Shakespeares Big Ideas On Othello

Question 1

What is Othello’s tragedy about?

Answer 1

Racism and misogyny, the failure of the individual in regards to avoiding repression,
Othello and Desdemona’s optimistic desire for a world in which all races and genders can achieve autonomy is destroyed by forces that wish to remain in the status quo

Question 2

What concept does Shakespeare use othello to communicate?

Answer 2

To challenge contemporary racist stereotypes
Demonstrates the power of prejudice, Othello’s racial identity makes his vunerable to iago’s schemes
His internal feeling of being an outsiders makes him susceptible to insecurity

Question 3

What concept doe Shakespeare use Iago to communicate?

Answer 3

The quintessence of prejudice and discontent, rails against outsiders and attempts to manipulate them

Demonstrates the evil that mankind is capable of

Question 4

What concept does Shakespeare use Desdemona to communicate?

Answer 4

Hope for women, she is outspoken and determined, not afraid to bend the rules and stereotypes of the patriarchy to get what she wants

Question 5

What conce[pt does Shakespeare use Emilia to communicate?

Answer 5

Emilia’s development as a character is the mirror image of Desdemona’s trajectory, as Desdemona becomes passive, Emilia finds her voice yet they both face the same fate at the hand of their husbands
Women who attempt to assert themselves get permanently silenced

Question 6

What concept does Shakespeare use Bianca to communicate?

Answer 6

An individuals fate is purely an accident of birth (comparison of Desdemona’s and Bianca)
She suggests survival is dependent on treading a fine line between maintaining one’s integrity and being worldly-wise

Question 7

What concept does Shakespeare use cassio to communicate?

Answer 7

The possibility to maintain ones integrity and morality even is the face of being reduced to a debased pawn
He becomes the voice of reason and order at the plays denouement

Question 8

What concept does Shakespeare use Lodovico to communicate?

Answer 8

A voice a reason, provides moral commentary, highlights the dramatic shift of othello’s character

Question 9

What concept does Shakespeare use brabantio to communicate?

Answer 9

Symbolises the traditional values of Venice and the patriarchy, embodiment of responsibility, shows the patriarchy as almost weak