Proximity & Distance

• What is the theme expressed through the locations and setting of the play Othello?

  The theme of proximity and distance
• In which country is Othello set?

  Italy, specifically in Venice
• What was Italy commonly associated with during the Renaissance?

  Corruption, decadence, high culture, romance, and power
• How does Iago's character personify Italian vices?

  He performs stereotypical Italian vices
• How do the social-cultural hierarchies in Italy relate to England in Othello?

  They are similar, allowing audiences to relate to certain conflicts
• What does the problematic marriage of Othello and Desdemona challenge?

  A status quo that wasn’t unique to Venice
• What does proximity suggest in the context of Othello?

  Proximity can suggest love, death, corruption, and deception
• How does proximity have beneficial connotations in Othello?

  Desdemona and Othello’s love is informed by intimacy and closeness
• Who is the physical manifestation of the barrier to proximity in Othello?

  Iago
• How do distance and proximity interact in Othello?

  They interact to produce the play’s outcomes
• What does emotional distance result from in Othello?

  The absence of loved ones
• How does Emilia's relationship with her husband contribute to the theme of distance?

  It is already strained from the start and disintegrates further
• What happens to Cassio and Bianca’s relationship due to Cassio’s absence?

  It becomes destabilised, leading to mistrust
• What does the interplay of proximity and distance symbolize in Othello?

  The necessity of intimacy in marriage or companionships to maintain stability
• What is the prime and tragic example of strain in marriage in Othello?

  The marriage of Othello and Desdemona
• What complicates the analysis of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage?

  The breakdown was deliberate and difficult to identify a solid perpetrator
• Who is initially perceived as the main culprit in the breakdown of Othello and Desdemona's marriage?

  Iago
• What role do Othello and Emilia play in their own isolation?

  They instigate their own isolation and that of Desdemona
• What does the centrality of language and gestures imply in Othello?

  They can cause misunderstandings that affect relationship stability
• What historical conflict forms the backdrop of Othello?


  The conflict between the Ottoman Turks and Venice
• When did the War of Cyprus take place?

  From 1570 to 1573
• What initiated the War of Cyprus?

  The invasion of Cyprus by Sultan Selim II from the Ottoman Empire
• What was Cyprus controlled by before the Ottoman invasion?


  Venice since 1489
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Lepanto?

  Venetians succeeded in winning back control of Cyprus
• How does the military involvement affect Othello's life?


  It takes him away to a foreign land and gives him a heightened sense of importance
• What does Montano claim about Othello in Act 2, Scene 1?

  He commands like a full soldier
• What does Othello's monologue in Act 3, Scene 3 reveal about his state of mind?

  It portrays his descent into madness and the effects of doubts on his peace of mind
• What does Othello mean when he says he would be happy if Desdemona slept with other men as long as he did not know?

  He would still love her if he remained ignorant of her infidelity

  
• How does Othello's perception of himself change throughout the play?

  He feels inadequate if Desdemona is unfaithful, leading to his mental detachment from his occupation
• What does Othello's farewell to his occupation signify?

  His jealousy and mental detachment from his military duties
• How does Othello's treatment of Desdemona change after he becomes jealous?

  He exhibits physical violence and loses respect in public
• What does Lodovico's exclamation in Act 4, Scene 1 reveal about Othello?


  It questions whether he is still the noble Moor respected by the senate
• How does psychological isolation contribute to Othello's downfall?

  It complicates his role as a soldier and distances him from his wife
• What initially attracted Desdemona to Othello?

  His adventure stories as a soldier
• How does the setting of Cyprus affect Othello and Desdemona's relationship?

  It creates isolation and danger, leading to distance between them
• What does Desdemona express about her feelings when Othello goes to war?

  She feels bereft of the rites for which she loves him
• What does Othello's statement about the 'tyrant custom' suggest?

  He feels that war has made his life uncomfortable and difficult
• How does Venetian society view Othello due to his marriage to Desdemona?

  They fear his assimilation but respect him for his military prowess
• What does Desdemona's willingness to follow Othello to Cyprus indicate?

  Her attachment and loyalty to him
• How does Iago's plan develop in Cyprus?

  He is able to isolate Othello and manipulate him