Marriage

• How was marriage viewed during the Renaissance era?

  Marriage was considered a public affair between two families, prioritizing family reputation over love.
• What societal views does the interracial marriage between Othello and Desdemona reflect?

  It reflects the views of Venetian society, which regarded such a marriage as immoral and scandalous.
• How does Shakespeare project Elizabethan social values onto the setting of Othello?

  He reflects the traditional views of marriage and family reputation prevalent in Elizabethan society.
• What was the power dynamic within marriages during the Renaissance?

  The husband ruled over the wife, treating her as property passed from her father to him.
• What does Desdemona's statement about being her father's daughter and then her husband's imply?

  It suggests the patriarchal power structures that women internalize, viewing themselves as property.
• Who is the structuralist theorist that discusses the exchange of women in marriage?

  Claude Levi-Strauss.
• How does Othello's use of the word 'purchase' reflect his view of Desdemona?

  It depicts an internalized patriarchal view, seeing her as an object he acquired.
• What societal expectation was placed on women regarding virginity before marriage?

  Women were expected to remain virgins until marriage to be considered 'pure' and 'untainted'.
• How were men's sexual experiences viewed compared to women's during the Renaissance?

  Men were not punished for premarital sex and regarded their experiences as conquests.
• What changes occurred in marriage institutions shortly before the publication of Othello?

  • Marriage institutions were challenged due to political upheavals.
  • The rise of puritanism emphasized individual conscience.
  • Companionate marriages based on mutual respect and love began to emerge.

  
• What does the Puritan doctrine of conscience imply for wives in marriage?

  Wives had the right to disobey their husbands on grounds of conscience due to religion.
• How does Desdemona's disobedience to her father reflect her character?

  It shows her assertion of her own decision and independence.
• How do Desdemona and Emilia's behaviors differ at the beginning of the play?

  Desdemona asserts her independence, while Emilia is obedient to her husband.
• What type of marriage do Othello and Desdemona initially have?

  They begin with a companionate marriage based on mutual choice.
• How does Desdemona view her relationship with Othello?

  She sees Othello as part of her identity and is devoted to him.
• How does Iago influence Othello's perception of Desdemona?

  Iago convinces Othello of the importance of an obedient wife, altering his view of Desdemona.
• What does Othello's exclamation about the 'curse of marriage' reveal?

  It reveals his frustration with the expectations of marriage and control over women's appetites.
• How does Othello's behavior towards Desdemona change throughout the play?

  He becomes increasingly violent and controlling, reflecting his insecurities.
• What does Desdemona's eventual loss of identity signify in the context of her marriage?

  It signifies the destructive impact of patriarchal control and violence on women's identities.
• How does Emilia's view of marriage differ from Desdemona's?

  Emilia believes in equal responsibility in marriage, while Desdemona accepts her subservient role.
• What societal changes regarding marriage have occurred since the Renaissance?

  There has been a decline in arranged marriages, with more couples choosing to cohabit and share domestic duties.
• What are the characteristics of courtly love as depicted in literature?

  • Men cater to women's desires.
  • Men often adopt a submissive role.
  • Women are portrayed as active participants in love.
• How does Desdemona assert her voice in the context of courtly love?

  She asserts herself by marrying Othello against her father's wishes, defying stereotypes.
• What are the two significant moments in Othello that reflect marriage?

  The wooing of each other in Act I Scene III and the consummation of their marriage in Act V Scene I.
• How does Shakespeare incorporate the principles of courtly love into Othello?

  He uses them to create conflict and emotional vulnerability in the characters' relationships.
• How does Iago's influence affect Othello's initial approach to love and marriage?

  Iago's influence leads Othello to prioritize reputation over love, altering his behavior towards Desdemona.
• What does Othello's increasing violence towards Desdemona signify?

  It signifies his loss of trust and the impact of jealousy on their marriage.
• How does Othello's perception of female sexuality contribute to the downfall of his marriage?

  His fear of female sexuality leads to jealousy and violence, ultimately destroying their relationship.
• What themes does Shakespeare highlight through the institution of marriage in Othello?

  • Love and betrayal
  • Sexual appetite and control
  • The impact of patriarchal society on identity
• What is the reason for the crumbling of Othello's marriage?

  Othello's insecurities about his masculinity and fears regarding female sexuality
• How does Shakespeare use the concept of courtly love in Othello?

  To highlight satire and emphasize themes within the play
• What change occurs in Othello's mindset towards love and marriage?

  He shifts from adhering to courtly love to prioritizing career and reputation over Desdemona
• What does Iago's view of love emphasize in contrast to Othello's initial beliefs?

  Iago's view condemns female desire and promotes love informed by ancient philosophy
• What does Othello intend to do to Desdemona as he becomes consumed by jealousy?

  He feels he must murder her to preserve their social standing
• How does Shakespeare portray courtly love compared to his contemporaries?

  He depicts it as inevitably bad, contrasting with the reverence of a submissive male and true love
• What external forces influence the attributes associated with love in Othello?

  The idea of courtly love is challenged by Iago's evil intentions
• How does Iago's character affect the concepts of wooing and marriage?

  He turns these concepts upside down, portraying them as absurd
• What type of lover does Othello become as he fails to adhere to the ideal of the courtly lover?

  He becomes a Petrarchan lover
• What characterizes the Petrarchan lover according to the study material?

  This type of lover seeks spiritual love and represses sexuality or desire
• How does Othello's obsession with Desdemona's sexuality affect their marriage?

  It leads to Desdemona becoming less active in their marriage