does it compare to the language Iago uses to sexualise her? Why do you think Iago is speaking about Desdemona in this way to Cassio? (lines 15-25) AO2 LF
Iago changes the topic straight to that of Desdemona, (when Othello and Desdemona leave to consummate their marriage) in order to manipulate Cassio into viewing her in a sexual way, which would then make Cassio a prime target for the person who had the alleged affair with Desdemona. When Cassio speaks of Desdemona, he uses flattering vocabulary such as "exquisite" and "perfection" to describe her, this is all absent of sexualised language. Alternatively, Iago says "what an eye she has", implying that Desdemona looks at other men in sexual ways, to make Cassio believe he might have a chance with her. Despite Iago's attempts, Cassio defends Desdemona, saying that she's "modest" which shows he is a decent person and cares for Desdemona in a friendly way.
How does Iago persuade Cassio to drink? Use your close reading skills to analyse the language he uses. (Note how ‘but’ is used as an adverb here) AO2 LFS
Iago persuades Cassio to drink in Act 2 Scene 3, by making him feel guilty as he will not drink with his men. Cassio knows that he cannot hold his drink and that he becomes drunk on very little alcohol, therefore he is very reluctant to drink anymore as he had already had one glass that evening. Despite his worries, Cassio eventually gives in to Iago when Iago states "but one cup" to drink with his friends. The adverb "but" comes across as meaning that one cup is nothing and that in saying it, Iago is trying to convince Cassio that just one glass of wine won't have an effect on him.
Why does Iago try to subvert the social order and bring others down to his level, rather than try to climb the ladder and raise himself up? Consider ideas about social order at the time AO3, context.
In the time period, it was very difficult, near impossible to climb the social ladder in a society which based its rules on the fact that if you were poor, you stayed poor, and if you were rich you got richer. There was no movement in the rankings in society. Iago recognises this, and in order to become higher up in the hierarchy, he knows that he has to bring his higher nobilities down to his level or lower in order to raise himself up his goal of taking Othello's rank.
Othello says “My blood begins my safer guides to rule/And passion, having my best judgements collied/Assays to lead the way.” (lines 201-203) What does this quotation reveal about the effects of Iago’s knavery in this scene?
Othello reveals within his quote, his anger towards Iago's knavery, aimed at Cassio as Iago hasn't been exposed as the villain a to this moment in time. This is very alternate to Act 1 Scene 2 where Othello keeps very calm as he is repeated accused of 'stealing' Brabantio's daughter. This could be because he is the person of authority and the person that he most trusts has been fighting against Othello's will even though Cassio was supposed to be keeping the peace.
BIG QUESTION: Why is this scene important in relation to the play as a whole?
-How is Iago presented
-What happens in the scene
-What this scene indicates about the key characters
In this scene, Iago fully reveals his manipulative character as he manipulates Cassio into thinking that Iago cares about him and his position. Iago tells Cassio how he could get close to Desdemona so that she will talk to Othello and convince him to give Cassio his rank back as Othello's lieutenant. Despite Iago's façade that allows him to be deceptive, his real motive for giving Cassio this advice is to victimise him by planting the idea in Othello's head that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair and therefore if Cassio gets close with Desdemona to get his position back, his flirtatious nature will make Othello believe Iago's untruths. The happenings in this scene show Cassio to be fairly naïve to evil in amongst friends or colleagues as he listens to Iago out of desperation. Othello, when he fires Cassio, is shown to conform to the racial stereotype of black people being easily angered when Othello's "blood begins my safer guides to rule" which shows that Othello is starting to be influenced by his feelings and anger.
Iago speaks in verse when he is speaking normally as everyone else, yet he switches to prose as he puts the next stage of his plan into action. Iago speaks in prose as he begins to manipulate and persuade Cassio into becoming close with Desdemona. Iago manipulates Cassio into thinking that if he is to "confess.. freely" to Desdemona, she will sway Othello's mind and Cassio will regain his position. This indicates that Cassio is naïve because he doesn't believe that Iago would be giving him this advice for any underlying reason, he is similar to Othello in this way as he doesn't believe that a loyal friend would ever lie to or betray him.
What language does Cassio use when speaking about Desdemona? How does it compare to the language Iago uses to sexualise her? Why do you think Iago is speaking about Desdemona in this way to Cassio? (lines 15-25) AO2 LF
Iago changes the topic straight to that of Desdemona, (when Othello and Desdemona leave to consummate their marriage) in order to manipulate Cassio into viewing her in a sexual way, which would then make Cassio a prime target for the person who had the alleged affair with Desdemona. When Cassio speaks of Desdemona, he uses flattering vocabulary such as "exquisite" and "perfection" to describe her, this is all absent of sexualised language. Alternatively, Iago says "what an eye she has", implying that Desdemona looks at other men in sexual ways, to make Cassio believe he might have a chance with her. Despite Iago's attempts, Cassio defends Desdemona, saying that she's "modest" which shows he is a decent person and cares for Desdemona in a friendly way.
How does Iago persuade Cassio to drink? Use your close reading skills to analyse the language he uses. (Note how ‘but’ is used as an adverb here) AO2 LFS
Iago persuades Cassio to drink in Act 2 Scene 3, by making him feel guilty as he will not drink with his men. Cassio knows that he cannot hold his drink and that he becomes drunk on very little alcohol, therefore he is very reluctant to drink anymore as he had already had one glass that evening. Despite his worries, Cassio eventually gives in to Iago when Iago states "but one cup" to drink with his friends. The adverb "but" comes across as meaning that one cup is nothing and that in saying it, Iago is trying to convince Cassio that just one glass of wine won't have an effect on him.
Why does Iago try to subvert the social order and bring others down to his level, rather than try to climb the ladder and raise himself up? Consider ideas about social order at the time AO3, context.
In the time period, it was very difficult, near impossible to climb the social ladder in a society which based its rules on the fact that if you were poor, you stayed poor, and if you were rich you got richer. There was no movement in the rankings in society. Iago recognises this, and in order to become higher up in the hierarchy, he knows that he has to bring his higher nobilities down to his level or lower in order to raise himself up his goal of taking Othello's rank.
Othello says “My blood begins my safer guides to rule/And passion, having my best judgements collied/Assays to lead the way.” (lines 201-203) What does this quotation reveal about the effects of Iago’s knavery in this scene?
Othello reveals within his quote, his anger towards Iago's knavery, aimed at Cassio as Iago hasn't been exposed as the villain a to this moment in time. This is very alternate to Act 1 Scene 2 where Othello keeps very calm as he is repeated accused of 'stealing' Brabantio's daughter. This could be because he is the person of authority and the person that he most trusts has been fighting against Othello's will even though Cassio was supposed to be keeping the peace.
BIG QUESTION: Why is this scene important in relation to the play as a whole?
-How is Iago presented
-What happens in the scene
-What this scene indicates about the key characters
In this scene, Iago fully reveals his manipulative character as he manipulates Cassio into thinking that Iago cares about him and his position. Iago tells Cassio how he could get close to Desdemona so that she will talk to Othello and convince him to give Cassio his rank back as Othello's lieutenant. Despite Iago's façade that allows him to be deceptive, his real motive for giving Cassio this advice is to victimise him by planting the idea in Othello's head that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair and therefore if Cassio gets close with Desdemona to get his position back, his flirtatious nature will make Othello believe Iago's untruths. The happenings in this scene show Cassio to be fairly naïve to evil in amongst friends or colleagues as he listens to Iago out of desperation. Othello, when he fires Cassio, is shown to conform to the racial stereotype of black people being easily angered when Othello's "blood begins my safer guides to rule" which shows that Othello is starting to be influenced by his feelings and anger.
Othello Act 2 Scene 1 questions
Re-read Act 2 scene 1 lines 95-100. What sort of person is Cassio?
From line 98 we can blatantly see that Cassio has a very open personality as he "extends his manners" by 'kissing' Emilia to show greetings. He is a tactile character as he connects and welcomes people through a physical action rather than verbal, as when he kisses Emilia, this could come across to others as Cassio having a flirty nature, yet he shows that it is his "breeding" to be so open and free with his actions and that it is just a "bold show of courtesy" nothing more.
How does Iago plan to use Cassio’s character traits to usurp and ensnare both Cassio and Othello? (Lines 167-176 will help.)
Iago recognises that Cassio's open nature could easily be mistaken for be flirtatious, therefore knows that it would be easy to "ensnare" both Othello and Cassio, by manipulating Othello's thoughts to make him believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago plots to do this to "strip" Cassio out of his "lieutenantry" by doing this as Othello will believe that Cassio has betrayed him by sleeping with his wife. Although Iago knows that Cassio holds no feelings of love towards Desdemona, Cassio's nature makes him the perfect prey to become Desdemona's 'lover'. This is ironic because Cassio may be one of the few male characters in the play that don't hold any passionate feelings for her.
What does Iago tell Roderigo to do, and why does Iago say it will help Roderigo to win Desdemona’s heart? (Lines 249-278 will help you with this question.)
Although Iago knows for a fact that Desdemona loves Othello, he still uses manipulation on Roderigo to make him think that her love for Othello is untrue. He states that "if she had been blest she would never have loved the Moor" which shows that according to Iago, Desdemona is no angel as Roderigo thinks of her; and that if she was, she would never have married a person of colour. Straight after, Iago brings into his manipulation, the story of how Desdemona is going to have an affair with Cassio, "Did thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand?" showing that after being married for a limited amount of time, she is already starting to 'flirt' with other men. Iago then further imbeds his story into Roderigo's mind when he states "Lechery, by this hand: an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts", Iago is again manipulating Iago to see Cassio's gestures of courtesy as flirtatious and lustful and tries to hint that it is the start of something Desdemona being unfaithful.
From line 98 we can blatantly see that Cassio has a very open personality as he "extends his manners" by 'kissing' Emilia to show greetings. He is a tactile character as he connects and welcomes people through a physical action rather than verbal, as when he kisses Emilia, this could come across to others as Cassio having a flirty nature, yet he shows that it is his "breeding" to be so open and free with his actions and that it is just a "bold show of courtesy" nothing more.
How does Iago plan to use Cassio’s character traits to usurp and ensnare both Cassio and Othello? (Lines 167-176 will help.)
Iago recognises that Cassio's open nature could easily be mistaken for be flirtatious, therefore knows that it would be easy to "ensnare" both Othello and Cassio, by manipulating Othello's thoughts to make him believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago plots to do this to "strip" Cassio out of his "lieutenantry" by doing this as Othello will believe that Cassio has betrayed him by sleeping with his wife. Although Iago knows that Cassio holds no feelings of love towards Desdemona, Cassio's nature makes him the perfect prey to become Desdemona's 'lover'. This is ironic because Cassio may be one of the few male characters in the play that don't hold any passionate feelings for her.
What does Iago tell Roderigo to do, and why does Iago say it will help Roderigo to win Desdemona’s heart? (Lines 249-278 will help you with this question.)
Although Iago knows for a fact that Desdemona loves Othello, he still uses manipulation on Roderigo to make him think that her love for Othello is untrue. He states that "if she had been blest she would never have loved the Moor" which shows that according to Iago, Desdemona is no angel as Roderigo thinks of her; and that if she was, she would never have married a person of colour. Straight after, Iago brings into his manipulation, the story of how Desdemona is going to have an affair with Cassio, "Did thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand?" showing that after being married for a limited amount of time, she is already starting to 'flirt' with other men. Iago then further imbeds his story into Roderigo's mind when he states "Lechery, by this hand: an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts", Iago is again manipulating Iago to see Cassio's gestures of courtesy as flirtatious and lustful and tries to hint that it is the start of something Desdemona being unfaithful.
What more do we learn about the nature of Iago in Act 2? What is the effect of having him share his thoughts and plans with us through his soliloquies? Pay attention to the language used in Iago's soliloquies. What sorts of descriptive language does he use? How does it contribute to the picture of Iago that Shakespeare is drawing?
In act two we see more clearly Iago's manipulative personality as he tells us of his plans, and how he will execute them. Dramatic irony is used when Iago says his soliloquy as we gain knowledge that the other characters in the play are oblivious to. This adds effect as we know what is to happen in the play and we have to watch the other characters as they fall victims to Iago's plan. Iago is fairly sexist, calling women "wild cats in the kitchen" presenting women in a stereotypical way of only being useful doing domestic tasks.
In act two we see more clearly Iago's manipulative personality as he tells us of his plans, and how he will execute them. Dramatic irony is used when Iago says his soliloquy as we gain knowledge that the other characters in the play are oblivious to. This adds effect as we know what is to happen in the play and we have to watch the other characters as they fall victims to Iago's plan. Iago is fairly sexist, calling women "wild cats in the kitchen" presenting women in a stereotypical way of only being useful doing domestic tasks.
Thursday 25 February 2016
Othello Act 1 Scene 3 questions
What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
Before Othello enters the scene, he is described as the "valiant moor" which shows he is known and respected for being brave in battle, yet also well known for the colour of his skin which has many negative connotations of racism. The people Othello mixes with, nearly all discriminate against black people as they have been brought up to think that black people are beneath themselves. Brabantio enters the room and reports that his daughter, Desdemona, has been "stolen" from him which shows Venetian people's stereotyping of black and foreign people that they were thieves and untrustworthy. Brabantio also accuses Othello of "witch craft" and using "spells and medicines" leading to his daughter being "corrupted" into thinking that she loves and wants to marry Othello. This is also in line with the stereotype of black people being mystical negros who indulge themselves in witch craft. After the accusations were made, the Duke finds Othello innocent of everything he is accused of and comes to the conclusion that Desdemona married Othello out of her own free will. This shows that most things that the Venetians thought about foreigners, were untrue and biased.
What is ironic about Othello's claim that "rude am I in my speech"?
Othello "won" Desdemona through telling her his stories of war and bravery. Therefore it is ironic that he says that he is "rude" meaning unskilled; as he must be skilled with his words to make Desdemona fall in love with someone that she is forbidden to be with or marry and also marry him without the knowledge of her Father who is furious about it. Othello says that Desdemona "devoured" up the stories in which he told her about being "sold to slavery" and of his "travailous history" and that she fell in love with him through the telling of his life.
What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
It is startling that Othello allowed Desdemona to speak on his behalf, because in the seventeenth century women were submissive to men and were viewed as property, shown when she is reported "stolen". Therefore Desdemona, in a white woman's status, couldn't be expected to convince the Duke and her father that she married Othello out of her own choice instead of being forced by "witch craft".
Using the thinking question above, what 'stories' does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
Othello fits the stereotype of an exotic and interesting person of colour through his stories of his life previously in which he was "sold to slavery" and endured many battles. He portrays himself as tough and as a brave warrior and therefore demands respect indirectly which will make the senate less likely to think that he is guilty of theft or witch craft.
Before Othello enters the scene, he is described as the "valiant moor" which shows he is known and respected for being brave in battle, yet also well known for the colour of his skin which has many negative connotations of racism. The people Othello mixes with, nearly all discriminate against black people as they have been brought up to think that black people are beneath themselves. Brabantio enters the room and reports that his daughter, Desdemona, has been "stolen" from him which shows Venetian people's stereotyping of black and foreign people that they were thieves and untrustworthy. Brabantio also accuses Othello of "witch craft" and using "spells and medicines" leading to his daughter being "corrupted" into thinking that she loves and wants to marry Othello. This is also in line with the stereotype of black people being mystical negros who indulge themselves in witch craft. After the accusations were made, the Duke finds Othello innocent of everything he is accused of and comes to the conclusion that Desdemona married Othello out of her own free will. This shows that most things that the Venetians thought about foreigners, were untrue and biased.
What is ironic about Othello's claim that "rude am I in my speech"?
Othello "won" Desdemona through telling her his stories of war and bravery. Therefore it is ironic that he says that he is "rude" meaning unskilled; as he must be skilled with his words to make Desdemona fall in love with someone that she is forbidden to be with or marry and also marry him without the knowledge of her Father who is furious about it. Othello says that Desdemona "devoured" up the stories in which he told her about being "sold to slavery" and of his "travailous history" and that she fell in love with him through the telling of his life.
What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
It is startling that Othello allowed Desdemona to speak on his behalf, because in the seventeenth century women were submissive to men and were viewed as property, shown when she is reported "stolen". Therefore Desdemona, in a white woman's status, couldn't be expected to convince the Duke and her father that she married Othello out of her own choice instead of being forced by "witch craft".
Using the thinking question above, what 'stories' does Othello tell in his speech to the senate?
Othello fits the stereotype of an exotic and interesting person of colour through his stories of his life previously in which he was "sold to slavery" and endured many battles. He portrays himself as tough and as a brave warrior and therefore demands respect indirectly which will make the senate less likely to think that he is guilty of theft or witch craft.
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