Othello Scene Summary ACT 1, SCENE 1 – at night, Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello giving the military position to Cassio instead of him – fuelled by anger and jealousy they seek to make Brabantio aware of Othello marry Desdemona without his permission through the use of crude and animalistic imagery.
CHARACTER QUOTEANALYSISTHEMES
Roderigo (pg5) “Iago, who hast had my purse, as if the strings were thine” Semantic field of puppets shows that Roderigo is bound to Iago and he has complete control over him – manipulation right from the start Appearance vs reality, manipulation Iago (pg7)“I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at – I am not what I am” Binary opposition of his honesty (with the idiom) and deception in the last line.Religious reference to “I am that I am” when god shows his true face to the Israelites however Iago subverts this through an inversion by revealing his manipulating ways and aligning himself with evil from the start Appearance vs reality, manipulation Iago (pg8)“Look to your house, your daughter and your bags” The possessive pronoun highlights how women are seen as property as well as pairing her alongside assets – shows the position of women in Elizabethan times.Gender, role of women Iago (pg8)“an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” Binary opposition between Othello and Desdemona in order to highlight their differences. Use of derogatory and animalistic imagery shows Othello as an evil and predatory figure. In contrast Desdemona is depicted as innocent and pure – stereotypical view on women Race, Gender Iago (pg9)“making beast with two backs” and “lascivious moor” Crude, sexual and animalistic imagery to describe Othello portrays an archaic view on race as well as undermining Brabantio’s social standing due to his daughters disrespect.Othello’s first impression is heard from a third person perspective and rumours -> end up being incorrect.Appearance vs reality, race Brabantio (pg11) “O treason of the blood” Traditionally father is supposed to decide who the women marry therefore by Desdemona marrying without his permission, she breaks the Great Chain of Being.Gender, role of women ACT 1, SCENE 2 – (transitional scene) Iago warns Othello that Brabantio knows about the marriage, though Othello seems unworried about it and he thinks he can win Brabantio over. Cassio is also made aware of the marriage. Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft to win over Desdemona.
CHARACTER QUOTEANALYSISTHEMES
Othello (pg13) “my parts, my title and my perfect soul” List of three shows Othello’s confidence in winning over Brabantio, however it could also show his pride – one of his hamartia. This also contrasts with Iago’s view on Othello as he is shown to be the perfect solider.Appearance vs reality, hamartia, race Iago (pg13)“By Janus, I think no”In Roman religion, he was the god of transitions Foreshadowing 1 / 2
and presides over beginnings and endings of war and conflict, foreshadowing the change that is about to occur Iago (pg14)“boarded a land carack” Slang for prostitute inferring that Othello is immoral for sleeping with a whore and demeaning Desdemona Gender Brabantio (pg15) “foul charms, abused her delicate youth with drugs” Dehumanises Othello by linking him to witchcraft and the devil (reflect Renaissance beliefs about the nature of evil) as well as suggesting no one would willingly marry a moor.Frames Desdemona as an innocent and pure maiden Race, gender Othello (pg14) “keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” Use of eloquent but commanding language where he doesn’t advocate violence, contrasting predetermined views about race. However, this changes later in the play when he relies more heavily on violence. Romantic and poetic imagery is commonly used by the tragic hero Race ACT 1, SCENE 3 – Othello is meeting with the council discussing the war with the Turks, when Brabantio comes with his grievance again Othello marrying Desdemona. He admits he did marry Desdemona but wooed her with stories not witchcraft, this is confirmed by Desdemona who stands up against her father. Roderigo is jealous of Othello’s match but Iago reassures him it will be ok.
CHARACTER QUOTEANALYSISTHEMES
Othello (pg9)“noble and approved good masters” Uses eloquent and respectful language to flatter the council, as well as positioning himself as below them in order to show his respect (self- deprecating). He speaks in Blank verse indicating at his nobility Race Brabantio (pg20) “a maiden never bold”Brabantio aligns Desdemona with a traditional Elizabethan women, however this is contrasted with Desdemona’s actions who disobeys her father Gender Othello (pg22) “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her, that she did pity them” Their difference (race) is what brings them together showcasing an unconventional relationship. However, does Desdemona love him because for his exoticness (racist undertones). Though race brings them together, it also acts as a barrier and causes Othello’s doubts Race, Gender, Love Desdemona (pg22) “divided duty” She both accepts male authority but also subverts it as she disobeys her father but is undyingly loyal to her husband Gender, loyalty Brabantio (pg26) “She has deceived her father and may thee” This foreshadows and plants the seeds of doubt within Othello Jealousy, Hamartia Duke (pg26)“your son-in-law is far more fair than black” The Elizabethan belief that moor are evil which is subverted by Othello making him seen as not like his physical appearance Race Iago (pg28)“it is merely a lust of Iago’s view of love -> he sees lust as an impulse Love vs lust
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