Othello: Character Weaknesses and Manipulation

Flashcards about character weaknesses and manipulation in Shakespeare's Othello.

How do inherent weaknesses in characters lead to injustice in Othello?

Characters' weaknesses are manipulated, leading to injustice and tragic outcomes.

What weaknesses of Othello does Iago exploit?

Jealousy, lack of emotional control, insecurities about age, racial inferiority, and foreignness.

How does Othello's naivety contribute to his downfall?

His trusting nature causes him to place faith in Iago, leading to grave errors.

How does Othello's emotional imbalance make him vulnerable?

He descends into barbaric behavior and irrationality, making him susceptible to Iago's innuendos.

How does Othello's self-righteousness contribute to injustice?

He believes he is executing justice in punishing Desdemona, but his act is unjust.

What weaknesses of Desdemona lead to her unjust death?

Naivety in believing Othello is not jealous and her lie about the handkerchief.

How is Desdemona's loyalty perverted into a weakness?

Her insistence on pursuing Cassio's suit reinforces the belief that she is pleading for her lover, which is manipulated by Iago.

How does Cassio's weakness contribute to Iago's plan?

Giving in to peer pressure and participating in a drunken brawl leads to his dismissal and loss of Othello's trust.

How does Cassio's callousness provide 'ocular proof' for Othello?

Mocking Bianca's infatuation allows Iago to confirm Desdemona's affair with Cassio.

How does Brabantio's prejudice enable Iago's manipulation?

It allows Iago to manipulate him into attempting to dissolve the marriage between Othello and Desdemona.

What makes Roderigo susceptible to Iago's manipulation?

Lack of intelligence, gullibility, and lack of mature morality.

How does Emilia's desire to please her husband contribute to the tragedy?

She steals Desdemona's handkerchief, unknowingly furthering Iago's plan.

How does stealing Desdemona's handkerchief allow lago to further his plans?

The handkerchief is a key piece of 'evidence' that Iago uses to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity.

What is the main cause of the unjust and tragic deaths in Othello?

Iago's manipulation of the weaknesses of various characters.