Act5, Scene 2

What reasons does Othello give for having to kill Desdemona?7

Othello believes he killed Desdemona to rid both her and the world of her sins as he proclaims 'she must die, else she'll betray more men.' He believes he is protecting other men from her devilish ways and persuades himself that he is morally correct and committing a Nobel act in killing her. It is his duty as her husband to keep her innocent and pure so he convinces himself that if he does 'not shed her blood' he is preserving her perfections. Othello also thinks he has hard evidence of Desdemona and Cassio's affair as he 'saw the handkerchief in's hand'. Othello believes what he wants to believe in order for his murderous act to be explainable. He never has any ocular proof, however his reputation could be damaged and therefore this causes his irrational behaviour.

What evidence is there to suggest that Shakespeare adhered to racial stereotypes in this scene?

Othello killing Desdemona supports the racial stereotype of the 'dangerous' negro. Shakespeare can then evoke fear and tension in the audience. Desdemona confesses 'and yet I fear you; for you're fatal then When you're eyes roll so.' The stereotype for Othello being 'irrational' and not being able to control his emotions is implemented here. As in a previous act, Othello is presented as a mystical negro when his ' eyes  roll' as if he is having a seizure. This potrays the fact that Othello cannot control his emotions and immediately acts on what he I feeling instead of being able to preserve his emotions and act rationally.

Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has confessed to sleeping with her (line 68). What was this 'confession'?

In Act 4, Scene 1 Iago talks to Cassio about Bianca, however Othello is hiding listening to the conversation. Iago makes it sound like Cassio is confessing his affair with Desdemona when Cassio admits 'I have used thee' and I think, I'faith, she loves me'. Othello immediately is convinced and believes the idea that Iago has been planting.

Emilia says "Good gentleman, let me have leave to speak./ 'Tis proper I obey him - but not now!" [5.2.192-193] what does this indicate about Emilia and society? Consider the circumstances the characters are in.

This is a patriarchal society and Emilia should obey Iago as her husband. However, in this part of the scene Emilia is seen to be transcending the boundaries of the 1600s ands claims that she will not obey or answer to her husband, Iago, anymore. She is now the dominant figure and takes charge and control of her own life and actions. The fact that she stills asks Montano and Grantiano if she could speak her mind shows that she still is a passive figure in society and must ask before speaking aloud. She has learnt the truth about her husband and is no longer blinded by his charm and dominance. The fact that she died breaking the boundaries of the patriarchal society, I believe is a dramtic and eye opening end for her. She died standing up to her husband and fighting for what is right.

How is Emilia presented in lines 125-233. Consider the language she uses, how she behaves and what she says to Othello and Iago.

Emilia is presented as a strong and honest woman. She is standing up for the power of women and commands 'do thy worst'. After voicing her opinions and views only in the private sphere, Shakespeare has now presented her character to voice them in the public sphere, transcending boundaries. She is seen as virtuous and valiant for standing up to the two most dominant male figures to her in the tragedy. Therefore she is presented as a strong and powerful female towards the end of her life.

List all of the names Emilia calls Othello when she realises what he has done. How does this contrast with how Othello was portrayed at the start of the play?

'Blacker devil'

'Dull moor'

'Devil'

'Gull' dolt'

'The Moor'

'Murderous Coxcomb'

Analysis of Act5, Scene1

How does Shakespeare create a sense of fear and confusion in Act 5, Scene1?

Othello follows Aristotle's idea of the perfect tragedy-unity of time and place. This scene is set at 'night' on a 'street' where the plan is for Roderigo to attack and kill Cassio. This scene mirrors the opening scene where Roderigo and Iago are first constructing their plan to ruin Othello and so Roderigo believes, to woo Desdemona. The fact that this is set in darkness foreshadows the deaths and violence to come. It also creates confusion as the scene is chaotic and we are unsure what exactly in going to be the outcome.

Shakespeare creates fear and confusion also through the use of Iago's manipulative and duplicitous character. In this scene he manipulates Roderigo into thinking that they are a team and he will support him in this attack. By stating 'fear nothing; I'll be at my elbow' Shakespeare refers to the devil reflecting the devil inside Iago. This refers to the modern reference 'speak of the devil' suggesting a similarity with Iago and the devil himself. Audiences in the 1600s would be fearful of the events to come from this quote and therefore it may create tension in the atmosphere.

When Cassio is only injured in the attack and Iago leaves a gash on Roderigo, believing he has killed him, the audience may be confused about the events to follow as it seems that Iago's plan has failed and the truth will quickly be revealed to Othello. However, this does not obstruct the inevitable ending of the play where both Desdemona and Othello die due to Iago's manipulative behaviour. Othello's hamartia leads him to his tragic death and the audience are able to express catharsis, especially with the death of 'sweet Desdemona'.

Cast Cassio

To play the role of Cassio, the actor must have good looks and an approachable and open look about them. James McAvory would be a good actor to play this role as he looks quite youthful and polished. It needs to be believable for Othello to think that he and Desdemona would have an affair behind Othello's back, so therefore his looks would reflect this and play a major part. He has performed in many theater roles including the Shakespearean play 'Macbeth' earning him an Olivier Award nomination. This shows he has experience on stage and therefore would not be a stranger to the workings of it. The fact that he has also already played a part in a Shakespeare play gives him an advantage over other actors, making him familiar with the language and writing of the play.