Why is Othello set in Venice and Cyprus?
Othello is set in Venice, presumably sometime in the latter half of the sixteenth-century. Venice was at war with the Ottoman empire between 1570 and 1573, so the play’s reference to the threat of an attack on Cyprus could reflect a setting sometime during this period.
What are Othello’s last words?
Othello’s suicide serves as a kind of trial in which he decides on and enacts a punishment for his crime of killing Desdemona. In his final speech, he explains how he hopes to be remembered, saying “When you shall these unlucky deed relate / Speak of me as I am” (5.2.).
What does Venice symbolize in Othello?
In Othello, Venice represents civilization, while Cyprus symbolizes the wilderness.
Who said I am not what I am in Othello?
Iago says (I. 1, 65) “I am not what I am,” which can be interpreted as “I am not what I seem.” But it is also reminiscent of a quotation from the Bible which Shakespeare would have known: In Exodus, God gives his laws to Moses on Mt.
Who kills Iago?
Othello
Why does Othello look down at Iago’s feet?
Othello’s mention of looking at Iago’s feet suggests that he’s looking for cloven, or hooves, as many believe that the devil has cloven feet. Further, he asks the officials in Cyprus to ask Iago, whom he refers to as “that demi-devil,” why he has ruined Othello’s life.
Why does Othello kill himself quizlet?
Why does Othello kill himself? Othello kills because he’s sad and misses desdemona and thinks he has no reason to live now.
How does Othello justify killing Desdemona?
Othello kills Desdemona by smothering her with pillows in their matrimonial bed. On subsequently learning there had been no affair, he kills himself. The implication is that if she actually had an affair with Cassio, Othello would have considered the killing justified, and not taken his own life.
Why do the Venetians and Ottomans both want Cyprus?
The Venetians profited from the island’s production of exports like sugar, cotton, and wine, and they had a longstanding arrangement with Egyptian rulers who protected Venetian interests on the island from Ottoman invaders. In the summer of that year, the Ottoman fleet set sail for Cyprus.
What is Othello finally beginning to realize?
Othello is beginning to realize that Desdemona did not have an affair with Cassio and that Iago has been lying the entire time. Othello attacks Iago because he finally realizes that he was tricked. Desdemona was always faithful to him and she did not need to be murdered.
What does the character Othello represent?
The play’s protagonist and hero. A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. In spite of his elevated status, he is nevertheless easy prey to insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his race.
What does turn Turk mean?
“To turn Turk” was a disparaging expression in the Renaissance that meant to turn against what’s seen as good, like a Christian becoming Muslim, as Turks were assumed to be. Hamlet is saying that his luck — his fortunes — are starting to betray him.
Who kills Desdemona?
Who is responsible for Emilia’s death?
Emilia having heard from Othello that Iago told him of Desdemona “cheating” on him with Cassio, accuses him of gross dishonesty leading to an unjust murder. When she hears about the handkerchief, she reveals her role and Iago threatens and then kills her at the first opportunity.
What does Othello’s final speech mean?
Speak of me as I am
What does Desdemona say before death?
Desdemona declares she is guiltless, but when Emilia asks her who murdered her, she refuses to name Othello. “Nobody. I myself,” Desdemona says. Desdemona finally dies asking Emilia to give Othello her love (5.2.
Did Othello slept with Emilia?
At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets / He has done my office” (I. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the foolish Roderigo, which serve as a showcase of Iago’s manipulative -abilities.
Who is to blame for Desdemona’s death in Othello?
Desdemona was an innocent character and did not deserve her fate. Iago and Othello are both to blame for her death. Iago is responsible for Desdemona’s murder because he manipulated Othello; however, Othello is more accountable for the crime because he was too trusting of Iago.
Why is Emilia killed in Othello?
Emilia becomes a parallel to Desdemona, as another woman killed by her husband for insisting on a truth that he did not want to hear. However, while Desdemona’s death reflects the murder of an innocent victim, Emilia dies seeking atonement for her participation in Iago’s crimes.
Is Emilia a weak character?
“Desdemona and Emilia are weak characters who fail to gain our sympathy.” Desdemona is a defensive and self-possessed character. She defends her marriage to Othello to all who wish to diminish it. She even bawdily jests with Iago and treats him as an equal, something not expected of a woman in this time period.
Why does Othello kill himself in the end?
Iago is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General; Othello, the Moor of Venice. Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, stirring Othello’s jealousy. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona, and then kills himself.