Love

• What is the title of the play written by William Shakespeare that deals with themes of love, jealousy, and race?


  Othello
• Why has 'Othello' remained popular for centuries?

  Because it deals with themes that are still relevant today, including love, jealousy, and race.
• What is a major component of the play 'Othello'?

  The theme of love, particularly in Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.
• How is romantic love defined in the context of 'Othello'?

  As the attraction of two individuals to one another, with the expectation that it will last for a long time.
• How does the theme of love manifest itself in Othello and Desdemona's marriage?

  It is officiated and solidified in a traditional way.
• What role does sex play in the theme of love in 'Othello'?

  It emphasizes the importance of erotic aspects in maintaining their relationship.
• How can lust affect relationships in 'Othello'?

  Lust can lead to deception and unfaithfulness, as seen in Othello’s rage over perceived adultery.
• What social conventions influenced the expression of love in the Jacobean era?

  Women were pressured to act a certain way, regulating how love could be expressed.
• How has the perception of love changed over time according to the study material?

  The historical meaning of love has been completely inverted between the 16-17th century and contemporary society.

  
• What type of tragedy is 'Othello' described as?

  A domestic tragedy where true, romantic love is destroyed by hate.
• What is the significance of the binary of love/hate in 'Othello'?

  It is central to the play, illustrating how love can be intertwined with hate.
• How is Othello’s love for Desdemona characterized in the play?

  It can be perceived as ‘true love’ that is surrounded by healing.
• What does Othello's quote about Desdemona suggest about their love?


  It highlights the reciprocal nature of love based on understanding.
• What imagery does Shakespeare use to describe the strength of Othello and Desdemona's love?

  Imagery of natural disasters, such as a ‘tempest’ that cannot shake their love.
• How does Iago's deceptive love affect Othello and Desdemona's relationship?

  It breaks down the understanding and trust that exists between them.
• What does Iago's character represent in terms of love?

  His performance of false love subverts Desdemona’s true love.
• What motivates Iago's actions against Othello?


  His obsessive desire to bring Othello down and his deep-rooted hatred for him.
• How does Iago manipulate Othello's insecurities?

  By challenging his beliefs about Desdemona's honesty and loyalty.
• What is the significance of Iago's quote about Desdemona deceiving her father?

  It illustrates Iago's ability to psychologically manipulate Othello by exploiting his insecurities.
• What do critics suggest about Iago's motivations for revenge?

  Some claim it stems from his jealousy at not being able to conjure Othello’s desire for himself.
• How does the concept of love languages relate to 'Othello'?

  It suggests that individuals communicate their love through actions or verbal affirmations.
• How do Desdemona and Othello initially express their love for each other?

  Through verbal reinforcements and actions that confirm their love.
• What does Desdemona's decision to marry Othello signify?

  It portrays the strength of her commitment to him, as she disobeys her father.
• How does Emilia's relationship with Iago differ from Desdemona's relationship with Othello?

  Emilia's loyalty is not reciprocated, as Iago uses her when he needs her.
• What does Emilia do when she discovers Iago's evil schemes?

  She asserts her own voice against him, rejecting his false love.
• How is Bianca's love for Cassio characterized in the play?

  It appears one-sided, as Cassio prioritizes his career over her affection.
• What societal issues does Othello face due to his race?

  He is ostracized and referred to as the ‘Moor’ instead of his military title.
• How does Iago use racially charged language against Othello?

  He draws on stereotypes to present Othello as an evil, black man capable of violence.
• What motivates Iago's hatred towards Othello?

  His personal vendetta due to not being promoted to lieutenant.
• How does Iago's use of animal imagery affect Brabantio's view of Othello?

  It provokes Brabantio to view Othello in a hostile light, associating him with sexual deviance.
• What does Brabantio accuse Othello of in relation to Desdemona?

  He accuses Othello of using magic to enchant Desdemona.
• How does Desdemona view Othello's skin color?

  She does not regard it as important and loves him for his character.
• What does Desdemona's willingness to sacrifice everything for Othello suggest?

  It suggests the naivety and blindness of her love towards him.
• How does Iago influence Othello's perception of Desdemona?

  He distorts Othello's view, leading him to lose faith in her words and actions.
• What role does the handkerchief play in 'Othello'?

  It serves as a sign of fidelity and becomes a symbol of love and infidelity.
• How does the handkerchief's meaning change throughout the play?

  It transforms from a symbol of love to a symbol of unfaithfulness due to manipulation.
• What does the handkerchief's journey through various characters signify?

  It represents the problem of intervention in marriage and the public nature of relationships.
• How does Othello's confrontation with Desdemona in the final act reflect their relationship?

  Othello speaks over Desdemona, suggesting she has lost control and identity in their marriage.

  
• What does Othello's need to kill Desdemona signify about his character?

  It reflects his anxieties about male honor and masculinity.
• How does Valerie Traub interpret Othello's actions towards Desdemona?

  She suggests that Othello's actions are a means of containing the threat of female erotic power.