Conflict Essay

Question 1

“For know, Iago,/
But that I love the gentle Desdemona”

Answer 1

-Immediate impression of his love
- w.c. “gentle”- noticing her qualities
-real Othello contrasts Iago’s image
- we realise Iago’s hatred
-Shakespeare is setting up the most obvious antagonist - Iago

Question 2

“Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore,/
Be sure of it”

Answer 2

• Othello’s language replicates Iago’s
• shakespeare is showing us the affect of Iago’s words
  -Irony as Othello calls Iago villain
• Iago overwhelmed by hatred, othello overwhelmed by jealousy
• Othello demonstrates inexperience in emotions (like bringing D to Cyprus)
• appears to wants D guilty - rationality is twisted
• Iago’s plan comes together

Question 3

“mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns/
That dwell on every region of his face “

Answer 3

-Iago control clear as O follows instructions -general at beginning gone
- Shakespeare showing the change
- Iago controls O through emotions
- For O, in this moment, Desdemona’s death is inevitable
- not only feels like it’s his duty but he wants it
- S makes clear Ds death is avoidable with “possible?”
- reminded of the ambiguity of Os character

Question 4

“put out the light, and then put out the light”

Answer 4

• metaphor. light symbolises innocence - deep down O doesn’t want to kill her
• despite this he does. Why?
• Control means everything to him
• s encourages us to decide villain
• I takes down O facade revealing true character
• O not kill unless jealousy was not integral to his character
• both share equal blame

Question 5

Concluding sentence

Answer 5

It is impossible to pin blame on just one character but Iago’s and Othello’s inexperience in emotions are Shakespeare’s driving force that led to this play’s tragic end.