OTHELLO

1
OTHELLO

• Act II Notes

2
Iagos Vision of Womanhood

• Does he have a fear of womanhood?
• Does he have a fear of a womans promiscuity?
• You rise to play and go to bed to work.
  (II.i.115)
• (II.i.109-112)
• (II.i.148-160)

3
Iagos Vision of Womanhood

• Suggests that any woman (attractive or
  unattractive, intelligent or unintelligent) will
  control a man because of her sexual powers.
• Iago seems to be envious of womens sexual charms
• Are there elements of sexism and misogyny within
  Iago?

4
Iagos Views on Womens Speech

• She puts her tongue a little in her
  heart (II.i.106)
• According to Iago, women talk too much

5
Iagos Views on Womens Speech

• Negative Statement
• Somewhat exterior (tongue) is placed in the
  interior (heart)
• When the exterior is placed in the interior or
  the interior is placed on the exterior,
  vulnerability/danger is present
• But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/ For
  daws to peck at(I.i.63-64)

6
Does Iago really believe what he is saying?

• Why should we believe Iago?

7
Othello and DesdemonasSmall Argument

• (II.i.181-198)

8
Othellos Philosophy of Love

• Love is stagnant
• Right now, he is content
• Right now, his love is at its pinnacle

9
Othellos Philosophy of Love

• ExtremesBinary Logic
• Either things are perfect or they are completely
  destroyed
• Original Latin definition of perfectput together
  without any cracks.
• Therefore any small crack causes it to not be
  perfect and, in Othellos mind, a small crack
  will mean complete destruction

10
Othellos Philosophy of Love

• Why does Othello adopt this illogical philosophy?
• Victim of racism?
• Hinting at a tragic flaw?
• Emphasizes his focus on the exterior
• DeedsReputationDefinition of self

11
Desdemonas Philosophy of Love

• Love is dynamic
• Love is never stagnant
• Opposite of Othellos philosophy

12
Iago the Value of Reputation

• (II.iii.251-265)
• According to Iago, reputation is meaningless
• You can always regain or reestablish your
  reputation

13
Iagos Rhetoric

• His opinion of the value of reputation will
  change dramatically based on who makes up his
  audience.
• With Othello, who focuses completely on the
  exterior, Iago will suggest reputation defines
  who you aretherefore, reputation is extremely
  important
• Know your audience!