Throughout the play, Othello has been oblivious to speech, always sure that speech masks hidden meaning. Cyprus serves as a contrast to Venice, a place where the normal structures and laws governing civil society cease to operate. In the first act of Othello, Cyprus is clearly not such a world; it is a territory of Venice, to which Othello and company are called as a matter of state.
At many points, in fact, the plot of Othello resembles those of Shakespeare comedies in that it is based upon misrecognition and jealousy. The resemblances to comedy suggest that the misunderstandings of the play will be recognized and all will live happily ever after. Cyprus, then, becomes a sort of trap, a false escape, in which the societal norms that seem to have disappeared reemerge to capture the transgressors.
This mechanism of capture that exerts its force over the characters of Cyprus also occurs within Othello himself. The play refers on a number of occasions to jealousy as an innate force that cannot be planted, but instead grows from within and consumes itself and its host. Othello falls prey to the illusion of his own strength and power, and the jealousy it hides, just as Cyprus gives the illusion of providing a haven from the workings of the law. Similarly, when Bianca enters and chides Cassio for giving her a handkerchief she believes to be a love token from some other woman, she talks as though she never had almost the exact same conversation with Cassio in Act III, scene iv.
Ace your assignments with our guide to Othello! Jekyll and Mr. This revelation is too much for Othello, who becomes incoherent and faints. When Cassio enters, Iago claims that Othello has epilepsy and has had seizures before. While Emilia reveals the truth, Iago repeatedly orders her to remain silent, but she refuses. In an act of guilt and rage, Iago then stabs and murders Emilia. How does Desdemona react on her deathbed? She attempts to kill Othello in self-defense.
She curses Othello for his behavior. She remains dignified and maintains her faith and love in Othello. When she hears about the handkerchief, she reveals her role and Iago threatens and then kills her at the first opportunity. While Cassio is gone, Iago speaks with Montano, telling him that Cassio is a great soldier, but that he has a terrible drinking problem and may not be able to handle the responsibilities Othello has given him.
Why does Cassio refuse to drink with Iago? He was telling the truth about a man Roderigo running and yelling and Cassio chasing him with a sword. And Montano and Cassio fighting.
Ace your assignments with our guide to Othello! SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Why does Iago hate Othello? How does Emilia help Iago? How does Iago use Bianca to trick Othello? Why does Iago hate Cassio? Why does Roderigo wake up Brabantio? Why does Othello go to Cyprus?
Why does Roderigo agree to kill Cassio? He had been manipulated into believing a lie. She fell in love with his stories and, consequently, with him. Skip to content Articles. March 5, Joe Ford. Table of Contents.
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