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Questions and Answers
What was the purpose of Iago's shock tactics?
According to Canon law, when could a marriage be annulled?
Why did Desdemona accompany Othello to Cyprus?
What was the nature of the first Iago/Cassio exchange mentioned in the text?
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What did Othello imply with his lines 'The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue'?
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What fascinated other characters about Othello and Desdemona's union?
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What does Othello's question 'Is't lost? Is't gone?' refer to in Act 3 Scene 4?
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How does Iago manipulate Othello regarding Cassio's relationship with Desdemona?
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Why does Othello believe Desdemona may have committed acts of shame?
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What crucial aspect of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona is highlighted by Bloom?
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Why does Othello refrain from proving Desdemona's virginity himself?
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What is the main reason Iago works to prevent Othello from discovering the truth about Desdemona's virginity?
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What is the focus of Iago's manipulation regarding Cassio and Desdemona's potential consummation?
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What does Iago's reference to Cassio and Montano as 'bride and groom' during the fight symbolize?
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How does Iago's insensitive imagery of turning love into violence on the marriage bed contribute to the tragedy in Othello?
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Why does Iago risk using such an insensitive image related to Othello and Desdemona's intimacy?
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What does Othello's promise to the senate about his marriage reveal about his initial intentions?
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What was the traditional gesture following a couple's wedding night, as mentioned in the text?
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Study Notes
Iago's Shock Tactics
- Iago's urgent intensifiers and his "Call up her father" speech aim to disrupt the consummation of Othello's marriage to Desdemona.
- According to Canon law, a marriage could be annulled if it remained unconsummated.
Marriage and Consummation
- Iago's hints suggest that Brabantio may divorce Desdemona if the marriage is unconsummated.
- Desdemona is determined to accompany Othello to Cyprus, acknowledging the importance of consummation.
- Othello's lines "The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue:/ That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you" suggest anticipation and reserve.
Virginity and Fidelity
- "Conserved of maiden's hearts" symbolizes virginity as well as fidelity.
- Othello's "Is't lost? Is't gone?" in Act 3 Scene 4 becomes an enquiry after Desdemona's maidenhead.
Iago's Manipulation
- Iago hints that Cassio was more than just a go-between, which is unwittingly reinforced by Desdemona.
- Iago makes bolder claims, suggesting that Cassio will confess to his affair with Desdemona.
- Othello's wild claim that Desdemona has committed "the act of shame" is due to his belief that she is a "cunning whore of Venice".
Lack of Consummation
- The lack of marital consummation is crucial, as it would disprove Iago's claims.
- Othello does not know whether he has married a virgin, lacking the "oracular proof".
- Iago must work to prevent consummation, which would disprove his claims.
Possible Lines of Enquiry
- Sexual failure: Has stress affected Othello's sexual performance, leading to Desdemona's "I'faith you are to blame" and talk of a "more sufficient man"?
- Cassio's priority on arrival in Cyprus is to "Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms", highlighting the importance of consummation.
Iago's Probing
- Iago's polite and vulgar exchange with Cassio in Act 2 Scene 3 focuses on the consummation, with the line "He hath not yet made wanton the night with her".
- The fight in Act 2 Scene 3 seems designed to prevent the consummation, and Iago probes at this sore point when referring to Cassio and Montano.
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Description
Explore the manipulative tactics used by Iago in Shakespeare's play Othello, particularly focusing on his urgent intensifiers and disruptive strategies to thwart the consummation of relationships. Delve into Iago's diabolic instinct and subtle inquiries to gauge his success. Read more about it in the provided article.
