Characters Flashcards
(56 cards)
Who is Othello?
A Moorish general in the Venetian army; converted to Christianity; respected but racially and culturally ‘othered’.
Why is Othello seen as noble in Act 1?
He is called “valiant” by the Duke and Senators, speaks in elevated blank verse, and behaves graciously.
What quote shows Othello’s modesty in Act 1?
“Rude am I in my speech” (he is insecure about his lack of eloquence, even though he speaks well)
What might Othello’s modesty really suggest?
False modesty or egotism; possibly internalised insecurity.
What quote shows Othello’s confidence in his honour?
“My parts, my title, and my perfect soul / Shall manifest me rightly.”
How does Othello’s speech change in Act 3?
Becomes fragmented and chaotic — reflects mental breakdown.
Example of Othello’s disordered speech?
“Handkerchief — confessions — handkerchief!”
What does Lodovico say about Othello’s fall from grace?
“Is this the noble Moor… whose solid virtue… could neither graze nor pierce?”
What is Othello’s tragic flaw?
Insecurity, jealousy, and linking love with status and honour.
Does Othello redeem himself by the end?
Unclear — he kills and then punishes himself, which could be redemptive or nihilistic.
Why does Othello tie Desdemona’s faithfulness to his identity?
Her betrayal makes him feel inadequate as a man and leader.
Quote showing Othello’s obsession with honour over truth?
“I had been happy if the general camp… had tasted her sweet body / So I had nothing known” (he’d be chill if everyone slept with Desdemona as long as he never found out)
Quote showing Othello’s identity crisis?
“Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell content; farewell the plumed troops…” (goodbye to all things good)
Iago’s hatred for Othello
believes Othello slept with his wife - “I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets / He’s done my office.”
why is Iago jealous?
Cassio has been promoted over him
How does Iago view women?
he has deep cynicism - “the wine she drinks is made of grapes” (nothing is special about Desdemona and so women as a whole)
Iago as Machiavellian
Iago is uniquely the most calculating and deceptive character in the play, regularly exposing the vulnerabilities of those around him - “The Moor is of a free and open nature” (Othello is naive)
how is Iago coupled with irony?
he pretends to be loyal and honest (and does not lie) yet easily exploits the weaknesses of other characters
what does Iago think about reputation?
a good reputation is the most valuable thing a person can have - “Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, / Is the immediate jewel of their souls.”
is Iago cruel?
“And what’s he then that says I play the villain? / When this advice is free I give and honest…” = a moment that reveals Iago’s ability to deceive others into thinking he’s a good guy while he’s actually orchestrating destruction
how does Iago exploit Othello’s insecurity?
giving Othello tiny signs of infidelity (i.e., a lost handkerchief) reflects his deep understanding of human nature
what quote demonstrates Iago’s dual nature?
“I am not what I am”
how does Iago reveal his real motivations
“And thus I clothe my naked villainy / With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ, / And seem a saint when most I play the devil.” = the underscoring of his hypocrisy and cunning
who is Desdemona?
- Daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio, wife of Othello
- Good and loyal wife
- But has some strong-willed moments - eg attempts to persuade Othello to forgive Cassio
- On her deathbed she is an image of virginal innocence lying in her wedding sheets and still loyal to her husband
