Summary
Summary A* A-level English Literature Themes in 'Othello' Booklet
This document was written by an A* English literature student. It explores all the key themes throughout Shakespeare's 'Othello' and includes quotes and analysis.
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
Content preview
Exploring Themes in ‘Othello’15.02.2021
English Literature
, Contents Page
HONESTY & DECEPTION 2
KEY QUOTES 3
ANALYSIS 3
Context & Critics 3
ORDER & CHAOS 4
KEY QUOTES 5
ANALYSIS 5
Context & Critics 5
REPUTATION & HONOUR 6
KEY QUOTES 7
ANALYSIS 7
Context & Critics 7
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MEN & WOMEN 8
KEY QUOTES 10
ANALYSIS 10
Context & Critics 10
RACE 10
KEY QUOTES 11
ANALYSIS 11
Context & Critics 11
1
, HONESTY & DECEPTION
Beginning:
- Mainly explored through Othello and Iago by positioning them as direct opposites. Iago opens the
play by manipulating the truth of Othello and Desdemona’s love by painting Othello as a savage
thief. This deception is easily received due to prejudice and racial stereotypes.
- Othello’s introduction (Act 1.2) shows he’s a wholly honest character - upholds the truth and his
reputation.
- “It is most true; true, I have married her” - self-assured declaration portrays him as trustworthy, he
doesn’t hide the truth which juxtaposes Iago.
- Iago’s lies are immediately trusted and taken as truth by surrounding characters, e.g. Brabantio,
whereas Othello’s admirable truth-telling isn’t treated with the same respect. For example, Brabantio
constantly imposes the idea of Othello using witchcraft.
Middle:
- Othello criminalises his wife as a result of Iago’s successful deceit.
- Cassio refers to Iago as “honest” (Act 3.1), heavily ironic since an audience knows that he is the
exact opposite. Desdemona then calls him “an honest fellow” (Act 3.3) - shows how skilful he really
is at manipulating others.
- Act 3.3, Othello speaks in a soliloquy about how he completely trusts Iago: “This fellow’s of
exceeding honesty”
- Desdemona isn’t a perfectly truthful character: she declares that the “handkerchief” “is not lost”
which is a blatant lie. Considering how easily she lied here, it could be understandable why Othello
struggles to believe her defence later on.
End:
- Othello deceives himself into believing that he “must” kill Desdemona to protect others but this could
just be masking his true, vengeful motives.
- Deception is not always out of spite, e.g. Desdemona protects Othello and says “nobody” killed her
(Act 5.2)
- Emilia reveals the truths of her husband’s “lie” and repeatedly references the acts of “villainy”
- The superlative “sweetest innocent” highlights the contrast between the truth of Desdemona’s purity
and the lies about her supposed adultery.
Desdemona:
In the first scene, Desdemona is portrayed as a deceitful character by men since she has eloped with
Othello. Although this is arguably an act of deceit, it is also an act of love. The rare occurrence where
Desdemona lies in the play is always out of affection, e.g. in Act 3.4 she denies losing the handkerchief to
2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller noodlebean. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £15.56. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
64438 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now