Othello Flashcards

Flashcards with questions and answers about Othello

In Act 1, Scene 2, what question does Iago pose under the guise of friendship regarding Othello and Desdemona's marriage?

Whether or not Othello and Desdemona have consummated their marriage.

What is the significance of Iago's question about the consummation of Othello and Desdemona's marriage in Act 1, Scene 2?

Consummation was seen as cementing the marriage bond within Christianity, and bears on Brabantio's influence to destroy Othello's reputation.

In Act 1, Scene 1, how is Othello described using derogatory terms that reflect racial prejudice?

He is referenced as a black man, possibly a slave, creating an inaccurate early perception of him to the audience.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Othello say he is willing to give up for his love for Desdemona?

His freedom and adventurous life, his 'unhoused free condition'.

What contrast is highlighted by Othello's willingness to give up his freedom for Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 2?

The depth of his love for her versus his independence and the opportunities that come with it.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does 'the goodness of the night' refer to in Othello's quote?

The positivity from his marriage with Desdemona.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what crude implication does Iago make about Othello's marriage to Desdemona?

That it is purely to gain social standing and money, not due to true love.

How does Iago objectify Desdemona in Act 1, Scene 2?

By referring to Desdemona as a ‘land carrack’ objectifies her and presents her as being akin to a treasure chest.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Othello's request for Desdemona to speak for herself before the senate highlight?

His respect for Desdemona, how he views her as his equal, and his desire to assure their marriage is legitimate.

What does Othello reflect on in Act 1, Scene 3 regarding his love with Desdemona?

The mutual and reciprocal nature of their love using the word 'thrive'.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Desdemona's eagerness to listen to Othello's stories indicate?

Her genuine interest and affection for him, displaying attentiveness, respect, and a desire to understand her husband's life.

What does Desdemona's adherence to 'house affairs' suggest about her character in Act 1, Scene 3?

Her adherence to her responsibilities and obligations, showing a conflict between her duty to her father and her love for Othello.

What is connotated by the alliteration of 'devour' and 'discourse' in Act 1, Scene 3?

Animalistic desires.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Othello attribute their love to, regarding his courtship with Desdemona?

The allure of his adventurous past and Desdemona's empathetic nature.

What does Othello believe regarding Desdemona's wish to marry him in Act 1, Scene 3?

Othello believed she wished to marry and fall in love with him, in spite of his race, suggesting the honesty and purity of her love for him.

In Act 2, Scene 3, what does Cassio's description of Desdemona as 'a most exquisite lady' emphasize?

Her exceptional qualities, not only physical beauty but also refinement, grace, and moral excellence.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Iago present himself as regarding betrayal?

As being akin to a double agent, with the initial signs of betrayal establishing him as the villain of the play.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Roderigo's statement to Brabantio about Desdemona suggest?

That Desdemona isn't a faithful, truthful or honest daughter; creates instability by presenting to Brabantio.

What does Iago suggest regarding his initial aid in betraying Othello in Act 1, Scene 1?

Iago suggests that there's much more to his plans.

In Act 1, Scene 1, how does Brabantio view the rest of his life due to Desdemona leaving him?

As being bitter, due to how painful he believes this betrayal to be.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what feelings does Brabantio express because of Desdemona's betrayal?

He expresses he no longer has trust in Desdemona being truthful with him & even sees the betrayal as being more painful because she's his only daughter.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Iago's use of dramatic irony present regarding his intentions?

His motivation to do whatever is necessary to achieve his goals.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what is foreshadowed by Iago's use of ‘prated’, ‘scurvy’, and ‘provoking’?

His slanderous words subtly foreshadows his intentions; an example of Iago's manipulative nature and foreshadows his scheme to incite jealousy and conflict.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Othello believe will prove as a character reference for him regarding his marriage to Desdemona?

His loyalty & accomplishments for the senate.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does ‘yet to know’ refer to in Othello's statement about his marriage?

Othello doesn’t want to share his happy news until its certain that the news can be shared happily.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Othello’s reference to being from men of royal siege and his ‘demerits’ suggest?

Othello alludes to his noble lineage, prior to slavery, proving him a worthy suitor for Desdemona.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does using the term ‘the Moor’ disregard in Othello?

His humanity & objectifying him.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what contributes to Othello's self-esteem throughout the play?

Internalised racism.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what is Iago actively trying to incite within Brabantio against Othello?

Anger and hatred.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Iago's use of animalistic language connote regarding Othello?

Beastial qualities; connotes him with having beastial qualities.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does the term 'lascivious Moor' suggest about perceptions of African men?

They only want status & Lust and would do most anything to be able to have that - and that Othello is no different.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what is Roderigo attempting to do by describing Othello as an 'extravagant and wheeling stranger'?

Sullying his reputation, by suggesting the Othello has no honor because he's an opportunist who strikes and does as he wishes whenever he sees fit.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Brabantio explicitly highlight by asking 'Who would be a father!' with the Moor?

Contemporary racial prejudice, by stating that anything else would be preferrable to being a parent, at knowing his daughter is with Othello, due to him being a black man.

In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Brabantio wish Roderigo had married Desdemona?

Simply because of the racial prejudices he has against Othello.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does ‘knave’ refer to, when referenced to Othello?

Othello being a liar and devious.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does ‘lascivious’ suggest of Othello?

Othello is predatory towards Desdemona, which reduces him to being a purely sexual creature.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what mistake does inner rhyme scheme ultimately suggests that Desdemona has made?

Desdemona has made a mistake, b/c Othello has no honour - due to him being seemingly unreliable figure.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what does ‘Who would be a father!’ imply?

He would prefer any other suitor over the Moor, revealing his racial bias.

In Act 1, Scene 1, what societal norms are highlighted about Brabantio’s desire for Roderigo to marry Desdemona?

Desire for control over her choices and attempts to cling to honor and reputation, further complicating the societal expectations in the play.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does ‘thief’ imply?

That Brabantio believes that Othello is stealing from his upper classman in the senate and society.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Brabantio say regarding Othello as ‘the Moor’?

It highlights the intense racial prejudice against Black people within the Jacobean era.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does Brabantio conflate Othello’s blackness as?

Being synonymous with witchcraft, implying that Othello used dark magic to win her affection - as though she would never have chosen him.

In Act 1, Scene 2, what does viewing Othello's blackness as a debasement suggest Desdemona should be?

Ashamed of her attraction to someone like him.

In Act 1, Scene 2, Shakespeare presents how reliant Brabantio is on what, to assert his power over Othello?

His status as a Senator.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what contrast do the repetitions of ‘Valiant’ reflect about Othello?

Highlights the contrast between his valor and respectability as a general & the prejudice he faces from others, emphasizing that his worth is not defined by his ethnicity.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what are Brabantio’s accusations directed at?

The Duke, due to him being the reason for Othello’s presence in Venice, implying Othello's status and involvement in matters of state are illegitimate or unnecessary.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does the Duke challenge?

The duke is challenging social norm of prejudice against people of colour and foreigners.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what do the senator's accusations question?

Whether Othello and Desdemona's courtship was due to supernatural and artificial infatuation, or an honest match of true and natural love that a black man cannot hold such a position without being a threat to societal norms.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what story does Othello's back present?

Shows off the tragic and traumatising events he'd had to witness as a result of slavery; gaining sympathy of Jacobean audiences.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what type of imagery does hills whose heads touch heaven' present?

Religious imagery.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Othello's belief that Desdemona wished she could marry him suggest?

Suggests how honest and pure her love for him is, despite knowing that they would not be socially accepted if they were together.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what is Desdemona anxious not to anger Brabantio with her and Othello's marriage?

Due to their close relationship.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does emphasizing Othello's 'honours' and 'valiant parts’ do?

Actively counters the bigoted views held by others, judging Othello based on his race.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does the Duke’s rhyming of ‘lack’ and ‘black’ suggest?

Othello may have black skin but behaves more like a white person; wishes Brabantio could see him as being ‘fairer’ and more intelligent than initially suspected.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Iago highlight by using metaphors and similes to animals such as with ‘guinea-hen’ and ‘baboon’?

Iago highlights his hatred as being disdain towars those who are his superiors; Othello's mentality being due to his race.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what is Iago equating Othello with, when referring to ‘These Moors are changeable in their wills’ ?

Having been a slave when he initially came to Italy, and as such believes Othello will be flimsy and impulsive in his behaviours.

In Act 1, Scene 3, through use of juxtaposition, what attitudes does Iago suggest regarding social standards and Othello and Desdemona's match?

Belief that he believes Othello and Desdemona don't belong together, because Othello doesn't match w/ normal Venetian social standards; reflecting the attitudes towards interracial relationships.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what is presented through repetition of hate?

Wrath 1/7th of the deadly sins, with eternal damnation and reinforcement of Iago's evil/ ‘janus-faced' character.

In Act 1, Scene 3, what qualities of Othello does Iago actively plan to use against him?

His free and open nature; notes where Iago believes Othello's place is amongst social hierarchy and ‘led by th'nose as asses are' refering to how Iago plans to lead Othello to his downfall.