Othello flashcards

Finish Othello’s line from 3.3: “I’ll tear…”

“…her all to pieces.”

Finish Othello’s line: “I took you for…”

“…that cunning whore of Venice.”

What does Othello say to Desdemona at the start of 2.3? “The purchase made…”

“…the fruits are to ensue.”

Where is 4.3 (the willow scene) staged, and why is this significant?

In Desdemona’s bedchamber. It is a private, intimate scene representing female friendship.

How do Iago and Roderigo describe Othello in 1.1?

“Old black ram”; “thicklips”; “beast”; “lascivious Moor”.

Finish Cassio’s line from 2.3: “Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!…”

“…I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.”

Define pathos.

Sympathy.

Finish Desdemona’s quotation from 1.3: “I saw Othello’s…”

“…visage in his mind.”

Give two examples of words Iago and Cassio use for Bianca in 4.1.

Any two of: “caitiff”, “customer”, “strumpet”, “rogue”, “fitchew”, “monkey”.

Finish Desdemona’s line from 3.4: “My advocation…”

“…is not now in tune.”

Define tragic hero.

A character of high status and nobility who has a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.

Finish the quotations: “…him with flies” and “…his delight”.

“Plague him with flies” and “poison his delight”.

Who is Iago jealous of in Act 1 Scene 1, and why?

Cassio: Iago is professionally jealous because Cassio has been promoted to lieutenant.

How does Desdemona describe Othello in 5.2?

“…gentle Desdemona” is not the matching answer: Desdemona describes Othello as “my kind lord”. The visible answer card “murderer” instead matches how Emilia describes Othello in this scene.

Finish Othello’s line from 3.3: “I had rather be a…”

“…toad.”

Finish Desdemona’s quotation: “I do perceive here…”

“…a divided duty.”

Why is Act 2 Scene 2 important?

It highlights Othello’s high status and the respect the military have for him.

Finish Othello’s line from 2.3: “Cassio, I love thee, / But nevermore…”

“…be officer of mine.”

What type of proof does Othello want in 3.3?

“Ocular proof”.

Who is Bianca?

Cassio’s lover. She is called a prostitute and is potentially a seamstress.

Finish Othello’s quotation from 2.1: “O my…”

“…fair warrior.”

Finish Othello’s line from 3.3: “Her name, that was as fresh / As Dian’s visage…”

“…is now begrimed and black.”

In 1.3, Iago says that the “baseness of our natures” is balanced with what?

Reason and logic.

Who is Roderigo?

A nobleman of Venice and Iago’s dupe.

How does Othello describe the drunken brawl?

“Monstrous”.

Define anagnorisis.

An epiphany or moment of realisation.

What advice does Iago give Cassio in 2.3?

To ask Desdemona for help persuading Othello to give him his job back.

What external pressures are placed upon Othello?

Racism, war and love.

Define downfall.

When the tragic hero falls from their high status and usually dies.

What happens to the Turkish fleet at the start of Act 2?

It is destroyed by the storm.

Who does Iago say he wants to injure at the start of 1.2?

Roderigo, for betraying Othello to Brabantio.

Finish the quotation: “I love thee…”

“…gentle Desdemona.”

Finish Othello’s line from 3.3: “Some monster…”

“…in his [Iago’s] thought.”

Finish Brabantio’s quotation from 1.3: “For nature so…”

“…preposterously to err.”

Finish Othello’s line from 2.3: “My blood begins…”

“…my safer guides to rule, / And passion, having my best judgment collied, / Assays to lead the way.”

Finish Iago’s quotation from 2.1: “With as little a…”

“…web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.”

Finish Iago’s line from his soliloquy in 2.3: “What’s he then that says…”

“…I play the villain?”

Finish Othello’s line from 5.2: “An honourable…”

“…murderer.”