Othello Flashcards
(23 cards)
[Critics] Who provided the first major published criticism of Othello? In what year?
Thomas Rymer - 1693
[Critics] Fill in the blank: According to Edward A. Snow, the play reveals a world of sexual _______.
repression
[Critics] What does Carol Thomas Neely argue about Desdemona and Emilia in Othello?
They are victims of male characters’ romantic idealization and anxious misogyny.
[Critics] What does Ruth Vanita argue about Othello’s treatment of racism?
It combats racism by presenting Othello as not different from any white husband.
[Critics] What does Julia Reinhard Lupton argue about Othello’s religious identity?
Othello models a profound religious ambiguity, being both a stable convert and a suspect convert
Lupton interprets Othello’s suicide as a complex act of identity affirmation.
[Critics] What does Jonathan Burton suggest about Othello’s attempts to fit into Christian Europe?
He tries to counter self-doubt through actions that authorize his place in Venice
Burton notes that Othello’s belief in his difference reveals his faith struggles.
[Critics] Who called Iago a ‘motiveless malignity’?
Coleridge
[Plot] Describe the events of A1.S1
Act 1, Scene 1 – Iago, leading on Roderigo, wakes up Desdemona’s father Brabantio to tell him that his daughter has run off to marry Othello.
[Plot] Describe the events of A1.S2
Act 1, Scene 2 – Iago warns Othello about the situation with Brabantio, but the matter is overtaken when news arrives about the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Othello and Brabantio proceed to the presence of the Duke.
[Plot] Describe the events of A1.S3
Act 1, Scene 3 – The Duke is meeting senators to discuss the political situation. In Desdemona’s presence, Othello is questioned about his wooing of Brabantio’s daughter. The matter is dismissed as Othello speaks convincingly and attention is turned to Othello’s removal to Cyprus to manage the situation there. Iago begins to plot his course of action against Othello.
[Plot] Describe the events of A2.S1
Act 2, Scene 1 – The scene moves to Cyprus, where the characters arrive (in sequence). The immediate threat from the Turks has been removed. Iago begins to put his plan into action.
[Plot] Describe the events of A2.S2
Act 2, Scene 2 – A public celebration of the victory is announced.
[Plot] Describe the events of A2.S3
Act 2, Scene 3 – Iago’s plotting leads to Cassio getting drunk and brawling. Othello demotes Cassio. Iago suggests that Cassio seeks the help of Desdemona to be reinstated to his position.
[Plot] Describe the events of A3.S1
Act 3, Scene 1 – The Clown makes an appearance. Music is being arranged. Cassio discusses with Emilia (Iago’s wife) arrangements for Desdemona to support his cause.
[Plot] Describe the events of A3.S2
Act 3, Scene 2 – Othello announces his intention to visit the fortifications on the island.
[Plot] Describe the events of A3.S3
Act 3, Scene 3 – Desdemona puts Cassio’s case to her husband. Iago hints to Othello at suspicious circumstances surrounding this. Desdemona loses her precious handkerchief (which had been a gift from Othello). Othello’s jealousy begins to intensify. Iago provides ‘proof’ of Desdemona’s infidelity (and Cassio’s treachery) to Othello. Othello appoints Iago as his lieutenant.
[Plot] Describe the events of A3.S4
Act 3, Scene 4 – There is tension between Othello and Desdemona because of the loss of the handkerchief. Bianca, who is infatuated with Cassio, becomes involved in developments with the handkerchief.
[Plot] Describe the events of A4.S1
Act 4, Scene 1 – Encouraged by Iago, Othello’s jealousy increases. We witness the physical effects of this on him. Iago manipulates a situation where Cassio seems to demonstrate his guilt – although this is not, in fact, the case. Lodovico orders Othello back to Venice, and witnesses Othello’s expressions of anger towards Desdemona.
[Plot] Describe the events of A4.S2
Act 4, Scene 2 – Othello expresses his negative view of Desdemona to Emilia. Roderigo tells Iago that he believes he is being gulled by him, but Iago turns this situation around and convinces Roderigo to try and kill Cassio.
[Plot] Describe the events of A4.S3
Act 4, Scene 3 – Desdemona prepares for bed (at Othello’s request). Desdemona sings the ‘willow’ song and Emilia expresses the view that women and men share similar desires. The scene endorses female solidarity and – in modern terms – feminist views.
[Plot] Describe the events of A5.S1
Act 5, Scene 1 – Iago’s machinations lead to a confused scene which results in the wounding of Cassio and the death of Roderigo (in a fight). Othello departs to murder Desdemona.
[Plot] Describe the events of A5.S2
Act 5, Scene 2 – Othello murders Desdemona in her bed by smothering her with a pillow. On the arrival of Emilia – and then Iago – the deception plot is gradually revealed. Iago kills Emilia and Othello unsuccessfully attempts to take Iago’s life. Othello dies by suicide and Iago is taken away.
[Critics] Who said “Why was not this call’d the Tragedy of the Handkerchief?”
Thomas Rhymer
