Othello

Othello

1. Othello and Desdemona

   • Act 1 Scene 2: 'I love the gentle Desdemona'
     • By telling Desdemona's Father this he is showing his dedication to Desdemona. He will not let Brabantio come between them - he would rather be hated than lose Desdemona(?)
   • 1 Scene 3 (184) : "But here's my husband ... preferring you before her father..." (Desdemona speaks to her father about how her mother chose Brabantio over her father.
     • She is deeply in love with Othello and would choose him over her Father.
     • Your husband was your priority in this era - she could've been living up to social norms
     • LINK WITH STELLA CHOOSING STANLEY OVER BLANCHE
   • Act 2 Scene 1 (176...) : Othello is professing his love to Desdemona (long section - look up)
     • The sentences used are long with barely any pauses - shows the audience that Othello is so in love that he can't contain his feelings (they all slip out)
   • Act 2 Scene 3 (294) : Iago says that "Our general's wife is now our general."
     • Othello is so smitten he does anything Desdemona wants - actually opposing social norms (social status)
   • Act 3 Scene 3 (280): "If she be false, O heaven mocks itself"
     • Loves her so much he cannot believe she could ever do any wrong
   • Act 4 Scene 1 (183): "Hang her, I do but say what she is: so delicate ..."
     • Othello still loves Desdemona - can still see the best things about her.
     • He must kill her or he will appear weak - social expectations.
   • Act 4 Scene 1 (199): "Get me some poison... I'll not expostualte with her..."
     • He is weak to her beauty - still loves her?
     • Wants to remain powerful and so will not give Desdemona the opportunity to 'manipulate' him.

2. Brabantio and Desdemona

   • Act 1 Scene 2 (59): When asked if Desdemona is 'Dead' to him he responds with "Ay, to me."
     • He cares more about his daughter marrying 'the moor' ruining his reputation (social status). Favours social status over love of his daughter.

3. Bianca and Cassio

   • Act 4 Scene 1 (119): "Marry her? What! A customer!"
     • Using Bianca for social status - to appear a powerful man who women lust after. Would never think of loving her. Thinks sleeping with her is a game.

4. Act 5 Scene 2 (125): Tells Emelia she is killing herself "Nobody; I myself.."

   • Loyal out of love for Othello or because women were expected to be loyal to their husband - wanted to be remembered in a good way.
   • LINK WITH GATSBY'S DEDICATION TO DAISY WHEN SHE KILLS MYRTLE

5. Othello and Iago

   • Act 3 Scene 3 (10) : Desdemona remarks "You do love my lord, you have known him long..."
     • Dramatic irony: it is his love for Othello and length of their relationship that has led to Iago's plan. He felt belittled/cheated - wanted to maintain social status.
   • Act 3 Scene 3: Othello says to Iago "I know thou'rt full of love and honesty."
     • Dramatic irony once again. Iago is evil. He begins to trust Iago over Desdemona - men were always more trustworthy.

6. Iago and Emelia

   • Act 5 Scene 3 (168): "You have done well, that men must lay their murders on your neck."
     • Emelia wants Iago to be innocent - she loves him
   • Act 5 Scene 2 (223): "...He begg'd of me to steal it,"
     • Emelia is not in love with Iago? She is confessing everything Iago made her do - taking away his social status.