othello storytelling quotes

Question 1

‘She loved me for the dangers I had passed’ A1S3

Answer 1

somewhat of a meta-fiction, Othello gives his testimony on how he won over Desdemona, telling the story of their relationship, incited by stories all within a play. We can question his credibility as a storyteller in his use of grand language, prose (often used for narratives) and his frequent use of hyperbole.

Question 2

‘With a greedy ear/ Devour up my discourse’ A1S3

Answer 2

Desdemona is perhaps reflecting the sensationalist audience here, a hunger for entertainment and narratives rather than a seeking of objective truth. Simplicity does not provide entertainment for the masses- Shakespeare utilizes this sensationalism to his advantage. Here, Othello displays his tendency to be hyperbolic, exaggerating his testimony for dramatic effect therefore leading an audience to question how true this story really is

Question 3

‘With as little a web as this i will ensnare a great a fly as Cassio’ A2S1

Answer 3

The audience are subject to multiple different ‘Stories’, the central one is that guided by Iago. His soliloquys and asides tell a story in themselves, Iago explains his grand plans for causing the downfall of Othello, nothing but stories until these stories begin to manifest in the reality of the play.

Question 4

‘From this time forth I will never speak a word’ A 5S2

Answer 4

In the final act of the play the supreme storyteller- Iago is reduced to silence , this could perhaps be interpreted as Othello being triumphant, retaining his tragic heroism after all.

Question 5

Iago’s soliloquys

Answer 5

Iago’s soliloquys and asides are ultimately all about controlling the audience, in the beginning of the play he elevates the audience to a privileged position hearing his confidential plots and grievances. As we become part of the plot in act 2 scene 1 we are eager to s the development of Iago’s schemes. By act 5 we are powerless to oppose his plans as his soliloquys and asides become less frequent.

Question 6

Gender and storytelling

Answer 6

Women in Othello repeatedly get stories told about hem by men but are not able to tell stories themselves eg. the tale of Desdemona’s infidelity pigeonholing her into the role of the ‘cunning whore of Venice’. Emilia’s only story is the revelation of Iago’s scheme in act 5 scene 2, immediately after this she is killed by her husband- once again power is stolen from a woman by the men around her.

Question 7

Iago’s focal point

Answer 7

‘if thou hast eyes to see, she has deceived her father and may thee’ act 1 scene 3 this line spoken by Brabantio to Othello is the focal point of Iago’s entire scheme. In this line the narrative of the untrustworthiness of women is established, women (particularly in the liberal melting pot of Venice) are inherently dangerous and immoral