Jealousy Flashcards
Give a quote that suggests jealousy is irrational and what it means.
Emilia - “jealous souls (…) are not ever jealous for the cause”. This means that it quickly spirals out of control, leading to violence, murder and the loss of peoples good qualities e.g. Othello’s nobility.
What does the strength of Othello’s jealousy compare to? describe.
The strength of his love. He loves Des “not wisely, but too well” - when he begins to suspect that she is unfaithful, this passion changed from love to jealousy.
What is Othello’s sexual jealousy fuelled by? Explain
His insecurity. In Act 3 Scene 3 he cites his race and age as reasons that Des might cheat on him.
Give 3 points that show Iago plays on Othello’s insecurities.
- He knows that Othello is inexperienced with Venetian women (promiscuous)
- He argues that Des “did deceive her father, marrying you” and links her to the dishonest Venetian women who care only that their antics remain unknown.
- He plays on Othello’s racial insecurity by suggesting that Des will eventually compare Othello with “her own clime” and “repent” of her marriage to him.
What does Shakespeare associate the effects of jealousy with?
The imagery of hell: “Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!”. This suggests that jealousy isn’t just a dangerous primal force, but also an evil one.
What does Emilia describe jealousy as?
a “monster/Begot upon itself, born on itself” - jealousy grows by feeding on itself. Shakespeare develops this metaphor of jealousy as a monster.
What does the word ‘mock’ in “doth mock the meat it feeds on.” suggest?
It reminds the audience of Iago’s habit of taking pleasure in other character’s misfortunes. This connects him to the “monster”, making him a personification of jealousy.
Describe the imagery in “doth mock the meat it feeds on.”.
Shakespeare introduces the idea of jealousy as a monster, which eats up the “meat” of the person who experiences it. The word “feeds: suggests that jealousy is a consuming force.
Suggest how Othello was not easily made jealous.
- He doesn’t give in to jealousy immediately, and says that Des “loves company” which is a “virtue”.
- He trusts her because “she had eyes and chose me”, demanding “ocular proof” before he will believe her guilt.
Suggest how Othello was easily made jealous.
- Only takes seeing Cassio with the handkerchief.
- Othello’s transformation in Act 3 Scene 3 happens in a long and intense scene which makes it seem like time is passing quickly, emphasising the speed of his downfall.
What quote suggests jealousy is a consuming force?
Iago describes Othello as “eaten up with passion”.
What highlights how irrational jealousy is?
The fact that Othello is convinced of Des’s betrayal by such an insubstantial object.
Describe the symbolism of the handkerchief.
It was originally a symbol of Othello’s love for Desdemona, but comes to represent her ‘betrayal’, which shows how jealousy can transform a positive symbol into a negative one.
