Othello

What types of love can be seen in Othello?

• Eros,

• Mania,

• false love.

Where can Eros be seen in Othello?

• “Let her speak of me before her father” (A1S3).

• "She loved me for the dangers I had passed / I loved her that she did pity them" (A1S3).

• “My fair warrior” “My dear Othello” (A2S1).

How can the Eros seen in Othello link to the social and cultural context of the Elizabethan era?

• Egalitarian relationship subverts expectation of women being subordinate to their husbands.

• Pureness of their love criticises the expectation for women’s fathers to choose their husband.

How can the Eros seen in Othello link to literary context?

Othello is the tragic hero in an Ancient Greek tragedy, Shakespeare paints him as a noble hero through his love for Desdemona.

What literary criticisms reference Eros in Othello?

• French, feminist literary critic, suggests that Desdemona’s agency in choosing Othello suggests their relationship is built on mutual love and respect.

• Loomba, postcolonial literary critic, suggests that Othello represents a noble character through his love for Desdemona, challenging societal and racial norms.

Where can Mania be seen in Othello?

• “When I love thee not, / Chaos is come again” A3S3.

• “Her name, that was as fresh / As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black” A3S3.

• “Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!” A3S3.

• “I’ll tear her all to pieces!” A3S3.

• “I will kill thee and love thee after” A5S2.

• Handkerchief motif.

How can the Mania seen in Othello link to the social and cultural context of the Elizabethan era?

• Othello’s extreme reaction to Desdemona’s assumed infidelity may be a product of 17th century expectations because women were expected to be subordinate to their husbands.

• The stereotypes of Venetian women manifest in Othello’s view of Desdemona because Venice was famous for its liberty, and therefore sexual freedom.

How can the Mania seen in Othello link to the literary context of the Elizabethan Era?

• Othello, as a tragic hero in an Ancient Greek tragedy, has the hamartia of jealousy which leads to his love for Desdemona turning manic.

• Othello is a domestic tragedy in which true, romantic love is destroyed by hate. The binary of love/hate is central to the play.

What literary criticisms reference Mania in Othello?

• Snow, feminist critic, suggests Othello’s perception of Desdemona’s sexuality stems from his own anxieties about female sexuality.

• Valerie Traub in Desire and Anxiety suggests that ‘the threat of female erotic power is psychically contained by means of metaphoric and dramatic transformation of women into…corpses’

How can false love be seen in Othello?

• “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” A1S1.

• “Honest Iago” A1S3.

• “So I will turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all.” A2S3.

• “My lord, you know I love you” A3S3.

• “The Moor already changes with my poison” A3S3.

• “Her name, that was as fresh / As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black” A3S3.

How can the false love seen in Othello link to the social and cultural context of the Elizabethan era?

Underlying concepts of femininity and sexuality allow Iago to deceive Othello easily.

• There were fears surrounding female sexuality, purity and corruption.

• As Renaissance women were expected to be ruled by their husband, assertiveness in any form would be seen as a transgression of the established social order that legally made them possessions. This explains Othello’s anger, as he sees Desdemona’s infidelity as a question to his authority and does not want to seem passive to her assumed actions.

How can the false love seen in Othello link to the literary context of the Elizabethan era?

Othello, as a tragic hero in an Ancient Greek tragedy, has the hamartia of jealousy which allows Iago to manipulate him easily.

What have critics said about false love in Othello?

Harold Bloom argued that Iago is “in love with destruction” more than with any one person.

What symbolic tool is used by Shakespeare to represent love?

The handkerchief.

How can the handkerchief be seen as a symbol of love?

• Othello gives the handkerchief to Desdemona as a token of his love.

• The red and white of the handkerchief could represent blood on a white sheet, traditionally seen as a symbol of a bride’s virginity after consummation.

What quotes show the handkerchief as a symbol of love?

• “That handkerchief / Did an Egyptian to my mother give” A3S4

• “T’would make her amiable and subdue my father / Entirely to her love; but if she lost it / Or made gift of it, my father’s eye / Should hold her loathed” A3S4

• “She dying gave it to me, / And bid me when my fate would have me wive, / To give it to her” A3S4

• “To lose’t or gie’t away were such perdition as nothing else could match” A3S4

• “The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk, / And it was dyed in mummy, which the skilful / Conserved of maidens’ hearts” A3S4

• “Spotted with strawberries” A3S3

How does the handkerchief as a symbol of love link to Elizabethan context?

Handkerchiefs were dropped by women for men to pick them up. They were also used as gifts or proof of commitment during marriage and courtship.

How does the handkerchief as a symbol of love link to the literary context of Othello?

The handkerchief is in important symbol in Cinthio’s ‘De Gli Hecatommithi’, the text Shakespeare took inspiration for Othello.

What have critics said about the handkerchief as a symbol of love?

Boose, feminist critic, suggests “The handkerchief becomes a surrogate for the bedsheet, a test of sexual virtue”

How does the handkerchief represent the corruption of love?

Throughout the play, the handkerchief begins to be passed through the hands of many characters, representing Shakespeare’s intention to portray how the transition of Desdemona and Othello’s relationship from the private and public sphere aligns with the way in which their love is forcefully transformed into something sinister.

What quotes show the handkerchief as representing the corruption of love?

• “I’ll see before I doubt; and when I doubt, I prove” A3S3

• “He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drops it” A3S3

• “Ocular proof” A3S3

• “There’s magic in the web of it” A3S4

• “I saw my handkerchief in [Cassio’s] hand” A5S2

How does the handkerchief leading to the corruption of love link to Elizabethan context?

• Elizabethan fears surrounding female sexuality, purity and corruption.

• As Renaissance women were expected to be ruled by their husband, assertiveness in any form would be seen as a transgression of the established social order that legally made them possessions. This explains Othello’s anger, as he sees Desdemona’s infidelity as a question to his authority and does not want to seem passive to her assumed actions.

What have critics said about the handkerchief representing the corruption of love?

Adelman suggest the loss of the handkerchief unravels Othello’s identity.

What is an alternative viewpoint about the handkerchief?

Ian Smith suggests that “mummy” is a black substance associated with Africa, particularly Egypt, suggesting Shakespeare intended for the handkerchief to be seen as black.

What quotes demonstrate the handkerchief was meant to be seen as black?

• “That handkerchief / Did an Egyptian to my mother give” A3S4

• “The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk, / And it was dyed in mummy, which the skilful / Conserved of maidens’ hearts” A3S4

How does the handkerchief being seen as black link to the literary context of Othello?

Othello’s own blackness and otherness in Elizabethan society is a central idea of the play.

• Black was used to refer to both race and morality, the association of black with evil contributes to the otherness Othello faces.

What different forms of friendship are there in Othello?

• Male friendships,

• female friendships,

• homoerotic relationships.

How does Shakespeare present male friendship in Othello?

He presents it as exploitative through drawing attention to Iago’s manipulation of Othello and Roderigo.

What quotes show Iago’s manipulation of Othello?

• “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” A1S1

• “Honest Iago” A1S3

• “So I will turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all.” A2S3

• “My lord, you know I love you” A3S3

• “The Moor already changes with my poison” A3S3

• “Her name, that was as fresh / As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black” A3S3

How does Iago’s manipulation of Othello link to Elizabethan context?

• Culture of sexualisation in the Victorian era fosters distrust and disrespect toward women.

• Othello’s extreme reaction to Desdemona’s assumed infidelity may be a product of 17th century expectations because women were expected to be subordinate to their husbands.

• The stereotypes of Venetian women manifest in Othello’s view of Desdemona because Venice was famous for its liberty, and therefore sexual freedom.

What have critics said about Iago’s manipulation of Othello?

Harold Bloom argued that Iago is “in love with destruction” more than with any one person.

What quotes show Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo?

• “Iago, who hast had my purse / As if the strings were thine” A1S1

• “Put money in thy purse” A1S3

• “I’ll sell all my land” A1S3

• “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” A1S3

How does Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo link to Elizabethan context?

Culture of sexualisation in the Victorian era fosters distrust and disrespect toward women.

How does Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo link to the literary context of Othello?

Cinthio’s ‘De Gli Hecatommithi’, the text Shakespeare took inspiration for Othello, did not include the character of Roderigo. This suggests Shakespeare’s choice to include him as a character was significant in giving a greater impression of Iago’s web of authority.

What have critics said about Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo?

A.C. Bradley suggests “his simplicity and sincerity, however foolish, are real”

How does Shakespeare present male friendship as positive?

He demonstrates the importance of genuine male friendship through Cassio’s loyalty to Othello.

What quotes show Cassio’s loyalty to Othello?

• “Good Michael, look you to the guard tonight” A2S3

• “She’s a most exquisite lady” “And I’ll warrant her full of game” A2S3

• “To the health of our general!” A2S3

• “He was great of heart” A5S2

How does Cassio’s loyalty to Othello link to Elizabethan context?

Honor and loyalty to your superior were considered sacred duties, remaining loyal until the end of the play portrays Cassio as embodying the Christian values of obedience and humility.

What have critics said about Cassio’s loyalty to Othello?

A.C. Bradley suggests “Cassio’s loyalty is not merely professional; it is rooted in personal affection and admiration”.

How does Shakespeare portray female friendship in Othello?

Shakespeare portrays female friendship as a source of comfort and solidarity in ‘Othello’, through how he constructs Emilia as a voice of rationality and consolation, remaining loyal to Desdemona even after her death.

What quotes show Emilia as a voice of rationality and consolation in Othello?

• “They are all but stomachs, and we all but food” A3S4

• “How do you madam? How do you, my good lady?” A4S2

• “I do think it is their husbands’ faults / If wives do fall” A4S3

• “Let husbands know / Their wives have sense like them” A4S3

How does Emilia being a voice of rationality and consolation link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Emilia takes on a proto-feminist perspective, illuminating the pressures on women to remain submissive, chaste, and obedient to their husbands.

How does Emilia as a voice of rationality link to the literary context of Othello?

Emilia is the most vocally proto-feminist voice in any of Shakespeare’s plays.

What have critics said about Emilia as a voice of reason and consolation?

Neely suggests that Desdemona and Emilia’s conversations in A4 reveal a moment of mutual understanding and emotional intimacy, creating a striking contrast to the toxic masculinity surrounding them.

What quotes show Emilia defending Desdemona even after death?

• “O, falsely, falsely murdered!” A5S2

• “O, more the angel she, / And you the blacker devil!” A5S2

• “She was heavenly true” A5S2

• “Lay me by my mistress’ side” A5S2

• “Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor. / So come my soul to bliss as I speak true” A5S2

• Bodies remain on stage side by side as the play concludes

How does Emilia remaining loyal to Desdemona after her death link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Again, Emilia takes on a proto-feminist view, defending the unjust death of Desdemona against male characters.

What have critics said about Emilia’s loyalty to Desdemona?

French, feminist critic, suggests “Emilia knows women are bound by unjust rules and male hypocrisy, and she speaks out against it more clearly than any other woman in Shakespeare”

How does Shakespeare portray the negative side of female friendship in Othello?

Shakespeare demonstrates how female friendship can become corrupted by male jealousy in a patriarchal society. Emilia has little choice to obey Iago due to the societal expectations she faces as a woman, tainting her relationship with Desdemona with deceit.

What quotes show female friendship as corrupted by male jealousy in Othello?

• “My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wooed me to steal it” A3S3

• “I nothing but to please his fantasy” A3S3

• “The handkerchief thou speak’st of / I found by fortune and did give my husband / For often […] / He begged of me to steal it” A5S2

How does female friendship being corrupted by male jealousy link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Women were subordinates to men in the Elizabethan era, when married they were considered the possession of their husband. As Iago’s wife, Emilia is bound to him according to social order and must serve under him.

What have critics said about female friendship being tainted by male jealousy in Othello?

French, feminist critic, suggests “[Emilia] has absorbed the cultural assumption that a wife must obey her husband, even at the cost of another woman’s welfare”

How does Shakespeare portray homoerotic undertones in male friendships in Othello?

Shakespeare portrays Iago’s desire for revenge as rooted in his anger that women have infiltrated into the brotherhood of soldiers, and anger at the fact that Cassio has won the love and affection of Othello. He begins to behave as a jealous lover, suggests the disruption of the militaristic lifestyle adhered to by Iago leads to his homosocial desire morphing into homosexual desire.

What quotes show how Iago’s homosocial desire morphs into homosexual desire?

•  “A fellow almost damned in a fair wife” A1S1

• “I hate the Moor […] ‘twixt my sheets / He’s done my office” A1S3

• “The profits yet to come ‘tween me and you” A2S3, “They fight […] go out and cry a mutiny” A2S3

• “I do attend here on the general, / And I think it no addition nor my wish / To have him see me womaned” A4S1

How does Iago’s homosocial desire link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

• Military separation of men and women and forbidden rules of affection.

• From Roman armies to US Marines, the military has seemed to pride itself as an organisation where men are bound by brotherhood.

What have critics said about Iago’s homosocial desire?

Smith suggests “Iago belongs to an all-male world in which women have no place […] when the newly married general passes over him and names as his lieutenant a man who is almost damned a fair wife, Iago’s very identity is shaken”.

Where in Othello can the morph of Iago and Othello’s relationship from a homosocial bond to homoerotic be seen?

In the mock marriage of A3S3.

What quotes portray Iago and Othello’s homoerotic mock marriage?

• “He kneels […] He kneels […] They rise […] I am your own forever” A3S3

• “By yond marble heaven, / In the due reverence of a sacred vow” A3S3

• “The execution of his wit, hands, heart / To wronged Othello’s service” A3S3

How does the mock marriage link to the literary context of Othello?

It is not depicted in Cinthio’s ‘De Gli Hecatommithi’, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Othello.

What have critics said about the homoerotic bond between Iago and Othello?

Sedgwick suggests that non-sexual male friendships can transform into erotic, homosexual bonds.

What ways does Shakespeare present Desdemona and Othello’s marriage in Othello?

• A compassionate union,

• an unbalanced power dynamic,

• a reflection of Othello’s honour.

How does Shakespeare portray Desdemona and Othello’s marriage as a compassionate union?

Othello and Desdemona become a part of one another’s identity through an egalitarian, compassionate relationship.

What quotes portray Othello and Desdemona’s marriage as a compassionate union in Othello?

• "She loved me for the dangers I had passed / I loved her that she did pity them" A1S3

• “My fair warrior” “My dear Othello” A2S1

• “How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love, / And she in mine” A1S3

How does Desdemona and Othello’s compassionate marriage link to Elizabethan context?

Rise of puritanism emphasised the importance of companionate marriages, based on mutual respect and romantic love. The Puritan doctrine of conscience suggested wives were not merely an extension of their husband but had their own independent identity.

What have critics said about Desdemona and Othello’s compassionate marriage?

Novy argues that their early interactions suggest mutual emotional engagement, Desdemona actively participates in their courtship despite having “divided duty” between her father and Othello.

How does Shakespeare portray Desdemona and Othello’s marriage as having an unbalanced power dynamic in Othello?

Shakespeare constructs Desdemona as an obedient wife to Othello; she arguably loses her autonomy as Othello becomes part of her identity.

What quotes show Desdemona and Othello’s marriage as having an unequal power dynamic?

• “I saw Othello’s visage in my mind, / And to his honours and valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate” A1S3

• “Fetch’t, let me see’t” A3S4

• “Get you to bed on th’instant” A4S3

• “Nobody; I myself. Farewell” A5S2

How does the unequal power dynamic in Desdemona and Othello’s relationship link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

The institution of marriage during the Elizabethan era had an unbalanced power dynamics, where the husband ruled over the wife.

What have critics said about the unbalanced power dynamic in Desdemona and Othello’s marriage?

French suggests that Desdemona “accepts her culture’s dictum that she must be obedient to males” even when it destroys her.

How does Shakespeare present Desdemona and Othello’s marriage as a reflection of Othello’s honour?

Desdemona becomes a part of Othello’s identity through marriage, leading to Othello’s fear of how Desdemona’s supposed unfaithful behaviour reflects on him.

What quotes suggest Desdemona and Othello’s marriage is a reflection on Othello’s honour?

• “O curse of marriage / That we can call these delicate creatures ours / And not their appetites!” A3S3

• “I’ll tear her all to pieces” A3S3

• “Devil! [He strikes her]” A4S1

How does Desdemona and Othello’s marriage reflecting Othello’s honour link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

As wives were seen as the property of their husbands in Elizabethan England, Desdemona’s perceived unfaithfulness undermines Othello’s honour.

How does Desdemona and Othello’s marriage reflecting Othello’s honour link to the literary context of Othello?

As a tragic hero, Othello’s hamartia is considered to be jealousy, but perhaps this suggests that his hamartia is fear of losing his honour.

What have critics said about Desdemona and Othello’s marriage reflecting Othello’s honour?

A.C. Bradley suggests Othello sees Desdemona’s supposed infidelity not just as a betrayal, but as a stain on his own identity.

What ways can Iago and Emilia’s marriage be seen as the contrasting image of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage?

• Displays of affection,

• equality.

What quotes show Othello’s affection for Desdemona contrasting Iago’s lack of affection for Emilia?

• “It is merely lust of the blood and a permission of the will” A1S3,

• “Sir, would she give you so much of her lips / As of her tongue she oft bestows upon me / You would have enough” A2S1

• “O, my soul’s joy” A2S1

• “She love me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them” A1S3

• “How I did thrive in this fair lady’s love, / And she in mine” A1S3

How does Othello’s affection for Desdemona contrasting Iago’s lack of affection for Emilia link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

In Elizabethan England, marriages were often arranged for political or financial reasons, not pure romantic love. This can be seen in Iago and Emilia’s marriage through their lack of affection. In contrast, Othello and Desdemona marry out of love, challenging these societal expectations.

What have critics said about Othello’s affection for Desdemona contrasting Iago’s lack of affection for Emilia?

A.C. Bradley suggests “Othello is the most romantic of all Shakespeare’s heroes”, but Iago is “keenly aware of the uselessness of love”.

What quotes show the equality in Desdemona and Othello’s marriage contrasting the power imbalance in Emilia and Iago’s marriage?

• “Let her speak of me before her father” A1S3

• “My fair warrior!” “My dear Othello!” A2S1

• “I nothing but to please his fantasy” A3S3

• “A good wench! Give it me […] [Snatching it]” A3S3

How does the equality in Desdemona and Othello’s marriage contrasting the power imbalance in Emilia and Iago’s marriage link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Women were subordinates to men, when married they were seen as a possession of their husband. Emilia conforms to these expectations through how she carries through Iago’s demands. In contrast, Othello and Desdemona challenge these expectations with their equal marriage.

What have critics said about the equality in Desdemona and Othello’s marriage contrasting the power imbalance in Emilia and Iago’s marriage?

Loomba, feminist critic, suggests that “Desdemona transgresses norms by making an independent choice in love”, whereas Emilia is trapped in an oppressively traditional marriage.

What quotes show Othello and Desdemona’s marriage as becoming parallel to Iago and Emilia’s?

• “Devil! [he strikes her]” A4S1

• “Impudent strumpet!” A4S2

• “Whore of Venice” A4S2

How does Othello and Desdemona’s marriage becoming parallel to Iago and Emilia’s link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Reflects anxieties surrounding female sexuality, particularly in women from Venice, thought of as a place of liberality and therefore sexual freedom.

How does Othello and Desdemona’s marriage becoming parallel to Iago and Emilia’s link to the literary context of Othello?

Aligns with Aristotle’s tragedy: Othello is a tragic hero who falls from grace, becoming as corrupted as Iago.

What have critics said about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage becoming parallel to Iago and Emilia’s?

A.C. Bradley, suggests “Othello’s love, once so noble, becomes corrupted by suspicion until it’s almost indistinguishable from Iago’s brutal distrust”.

Where can the theme of truth and deception be seen in Othello?

• Iago’s manipulation,

• Othello’s desire for truth,

• Desdemona’s naivety.

What quotes show Iago’s manipulation in Othello?

• “Iago, who hast had my purse / As if the strings were thine” A1S1

• “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” A1S1

• “I am not what I am” A1S1

• “An old black ram is tupping your white ewe” A1S1

• “Spoke such scurvy and provoking terms against your honour” A1S2

• “Honest Iago” A1S3

• Change to setting of Cyprus A2S1

• “With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” A2S1

• “You are well tuned now! / But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, / As honest as I am” A2S1

• “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear […] So will I turn her virtue into pitch” A2S3

How does Iago’s manipulation link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

• Iago’s manipulation exploits racial prejudices, Elizabethan audiences would likely have shared some of Iago’s biases, making his deceit more plausible and disturbing.

• Elizabethan society was centred around the idea of honour, Iago exploits this through crafting his lies in a way that emasculates Othello and destroys his reputation.

• Iago as a satanic figure would’ve been condemned and feared.

How does Iago’s manipulation link to the literary context of Othello?

Shakespeare loosely follows the structures and conventions of morality plays, which were popular in the Medieval period but gradually becoming replaced with sensational plays by Shakespeare’s peak of popularity. Morality plays were microcosms of real social problems, using one main character that Is symbolic of mankind and goes through difficulty (Othello). Vice characters represented evil and chaos (Iago).

What have critics said about Iago’s manipulation?

A.C. Bradley describes Iago as “a man of supreme intellect and skill, who delights in watching others suffer”.

What quotes show Othello’s desire for truth in Othello?

• “A man he is of honesty and truth” A1S3

• “The Moor is of a free and open nature, / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so” A1S3

• “I know thou’rt full of love and honesty” A3S3

• “Men should be what they seem” A3S3

• “I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove” A3S3

• “Give me the ocular proof” A3S3

• “I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; / I think that thou are just, and think thou art not” A3S3

How does Othello’s desire for truth link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

• Venice was thought of as a city famous for the freedoms and the liberality it offered its inhabitants, and as a result of this reputation it was thought of as a place of sexual freedom as well. This manifests in Othello when the male characters are quick to assume that their wives are unfaithful.

• Sexual immorality was a great fear men had in regards to women, linking back to the idea of the Fall, where Eve was the reason for humanity’s downfall.

How does Othello’s desire for truth link to the literary context of Othello?

If Othello is seen as a morality play, Othello’s great difficulty comes in the form of psychological turmoil over whether to believe Iago or his wife.

What have critics said about Othello’s desire for truth?

A.C. Bradley suggests “His hunger for truth is so intense that it blinds him to the necessity of evidence”.

What quotes show Desdemona’s naivety in Othello?

• “That’s an honest fellow” A3S3

• “My noble Moor / Is true of mind and made of no such baseness / As jealous creatures are” A3S4

• “Does thou in conscience think […] / That there be women do abuse their husbands in such gross kind?” “Why, would not you?” “No, by this heavenly light” “Nor I neither by this heavenly light; / I might do’t as well I’th’dark” A4S3

• “Who hath done this deed?” “Nobody; I myself. Farewell” A5S2

How does Desdemona’s naivety link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Desdemona’s trust in Othello and Iago and her inability to imagine betrayal perhaps stems from the obedience required of Elizabethan women to male authority.

What have critics said about Desdemona’s naivety?

A.C. Bradley suggests “she is too innocent to understand the world of cruelty into which she is drawn”.

What motives does Shakespeare present for Iago’s revenge plot?

• Cassio being promoted to lieutenant,

• Othello supposedly sleeping with his wife,

• motiveless malignity.

What quotes show Cassio being made lieutenant as a motive for Iago’s revenge plot?

• “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” A1S1

• “Preferment goes by letter and affection, / And not by old gradation” A1S1

• “Mere prattle without practice / Is all his soldiership” A1S1

• “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” A2S1

How does Cassio being promoted to lieutenant acting as a motive for Iago’s revenge plot link to the context of the Elizabethan era?

Elizabethan culture placed heavy emphasis on manhood, honour, and reputation. Cassio being promoted to lieutenant threatens Iago’s masculine pride.

How does Cassio being promoted to lieutenant acting as a motive for Iago’s revenge plot link to the literary context of Othello?

Iago is a clear Machiavellian villain – he manipulates other for personal gain, motivated by jealousy.