Scene One

• Masculinity


  Is framed as being reliant upon assertive, dominant, and powerful direction, in contrast to femininity which is viewed as weak and submissive
• Masculinity is also defined by the power men are perceived to hold over women
• Femininity is presented as weak and naive, corresponding to men's grovelling and domination
• The exposure of genuine female intellects and capabilities is seen as a threat to masculine power and status
• Blago believes his wife has slept with another man, which fuels his hatred and desire for revenge
• Blago confides his suspicion to the audience, using it to gain their sympathy and respect due to the perceived threat to his masculine identity
• Othello is able to gain respect despite his race through his effective ownership and control of Desdemona's femininity
• Desdemona's submission and acceptance of her subordinate role earns her respect, in contrast to the flawed perception of her race
• Rebellion against masculine power is only possible with the permission of the woman's husband
• Masculine stereotypes of assertion, power, and control over women are viewed as a means to maintain status and honour
• Men are judged by their ability to control and possess women, who are seen as a prize and weapon for male honour
• Masculinity is as reliant on femininity for its quest for respect and acceptance as femininity is on masculinity
• Blago's suspicion that his wife has been unfaithful suggests his reliance on her obedience for the maintenance of his status
• Desdemona is viewed as a tool for the male characters to reflect their own virtues and worth
• Female characters provide security and a sense of direction for male characters, which enables them to act against them
• Othello's address of Desdemona as "warrior" positions her as parallel to him in status, highlighting the hypocrisy with which women were addressed in Elizabethan society
• Lago's description of taking revenge on Othello as "wife for wife" frames women as possessions and extensions of men's identity
• Honour is viewed as a reflection of one's morality, and Othello is more cautious in his pursuit of honour due to his racial insecurity
• Femininity and the lack of honour associated with it is weaponised by Iago to undermine Othello's masculinity
• The storm in the play represents the disruption of the natural order and the Elizabethan belief in the supernatural forces at work
• The transition to the setting of Cyprus represents a move to a more uncivilised and vulnerable location, which would interest the Elizabethan audience