Othello's Deterioration

Othello's Deterioration

1. Eloquent, honourable and sophisticated

   • Defies Iago's characterisation as barbaric, heathen and uncivilised
   • "Most potent, grave and reverend signiors, my very noble and approved good masters"

2. Caring, loving husband to Desdemona

   • "Let her have your voice"
     • Unusual to give a woman a mans power
   • "I love the gentle Desdemona"
     • Public declaration of love
   • "Were i to die now i would die happy"

3. "Excellent wretch!"

   • Negative towards Desdemona yet admiring
   • Whore
   • Become jealous of Cassio and Desdemona
   • Undermined by Iago's trickery of words

4. "Give me ocular proof"

   • He loves her so wants the proof
   • Othello's jealousy begins to overlook common sense
   • Believes Iago's lies and manipulation
     • Full of jealousy and rage
   • First mention Iago as a villain

5. "Down strumpet!"

   • Whore
   • "Being done there is no pause"
     • He must do it now

6. "Put out the light and then put out the light"

   • Pun
   • Put out the physical light
     • Doesn't want to take ownership for his actions
   • Put out the light of her life
     • Light has connotations to pure, angel

7. Language

   • Mimicking Iago
   • Animal and hunting imagery
   • Reflects the lower class
   • Begins eloquent and sophisticated

8. Final speech

   • Tragic hero must have their final speech
   • Language is pretty but not eloquent
   • Wants to be remembered as he is
     • "Speak of me as i am"
   • Doesn't want his military service and achievements being forgotten