Bianca

Bianca

1. She's defined by her profession

   • She's a courtesan (prostitute who has upper-class/wealthy customers)
   • Her profession is never explicitly stated in the play but Shakespeare heavily implies it .
   • Cassio is her favoruite "customer". She falls in love with him and the idea of marrying him. But he isn't serious, sees her as a "bauble" - showing he thinks of her as a pretty, but insignificant object.
   • Other characters assume what her profession is , reflects on her general moral character

2. Shares similarities with Othello

   • Could both be described at outsiders who are shunned and mistreated by other characters
   • Both suffer jealousy about their lovers - their suspicions are caused by the handkerchief. Cassio comments that bianca's jealous and her language demonstrates her anger-= "I was a fine fool to take it... This is some minx's token, and I must take out the work?"
   • BUT they react differently to jealousy- Othello turns to "savage madness" while she gives Cassio a chance to explain himself. "you'll come to supper tonight"