Othello

• "I love the gentle Desdemona."


  - Othello's view of Desdemona challenges Iago's view of him as an animalistic, immoral and sexually-obsessed black man. Rather, Othello appears as being the perfect example of a genuine and loving husband.

  - In making a declaration love about Desdemona, outside of her presence, but in front of Brabantio and those senators who are likely to condemn him for breaking social conventions, Othello shows the extent of his love for Desdemona. Othello is aware of the dangers he could face for breaking social and moral conventions, yet, he is not afraid to voice his love for Desdemona.

  - He is sacrificing his reputation and his respect from the Venetian senators for his marriage. This makes him admirable, because, as a black man in a Venetian society, he had to work for his position. Yet, he is willing to sacrifice his position for love. An ultimate testimony of love.

  - Moreover, in stating that he "loves Desdemona", it is evident that Othello has genuine feelings for Desdemona to the extent that he could not think lustfully of her. He is not what Iago presented him as.

  - We gain respect for Othello. In a society where women were victims of their husband's mistreatment, Othello does not mistreat Desdemona. He is not a misogynist.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the sea's worth."

  - Mentioned in the previous quote. Othello's love for Desdemona is successful because of his sacrifice for his position and freedom.

  - In sacrificing himself for Desdemona's love, it is evident that he has genuine love towards her. He is also different to the typical patriarchal and toxic male - he does not mistreat Desdemona.

  - Tragic. It is evident they love each other, yet, typical of a tragedy, happy moments are temporary and heighten the moments of sadness and disaster. We know the relationship cannot last.

  - Tragic; Othello's true love for Desdemona is ruined by Iago's false love for him, leading to the disastrous destruction of the marriage between the two.

  - Ironic? Foreshadows Desdemona becoming Jesus-like and being sacrificed for her husband's mistakes. A testimony of love, loyalty and devotion to him as a wife.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "With a greedy ear, [she'd] devour up my discourse."


  - Othello tells the Duke about his marriage with Desdemona and the reasons as to why it happened.

  - Othello evidently puts Desdemona in an active position, portraying her as being the character to mainly lead to their love for each other and their marriage. In making both of the characters play an active role within the marriage, Shakespeare could perhaps be implying that although the relationship is unnatural in terms of Venetian social conventions, it is not unnatural in Desdemona's and Othello's terms. They are both in love with each other and both have consented to the marriage.

  - It could also be argued that in saying that Desdemona "devoured" up Othello's discourse with a "greedy ear", Desdemona is presented as having an appetite and craving for Othello. Desdemona's love for Othello seems to be presented as one that is sexual and addicting. Thus, it could be argued that this is ironic as Othello was presented as being the animalistic character. Perhaps Othello has pure morality whilst Desdemona does not? It could also be argued that the relationship may not work because of Desdemona's appetite for Othello's stories. Is she attracted to anything else of his?

  - It is important to note that Desdemona is also presented as being in a controversial position. According to Jacobean courtesy books, women were expected to be shy and not outgoing. Thus, in being the opposite of the social expectation, it can be argued that Desdemona will be defiant of other social norms. Thus, this contributes to the tragedy as Iago's view that Desdemona had an affair could seem plausible when considering the social conventions Desdemona broke.

  - Desdemona also loves Othello for his stories.. a silly reason. She idealises him. Weak foundations.

  - Clearly, Desdemona was "half the wooer" - what Brabantio wanted proof for.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her, that she did pity them."

  - Othello and Desdemona's marriage seems superficial and built on the wrong foundations - the foundations of loving each other because of their acceptance towards each other's stories. As the audience we begin to question whether or not these are valid reasons for marriage? It could be argued that the relationship between the two will not be successful because it lacks the basic foundations such as attractions and genuine love. It is as if Desdemona only loves Othello for his military role and would not love him if he lacked that military role. Perhaps, her love for Othello's stories and military abilities is because of her father's background in the military. So, is she truly attracted to him?

  - We could also question Othello's attraction to Desdemona. It is evident that Othello is insecure in his race and attempts to hide his racial background with his military background. Perhaps he only loves Desdemona because she is the only woman to love him without focusing on his race? Maybe he does not have any other prospects?

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Half the wooer"


  - Brabantio will accept the marriage if he is given proof of his daughter's active role within the relationship.

  - Controversial; women were not supposed to involve themselves with men outside of the family. Yet, Desdemona did. She disobeys social conventions.

  
  

  SAID BY BRABANTIO
• "That I do love the Moor to live with him."

  - Desdemona is given a voice to confess her love towards Othello. It is clear that Othello did not force Desdemona into the relationship, rather, both parties consented.

  - It could be argued that this is also evident of Othello's nature and him challenging Iago's views of him - as an animalistic character. If Desdemona was forced and "charmed" to marry Othello, it can be argued that she would perhaps be obeying of Othello out of fear and would not rebel against his request because of the power men are given in the patriarchy. Yet, when Desdemona is given the ability to confess her role in the marriage, if she would have been forced into the relationship, she would have used the moment as an opportunity to stop the marriage. Thus, as she does not use her opportunity to speak up as an opportunity to stop the marriage, it is clear that she played an active role in the marriage.

  - ACTIVE CHARACTER; tragic - as the play progresses, Desdemona loses her authority as a wife and becomes controlled by her husband, anticipating her husband's ultimate control over her to the point that he even has control over her death.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "Let me go with him."

  "Let her have your voice."


  - Desdemona as an active character; a challenge to patriarchal norms. She is a controversial character because of her abilities as a female character - POWERFUL.

  - Tragic; Desdemona loses her influence and power in the relationship as the play progresses. She loses her voice and cannot prevent her wrongful killing.

  - It could also be argued that Desdemona being given a voice and being able to choose to go to Cyprus with her husband is a bad omen. In sending the couple to Cyprus, a place with minimal laws and civilisation, a war-torn country, Shakespeare helps readers anticipate the war which will also impact the relationship. Their relationship is too young to survive any suffering caused by hardships. Short marriage. Anticipates disaster.

  - "Let her have your voice" -> Othello is admirable; he challenges patriarchy and social conventions. Not a toxic male like other characters. We believe he will treat Desdemona positively.

  
  

  Q1: SAID BY DESDEMONA

  Q2: SAID BY OTHELLO
• "She has deceived her father, and may thee."

  - Brabantio puts Desdemona in a complex situation. Despite being his daughter, his love for her is clearly deteriorating, made evident by his warning towards Othello about her nature- as a girl that "deceives".

  - It could be argued that Brabantio's view of Desdemona also plants seeds of doubt in the audience's mind and view of Desdemona. We clearly see Desdemona disobey her father, therefore, Iago's view that Desdemona has been unfaithful towards Othello may seem plausible because of Desdemona's past experiences.

  - Tragic; Iago's well-calculated and opportunistic nature is able to distort Brabantio's words and use them to his advantage for his plans to go forward. Desdemona's actions which are seen as a testimony of bravery against social conventions and a testimony of love towards Othello for fearlessly breaking social conventions, is now manipulated and exploited to disadvantage Desdemona. Iago manages to prey on Desdemona's genuine love for Othello and frame it as being a sign of disloyalty, leading to her wrongful killing and sacrifice. Desdemona is a victim of social norms and expectations of women, as well as her love for Othello.

  - It seems as if women are victims in all aspects in this tragedy.

  
  

  SAID BY BRABANTIO
• "My life upon her faith."


  - Othello suggests that he would put his life at stake upon Desdemona's faithfulness. In saying so, Othello makes the ultimate declaration of love and loyalty towards Desdemona, because he implies that he trusts her with his life.

  - It is evident that their relationship is based on love and not lust. Should the relationship have been built on lust, Othello's lust would have not transformed into undying trust for Desdemona, to the extent that his life would be dependent on her.

  - This quote is also tragic. Although it refers to Othello's life, it also ironically refers to Desdemona's life. Desdemona's life will be sacrificed by Othello because of his belief in her faithfulness. She is not faithful enough for him to carry on living. Desdemona as a sacrificial saint.

  - It is also tragic because Desdemona is the one that wrongfully and innocently dies at the hands of Othello when she is the epitome of faithfulness (as seen by her shocking discovery that cheating is common). It foreshadows Desdemona's murder for her true and faithful love.

  - Some would also argue that Othello is very brave. The married couple do not know each other well enough, yet he trusts Desdemona fully. The relationship progresses too fast.

  - Ironic; as the play progresses, Othello begins to put his life on stake for Iago's loyalty and trust. Desdemona's faith is replaced by Iago's fake faith. TRAGIC.

  - In saying "my life upon her faith", Othello gives Desdemona the power and control in the relationship. As the play progresses, the power and control is reversed and given to Othello. Othello becomes an embodiment of patriarchy and misogyny thus stripping Desdemona away of her powers within the relationship. Othello becomes the one that controls Desdemona's life.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I have but an hour of love, of worldly matters and direction, to spend with thee."


  - Structurally significant; the couple is not given enough time together to enjoy each other's presence and to get to know each other. This is fatal as the play progresses. Should they have had more time between their marriage and their move to Cyprus, perhaps, Desdemona's wrongful killing would have been prevented. Othello would have known Desdemona well enough to be able to gauge her faithfulness.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue."

  - Othello to Desdemona regarding their consummation of marriage.

  - In telling Desdemona that the "purchase is made, the fruits are to ensure", Othello makes it clear to the audience that the couple has not yet consummated the marriage. Thus, it can be argued that this quote challenges Iago's views of Othello being an animalistic predator. In stating that they have not consummated the marriage yet, Othello makes his love towards Desdemona known - he is not concerned with getting to know her physically. First and foremost, he has attraction to her as a person.

  - Nevertheless, it could also be argued that this quote supports Iago's view of Othello. Although Othello does not directly make Desdemona a victim of misogyny and patriarchy, in saying that "the purchase is made", Othello objectifies Desdemona and sees her as his property after the "fruits ensue". Othello is slowly adopting a misogynistic and patriarchal view of their marriage which opposes the Othello at the beginning.

  - It can also be argued that Othello is desperate for the "fruits to ensue" because he is aware of the lack of time. Every time Othello and Desdemona are by themselves, something always intervenes. Therefore, he just wants to get it done.

  - They don't know each other well enough. They haven't even consummated their marriage. They are not so intimate with each other, therefore, anything can ruin their marriage.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "She is sport for jove."

  - Iago's allusion to Jove is a suggestive remark about Desdemona's sexuality.

  - He tries to make her attractive to Cassio by referencing her sexuality as part of his manipulation.

  - It can also be argued that in calling Desdemona a "sport for Jove" (the Greek God of sexuality), Iago implies that Desdemona is too promiscuous and too sexually driven for Jove that not even He can handle her. A sport is considered tiring and therefore, in having a sexual relationship with Desdemona, Iago implies that Desdemona's sexual desires never get satisfied, to the extent that it gets emotionally and physically tired for any man. Iago begins to prey on Desdemona's potential promiscuity which he will use as a method to manipulate Othello.

  - It could also be argued that Iago puts Desdemona in a God-like position too. In associating her with Jove, Iago implies that she is the epitome of promiscuity and sexuality, to the extent that nothing can please her desires, but Jove.

  
  

  SAID BY IAGO
• "Parley to provocation"

  "Alarum to love"


  - A parley -> Military term describing the trumpet call to a meeting.

  - Alarum -> A call to arms.

  - In using military terms to describe Desdemona's love and promiscuity, Iago foreshadows the disaster that is to come because of his description of her. Iago is able to weaponise something that is natural and normal, Desdemona's love, as being something that causes destruction and danger for her own marriage.

  - This is significant to the tragedy as it foreshadows Desdemona's innocent killing because of Iago's exploitation of her genuine love to Othello. Iago manipulates Desdemona's love for his plan to go forward.

  - The military terms also suggest a sense of danger for Desdemona and Othello too. Like wars, love can be deadly, anticipating Desdemona's death because of her manipulated genuine love.

  
  

  SAID BY IAGO
• "Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul but I do love thee; and when I love thee not, chaos is come again."

  - This quote reflects Othello's loss of influence, loss of control and rationalism required of a general. It is clear that Iago's manipulation of Othello is becoming successful through the change in Othello's language from prose to iambic pentameter - from flowery language to violent and dangerous language. He is beginning to adopt Iago's language.

  - Therefore, it can be argued that in adopting Iago's language, Shakespeare is making it clear to the audience that Othello is no longer independent. Iago has been successful in preying on Othello's morals, mentality, and treatment of Desdemona.

  - For example, Othello sees Desdemona as an "excellent wretch!". In using an oxymoron, Othello shows his conflicting mind about Desdemona. He loves her and knows she is a good person, yet, Iago's manipulation which is overtaking his mind more and more, is making him despise Desdemona. Othello is now easily influenced.

  - A play about Othello's loss of control and position too; not just a domestic tragedy.

  - There is also an evident change in Othello's behaviour seen through his language which embodies toxic masculinity and violence. He is no longer the level-headed challenge of patriarchy and misogyny, instead, chaos is the only thing on his mind. It can be argued that since Othello has lost his attributes as a general, Othello resorts to violence because that is the only way he can keep connections with his military links.

  - This is significant to the tragedy as it foreshadows the chaos that is to arise at the hands of Iago's duplicitous and dangerous plan which causes chaos in the intimate domestic sphere - the bedroom. Desdemona's love causes chaos for her fate. She is killed tragically.

  - Othello is becoming blasphemous: "perdition" -> hell; reflective of Iago's blasphemous beliefs.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; and on the proof - away with her love and jealousy."


  - Although he is clearly becoming controlled by Iago, Othello still holds onto his rational side which makes him admirable. Despite the challenges and difficulties faced, Othello is trying his best to make a well-calculated judgement which gives himself and Desdemona the right justice.

  - Significant to the tragedy. Othello demands proof and is given proof a handkerchief which Iago was able to copy. Thus, Iago is well-calculated and is able to manipulate his plans towards the demands of others.

  - This is also significant to the tragedy because although he is currently rational, as the play progresses further, Iago begins to further infect Othello's rational thinking through his manipulation, ultimately leading to Othello's irrational killing of Desdemona without any solid foundations of proof for her killing to be justified.

  - Arguably gives her an opportunity to present her side of the story. FATE, MISSED OPPORTUNITY -> She never has the chance to present the side of her story.

  - Conflicting view of Desdemona and his marriage. He clearly is in denial about his wife's affair but also believes Iago because Iago is the only character to have shown him love. Therefore, the conflicting view is reflective of his mental corruption and loss of control. It is unfortunate that Othello becomes a victim of Iago's corruption.
• "If she be false, o then heaven mocks itself. I'll not believe it."

  
  

  "I think my wife be honest, and think she is not."

  - Adopting Iago's blasphemous language; heaven and hell imagery.

  - It can be argued that in stating that "heaven mocks itself", Othello sees Desdemona as being saint-like, incapable of sinning and being corrupt. If Desdemona is an adulterer, then, "heaven mocks itself" implying that Othello saw Desdemona as being the epitome of chastity, innocence and faithfulness. Thus, no one can be as good as Desdemona. If Desdemona is not good, no one can be.

  - Idea of deception and duplicity which is significant to the tragedy as Othello was manipulated to believe that Desdemona has a hidden nature to her that he is unaware of. Yet, Iago is the epitome of truth, honesty and being real. This leads to her wrongful killing as Iago's deception and duplicity towards Othello taints Othello's view of Desdemona. The wrong person is killed for duplicity which heightens the tragedy.

  - Conflicting mindset once again. He keeps going back and forth about Desdemona's innocence. He questions her innocence but also doesn't. This shows that he knows deep down that Desdemona is innocent, but his pride and his fear of being cuckolded, as well as Iago's manipulation, blur his vision from seeing the truth.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I'll tear her all to pieces!"

  
  

  "I will chop her into messes."

  - Othello is becoming physically, emotionally and verbally manipulated by Iago.

  - Juxtaposes his initial love for Desdemona: "I love the gentle Desdemona."

  - Harsh, aggressive and dangerous language, which is significant to the tragedy as it foreshadows Othello's violence towards Desdemona as a result of his deception by Iago.

  - No longer an anti-patriarchal character. He is now the embodiment and epitome of abuse and toxic masculinity, like Iago.

  - His treatment of Desdemona reflects Iago's treatment of Emilia, implying that regardless of social position, all women of the play suffer at the hands of their partners. WOMEN AS VICTIMS.

  - Juxtaposes "keep up your bright swords" too.

  - Has lost his rationale completely.

  - We fear for Desdemona.

  - He adopts Iago's desire to have sexual control over his wife. After all, it can be argued that this play is also about men's desperation to gain as much power as possible. Perhaps, Othello's role as a general was not enough power for him?

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "O, blood, blood, blood!"

  - Fragmented speech, fast pace -> reflects the fast and irrational nature of his thoughts which will lead Desdemona to being killed.

  - A sense of panic is depicted. Othello is becoming aware that he has lost himself and fears for his life.

  - Flowery language lost; mirrors and reflects Iago's violent, aggressive and dangerous language. He has been mentally corrupted. Since his language is manipulated, it is definitely expected for his actions to be manipulated too.

  - Significant to the tragedy as it foreshadows the blood shedding of Desdemona as a result of Iago's manipulation of him. The innocence of Desdemona being exploited.

  - Othello' s loss of control. Iago is in power over Othello. He is on a pedestal and is arguably the most powerful character, although that is temporary.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Like to the Pontic sea, even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace."


  - Sea -> pathetic fallacy & motif throughout the play. The aggressiveness of the sea is used to reflect the aggressiveness of Iago's plans and their aggressive overtaking of Othello's mind and Desdemona's life.

  - "Bloody thoughts with violent pace" is reflective of Othello's rash decision making in killing Desdemona without using his rationale. This is significant to the tragedy because should Othello have assessed the situation without having "bloody thoughts with violent pace" and kept ahold of his attributes as a general, Desdemona could have been perhaps saved.

  - Foreshadows death.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I had rather have lost my purse full of crusadoes .... than to put him to ill-thinking."


  - Desdemona as innocent.

  - A testimony of love; she does not want to cause her husband suffering. Ironic, it is Othello who causes her suffering.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "Handkerchief" (repeated multiple times throughout the play)


  - To Othello, the handkerchief symbolises fidelity and his giving it to Desdemona represents a promise that he will be true to her, and a request that she stays trues to him. Hence it were "such perdition" if she gives it away.

  - Iago, understanding the object's significance, plans to turn the token of love into a tool of destruction. Not only is this significant to the tragedy as it makes his plan successful because it provides Othello with the "proof" he asked for, but also, he manages to manipulate genuine love with his fake love.

  - Moreover, as the handkerchief holds such a significance in the relationship and is a testimony of love, it can be argued that the delicate and expensive nature of the handkerchief (it being of silk) reflects the delicate nature of their relationship (perhaps because they do not know each other well enough, or they do not have solid foundations) but also reflects the expensive outcome of their tragic marital destruction. The death and loss of life of Desdemona and Othello.

  - Note: The handkerchief has been passed around to multiple characters, Othello, Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio, Bianca, Iago, showing the unstable nature of their relationship but also the difficulty to discern loyalty.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Lie with her? Lie on her? Lie with her - Zounds! Handkerchief - confessions - handkerchief!"


  - No longer speaking in iambic pentameter. The fragmented speech is reflective of the confusion and manipulation of his mind, as well as the inability to think rationally which leads to the irrational and tragic death of Desdemona.

  - Othello is in a state of shock. He cannot believe that Cassio might "lie with her". The constant repetition shows Othello seeking his control as a husband over his wife. He wants to have sexual control over his wife, typical of a patriarch. This is also reflective of Iago's patriarchal view - justifying his wife's supposed affairs with Othello and Cassio as being a reason to cause chaos.

  - Evidence of toxic masculinity.

  - Mental chaos and confusion = loss of control.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated."


  - Othello's loss of control is tragic to the extent that Iago's manipulation allows Iago to gain control over Desdemona's life too. It is evident that Iago has the most power in the play, but, it is also evident that Desdemona is the most powerless character.

  - Not only is Desdemona a victim of Othello, but she is also a victim of Iago. This is significant to the tragedy because Desdemona's virtue is turned into pitch at the hands of Iago's manipulative skills which leads to her tragic and undeserved death.

  - Women as victims of men's desperation for control, power and toxic masculinity.

  - Bed -> place of intimacy; ironic, we never see Desdemona and Othello alone. The only time they are alone together is in the bedroom together, although Othello's thoughts are controlled by Iago's commands.

  - Missed opportunity and fate. In making Desdemona's death scene in a place of intimacy, Shakespeare suggests that this could have been Desdemona's opportunity to have been saved from Iago's scheming. Should Othello and Desdemona have intercourse, Othello would have found out the truth.

  - "Bed she had contaminated" -> presents Desdemona as a promiscuous woman that cannot control her sexual desires. This is ironic, Iago is the one who contaminates. He contaminated Othello which contaminated Desdemona's purity and love.

  
  

  SAID BY IAGO
• "I will not stay to offend you."

  - Desdemona to Othello.

  - A sign of obedience, naïveté and powerlessness. She becomes submissive. We see a change in her character. She no longer is an advocate of feminism, instead, she becomes a victim of the patriarchy.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "Heaven knows thou art false as hell."


  - Othello attempts to discern Desdemona's honesty.

  - Othello is aware that to Desdemona religion is significant because she is a Christian. Thus, by using "heaven" and "hell" to tell Desdemona that he thinks she is false, and not honest, Othello deliberately uses religious references to attempt to persuade Desdemona to confess her infidelity, knowing she fears sinning. In doing so, Othello tries to collect evidence of Desdemona's infidelity which will be of use when taking on the role of executioner and executing Desdemona to death.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Be double-damned: swear thou art honest."


  - Othello begins to embody patriarchal norms, condemning Desdemona to damnation without giving her a reason for her damnation. Therefore, it can be argued that Desdemona is silenced as is becoming controlled by Othello. Othello now has control over her fate.

  - Othello believes that when Desdemona dies she will be "double-damned". However, this is ironic. Othello's use of religious language is seen as an attempt of Othello's to be seen as a Christian who would never sin, yet, by claiming to have Desdemona be "double-damned", he unknowingly foreshadows his own "double damning" for murdering Desdemona and committing suicide.

  - In making Desdemona "swear thou art honest", it can be argued that Othello has already had his opinion of her solidified. Yet, by making her swear, he hopes she will lie under religious oath, which will punish her even more. This can be seen as an attempt of Othello to fit into the religion he has converted into.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Young and rose-lipped cherubin that look grim as hell."

  - Othello presents Desdemona as being angel-like or holy-like; a religious figure who can do no wrong. Therefore, in doing so, Othello idealises Desdemona and presents her as holy and perfect which makes her death even more tragic as she is killed and destroyed by Othello's naïveté and manipulation.

  - It is also tragic because this is the closest Othello gets to knowing the truth. It is true, Desdemona is an angel. We as the audience are aware of this, yet, Othello finds out until it is too late, heightening the tragedy.

  - Desdemona is presented as a sacrificial figure - Jesus-like - who is forsaken for male misjudgement and in this case, Iago's ability to morph truth into being seen as deception, making her look "grim as hell".

  - Desdemona now being seen "grim as hell" also shows the extent of Iago's cruelty and his ability to play on anyone's weakness, such as Desdemona's virtue and making her a victim of her husband's misjudgement and Iago's vice traits.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I hope my noble lord deems me honest."


  - Desdemona as a submissive and dutiful wife. It is clear that she loves her husband through the terms of endearment and respect towards him.

  - NOTE: Othello is not present. In saying that she hopes her husband deems her honest outside of her husband's presence, it is evident that Desdemona is innocent. If she knew she was not innocent, she would not put up a facade when her husband is not present.

  - Tragic; the meaning of honesty is now distorted. Honesty is now associated with Iago and his corrupt nature of honesty which fooled and manipulated Othello. As Othello's version of honesty is morphed, Desdemona is tragically killed because of the honesty which does not reflect her real honesty.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "Cunning wh*** of Venice that married Othello."


  - Reflective of Iago's misogynistic and patriarchal mindset.

  - Deliberately done by Shakespeare: In setting the tragedy in Venice initially, a place where prostitution is legalised, Shakespeare allows Iago's plans to move forward. Iago is able to plant seeds of doubt about Desdemona's loyalty through her origins as a Venetian woman.

  - "In Venice they do let God see.." -> said by Iago. A focus on Desdemona's origins as a Venetian. Once again, Iago preys on Desdemona's weaknesses.

  - We cannot blame Othello for holding this view though. He is a resident of a sexually liberal city where prostitution is common and therefore may think that it is a norm amongst his wife too.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Get to bed on the instant."

  "I will my lord."


  - Submissive, naive; passive character - loss of control. Juxtaposes her position and power at the beginning of the play.

  - Ideal wife; Despite being mistreated by her husband, she follows the Jacobean courtesy books and sticks to her role as a dutiful wife. She is praised by the patriarchs but may be despised by the feminists. She reverses all her work as a feminist. She loses all her control and gets rid of the progressiveness she creates at the beginning of the play.

  - "My lord" -> Iago refers to Othello as "my lord" too. Desdemona's devotion to Othello and her role as a dutiful wife is evident. In calling Othello "my lord", she replaces her Christian God with Othello, suggesting that she worships him and admires him. How could she sin against someone she worships?

  - It can be argued however, that Othello will be confused by Desdemona's term of address. As both Iago and Desdemona call him "my lord", Othello will be confused about who to trust and therefore may make him have a conflicting mind about how to act going forward. It is also important to note however, that Othello's trust has been morphed according to Iago's ideals of trust and honesty, therefore, he is still very likely to believe that Iago is the one who would not sin against him. He would likely believe that Desdemona is only calling him "my lord" to save herself from being killed. Desdemona as desperate.

  
  

  Q1: SAID BY OTHELLO

  Q2: SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of the same sheets."


  - Context: Wedding sheets were used by Elizabethan women as a sign of faithfulness and love towards their spouses. They would be burned in their wedding sheets.

  - In stating that she wants to be "shrouded in one of the same sheets" Desdemona declares her faithfulness towards Othello despite his mistreatment. She wants to die with a part of him. It is as if she is saying that although their relationship is weak in the temporary life, she hopes it gets strengthened in the after-life in the benevolent presence of God. She is a hopeless romantic.

  - Loyalty.

  - Sheets -> consummation of marriage. It can be argued that the couple has probably not even consummated the marriage because they have no alone time together. Thus, in requesting to be buried with her sheets, this is Desdemona's way of telling Othello that she was still a virgin. A missed opportunity -> maybe she requested those sheets in a hope of her having intercourse with her husband to show her faithfulness and prevent her from being wrongfully killed.

  - This is significant to the tragedy because the sheets were a clear sign of faithfulness of Desdemona towards Othello, yet, Othello's pride and manipulated mind is fixed into believing that Iago is honest. Othello becomes blind to all the hints that represent Desdemona's fidelity.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "Thy bed lust-stained shall with lust's blood be spotted."


  - Echoes Iago's earlier suggestion: "kill Desdemona in the bed she hath contaminated". It is clear that Othello is manipulated and influenced by Iago. He is listening to Iago's commands.

  - He is no longer an independent general. He is influenced and irrational and acts without questioning Iago's intentions and plans.

  - This is significant to the tragedy as Desdemona is wrongfully killed for the wrong accusation of being "spotted" with "lust". There is no evidence that Desdemona has been "spotted" with "lust". If Othello would have been the rational and well-calculated character he was at the beginning, he would have been able to discern various hints to figure out that Desdemona is innocent.

  - Foreshadows Desdemona's killing.

  - It can be argued that while Othello thinks that Desdemona's bed is spotted with lust, he actually ends up spotting and tainting himself with even more sin. Desdemona is the innocent one.

  - It can also be argued that Othello is making it known that he will kill Desdemona. In making his plans evident, he takes pride in his role as a future murderer. Perhaps, he sees Desdemona's murder as being a sign of bravery and honour. Desdemona's killing is an honorary killing. This is admirable to some as he prevents other men from being threatened by Desdemona.

  - It is also admirable because although he has changed his view of Desdemona and arguably does not love her as much, it is still hard to kill your spouse. It requires bravery -> tragic hero.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Yet I'll not shed her blood, nor scar the whiter skin of hers than snow, and smooth as monumental alabaster."

  - The references to whiteness and purity within this quote could perhaps be a reflection of Othello's view of Desdemona. He is still having a conflicted mind about what to do with Desdemona and how he should punish her. It is evident that he sees her as pure, and ironically, he views whiteness as being purity too.

  - It could also be argued that Othello only sees her as being pure because of her beauty and her white skin. Perhaps, when Othello looks at Desdemona he would not expect such a beautiful woman to sin, but yet, she does? Idea of deception and duplicity.

  - Iago was able to use his duplicity to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona is duplicitous and two-faced. The honest and real person is now seen as the criminal. This is significant to the tragedy as Iago was able to prey on Othello's view of deception and reality to the extent that although Desdemona's love was very real, it was seen as being fake. It is as if Iago has some expertise.

  - Could Iago's ability to morph Desdemona's truthfulness into duplicity be as a result of him worshipping Janus? Is this a trait typical of people that worship Roman Gods? Perhaps Iago was very powerful from the beginning because of the Gods he worships and the abilities that come with it?

  - "Smooth as monumental alabaster" -> Alludes to the statues of the dead lying on top of their tombs. Othello already sees her as dead, his views of her cannot be reversed. Her fate is tragically set in stone. This is unfortunate and significant to the tragedy because as soon as Othello finds out the truth, he is likely to be desperate to reverse his tragic mistake.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "yet, she must die, else she'll betray more men."

  - Othello is adopting the position of a tragic hero, in his own view.

  - In stating that he must kill Desdemona, Othello thinks that he is doing something honourable by saving men from her sins.

  - It could be argued that even though Othello is aware of the immorality behind Desdemona's murder and him potentially being erroneous in his judgement, he goes ahead with the murder as a hope of redeeming himself. Perhaps him saving other men or attempting to save other men, makes up for his sin of being a murderer.

  - Could it be argued that Othello has a purity of motive? Although murdering is not pure, the amount of men that could be saved from Desdemona's sinning outweighs Othello's sin.

  - Therefore, it could be argued that not only does Othello has the desire to seek revenge, but, he also has selfish reasons for wanting to murder Desdemona.

  - Male solidarity; would be praised by the male audience.

  - However, this quote also highlights the patriarchal structure: Women dying at the hands of men and their toxic masculinity, as seen in Desdemona's "guiltless" killing.

  - Othello could arguably also see himself as a figure of justice. He kills Desdemona to bring himself the justice deserved and saves other men from becoming victims, which is a form of justice. JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I will kill thee and love thee after."

  - Conflicting mindset. He is unsure of what to do.

  - He still loves her but saving other men and preserving his sense of pride and reputation is more important than Desdemona's life and his love towards her.

  - Desdemona used as a tragic pawn by Othello and being exploited for his own benefit.

  - Desdemona now becomes exploited by Iago and Othello too.

  - Paradoxical; he thinks killing Desdemona will restore their love. It is almost as if Othello is ignorant. He sees no wrong in his thoughts!!! Sees himself as being a saint -> pride.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "If you bethink yourself of any crime unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, solicit for it straight."


  - Although Othello's plan is clearly unethical and immoral, we can argue that his approach to it is somewhat admirable. The action itself is not admirable, but his desire to save Desdemona's soul from further punishment in hell is admirable.

  - Sign of his love for Desdemona.

  - Importance of religion; religious referencing throughout.

  - It could also be argued that in referencing religion before killing Desdemona, and urging her to "solicit" for her sin, Othello wants to also save himself from sinning. Although he becomes a murder and will go to hell, at least he will only be punished for killing Desdemona, rather than killing Desdemona and not allowing her to save herself from hell.

  - Once again, maybe to Othello this is an attempt of saving himself from sin. In wanting to save Desdemona from being punished, he tries to suggest to the audience that he is not an entirely bad character. He doesn't kill her to punish her. He kills her to get the justice deserved.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I never gave him token."


  - The handkerchief as a token of love - WEAK FOUNDATIONS.

  - Desdemona is aware that she is about to die, therefore, stating the truth would not make her lose anything. Thus, if she were to be a sinner and were to have committed adultery, knowing that she is dying, she would have likely admitted to her truth. Yet, she does not.

  - This is evidence of her innocence. Yet, Othello has too much pride to give her the benefit of the doubt. He is now the embodiment and epitome of patriarchy and misogyny and therefore, like Iago, he does not listen to his wife's words. He silences her.

  - Perhaps this is an attempt of Desdemona to reverse her fate. Missed opportunity & fate which heightens the tragedy. Dramatic irony; we know that Desdemona is giving the truth to Othello, yet, his mind is set in stone about what he wants to do to her. Had Othello listened to Desdemona's testimony of innocence, her death could have been prevented.

  - Note: DESDEMONA is aware that the handkerchief is a token of love. She is not stupid to deliberately give out a token of love to another man. If she was cheating, she would have perhaps done it in a more secretive way.

  
  

  SAID BY DESDEMONA
• "A murder which I thought a sacrifice."


  - Othello as a tragic hero. Although his murder of Desdemona is not admirable, the fact that it is a sacrifice of someone he loves is what makes it admirable.

  - Greek tragedy: A tragic hero is admirable when he sacrifices something. Not only does he sacrifice Desdemona's life but also his own life.

  - Could this however be a sign of Othello's pride? Othello is aware that he is of little to no importance as a black man in a Venetian society. Thus, could he be attempting to bring himself to a better position by sacrificing Desdemona, someone who he supposedly believes has broken social convention. Is this Othello telling us that he understands Venetian norms and therefore should be accepted into society?

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I would not have thee linger in thy pain."

  - Othello has killed Desdemona but the way he kills Desdemona is arguably the most humane and painless method.

  - Shows the love between the two or his love towards her. He did not kill her because he did not love her, he killed her because he felt it was his duty.

  - Perhaps if cuckoldry did not bring such shame, he would have saved her life. He did it to prevent shame although he still loves her.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I have no wife. O insupportable! O heavy hour!"

  
  

  "O Desdemona! Dead! Dead!"


  - After he kills Desdemona, Othello has a moment of shock and panic. He is in denial of Desdemona's death, implying that perhaps he did not want to kill her.

  - It could be argued that the setting of Cyprus mirrors Othello's mental state. Cyprus -> an island, hard to leave, claustrophobic; reflective of Othello's mental state which felt claustrophobic under the control of Iago's manipulation.

  - Could Othello have killed Desdemona just to get rid of Iago's manipulation and the toll it took on his mental?

  - Repetition: state of shock, shows that Desdemona's murder is out of his character. Some may argue that we cannot really judge or condemn Othello for such an action. He provided her loyalty throughout, it is natural for him to have such thoughts when he may consider his love be exploited by her.

  - It can also be argued that it was the Iago in Othello acting. Othello has lost his position of authority as the play progressed and therefore no longer had control over himself and his thoughts.

  - The response to Desdemona's murder makes it clear that he did not want to kill her. He was forced to.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO