These were the notes I used for my Othello responses! This document includes literary criticisms and quotes for the following characters:
- Desdemona
- Cassio
- Othello
- Emilia
- Roderigo
- Bianca
- Iago
I also include "critics over time" which is a brief explanation of how the interp...
Character related criticisms and how these have changed overtime:
Although discussing critics over time is not mentioned in the markscheme, I think they make good
discussion in an essay, allowing for alternative and evaluative comments (necessary for a top band
answer)
Cassio:
“Cassio is brave, benevolent, and honest”, Johnson (1765, 18th Century)
“Cassio is a handsome, light-hearted, good-natured young fellow” // “There is
something loveable about Cassio”, AC Bradley (20th Century)
“Othello’s admirable traits being transferred to the young lieutenant is now granted
full supremacy… resulting in a victory of good over evil”, Walker (2010)
Critics over time: Cassio was initially perceived as a loveable and charming
character but is later perceived as an important figure in bringing restoration to the
Natural Order.
Desdemona:
“Everyone wishes a Desdemona for a wife”, Coleridge (19th Century)
“Simple and innocent as a child, ardent with the courage and idealism of a saint”, AC
Bradley (20th Century)
“Desdemona becomes a stereotype of female passivity”, Jardine (1983)
“Men’s expectations about women’s lustful nature is responsible for Desdemona’s
death”, Kahn (1985)
“She passes from being his ally who would guarantee his white status to his sexual
and racial other when her husband sees her as an adultress”, Loomba (1998)
Critics over time: Desdemona was initially perceived as a strong female character, fit
for the Renaissance. Recently, especially among female critics, Desdemona’s
strength is not enough to defeat the Patriarchy. This shows that the ideal definition of
a strong woman has changed over time.
Iago
“Iago is so conducted, that he is from the first scene to the last hated and despised”,
Dr Johnson (1756)
“A being next to the devil” // “Motiveless malignity”, Coleridge (1818)”
“The combination of unusual intellect with extreme evil is more startling, it is frightful”,
Bradley (1955)
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