Desdemona Flashcards
(26 cards)
“If she in chains of magic were not bound, whether a maid so tender, fair and happy” - Brabantio
Act 1 scene 2
-Brabantio’s spiteful attitude towards Othello and Desdemona
-“Chains of magic” suggests he has used witchcraft in order to marry her
-“tender, fair and happy” are qualities he believed she previously had but they have been removed because of Othello
“Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals” - Brabantio
Act 1 scene 2
-“delicate” presents her place in society
-Again, Othello’s use of supernatural powers are implied with “drugs or minerals”
-Reflecting on her past self again
“She’d come again with a greedy ear” - Othello
Act 1 scene 3
-Her genuine interest in him
-Contradicts what Brabantio believes of his use of witchcraft
“I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education”
Act 1 scene 3
-The “divided duty” is between Brabantio and Othello
-Shows societal expectations that a woman will divide her life between father and husband
-“Bound” could show that he has possession over her and she is aware and accepting of it
“You are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband”
Act 1 scene 3
-Acknowledges her obligations to her father
-However she also understands the societal role has now been switched onto her husband
-It seems defensive as she knows she is trying to win a case against him
“The divine Desdemona” - Cassio
Act 2 scene 1
-His admiration of Desdemona
-Comparing her to a goddess
-Links to/foreshadows Othello’s later jealousy
“The wine she drinks is made of grapes” - Iago
Act 2 scene 1
-Gluttony
-He is saying she is an ordinary woman, unlike what other men believe; that she is goddess-like and unworldly
“Indeed she’s a most fresh and delicate creature” - Cassio
Act 2 scene 3
-Purity and innocence
-Her fragility in society
-Animalistic and unhumanly- could be dismissive of her because she’s a woman
“Be thou assured, good Cassio”
Act 3 scene 3
-Her naivety
-She sees good in everybody
-Stems into Othello’s jealousy
“She did deceive her father, marrying you” - Iago
Act 3 scene 3
-Their marriage goes against her father’s wishes, ultimately leading to Othello’s jealousy
-Plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind
-Her deception was previously mentioned; by her father
“She’s gone, I am abused, and my relief must be to loathe her” - Othello
Act 3 scene 3
-Inner conflict
-The only way to recover from his jealousy is to hate her, which leads to killing her
-His fragmented state of mind
-“I am abused” portrays himself as a victim to her
“Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?”
Act 3 scene 4
-Her naivety as she understands the importance of the handkerchief but doesn’t realise she is feeding into Iago’s plans with it
-Fuels Othello’s jealousy
-Her innocence
“Let her rot and parish and be damned tonight” - Othello
Act 4 scene 1
-His erratic nature
-Internal torment
-Desire for her suffering
-Foreshadows his later actions
<Striking> - Othello
Act 4 scene 1
</Striking>
-Straight to physical violence
-Objectification
-Humiliating for her as it is in public
“I have not deserved this”
Act 4 scene 1
-Pleading for innocence
-Had false hope, but things have not gotten better with Othello
“I will not stay to offend you”
Act 4 scene 1
-She is unaware of the accusations and her husband’s anger
-Naive as she submissively apologises too him, even though she hasn’t done anything
-Is there a sense of fear here?
“Your true and loyal wife”
Act 4 scene 2
-How she views herself
-Has a correct and rational view of the situation
-Emotional effect on her as she feels the need to defend herself
“Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell” - Othello
Act 4 scene 2
-Heaven/hell contrast as religious imagery
-She will be punished by God for her unfaithfulness
“Thou young and rose-lipped cherubin, ay, there look, grim as hell!” - Othello
Act 4 scene 2
-Everyone else’s perception of her vs his
-Thinks she’s cute and innocent but is actually grim
-Unfaithfulness
“By heaven, you do me wrong”
Act 4 scene 2
-Placing blame on Othello
-She does feel like she can defend herself
“Lay on my bed my wedding sheets”
Act 4 scene 2
-Only voices agency when Othello isn’t there and she’s speaking to a woman
-Proves she is devoted to him, suggesting she would never do anything like the accusations
“Get you to bed on the instant” - Othello
Act 4 scene 3
-The control he has over her
-Imperative commands
-Treats her like a child
“Foolish are our minds! If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of these same sheets!”
Act 4 scene 3
-Unsure of what she says
-Tragic theme of death
-Wants to die how she married
“Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight!”
Act 5 scene 2
-Frustrating victim, stupid
-Begging for forgiveness and having to fight for her life
