Questions and Answers
Who refers to Othello as 'the valiant Moor'?
What does Brabantio mean by describing Desdemona as 'a maiden never bold'?
He views her as submissive and weak.
What does Brabantio accuse Othello of using to win Desdemona's love?
Magic and charms.
What racist comment does Brabantio make regarding Desdemona falling in love with Othello?
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What does Brabantio mean by 'against all rules of nature'?
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What was Brabantio's initial sentiment towards Othello?
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How did Desdemona come to love Othello according to his account?
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What does Desdemona mean when she says, 'you are Lord of all my duty'?
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What does Othello mean when he says, 'How I did thrive in this fair lady's love'?
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What does Desdemona's command 'Let me go with him' signify?
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What caution does Brabantio express about Desdemona in relation to Othello?
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What does Othello mean when he says 'my life upon her faith'?
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What is Othello's distressful statement about himself?
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Study Notes
Key Quotes from Othello - Act 1 Scene 3
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"the valiant Moor" - Highlights Othello's esteemed reputation as a respected figure, overcoming societal challenges as a black man in Elizabethan society. Sets up a poignant fall from grace due to Iago's manipulation.
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"a maiden never bold" - Brabantio's perspective portrays women as weak and submissive. Desdemona’s choice to marry Othello defies societal expectations, showcasing her strength and assertiveness.
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"what drugs, what charms/...what mighty magic" - Brabantio's skepticism about Desdemona's love for Othello reflects racist attitudes; he implies Othello must have used dark magic, tapping into Elizabethan fears surrounding witchcraft.
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"To fall in love with what she feared to look on" - Brabantio’s racist view suggests that Desdemona could not possibly love Othello due to her supposed fear of him, further revealing his own prejudices.
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"against all rules of nature" - This quote symbolizes Brabantio's racist disbelief regarding interracial relationships, suggesting that it violates natural order.
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"Her father loved me, oft invited me" - Othello recalls Brabantio's former admiration for him, showcasing a complex relationship that shifts from respect to hostility.
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"and with a greedy ear devour up my discourse" - Highlights Desdemona’s deep emotional and physical attraction to Othello, illustrating the primal nature of their relationship, challenging the era's expectation of female chastity.
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"you are Lord of all my duty" - Desdemona expresses loyalty to her father while acknowledging her priority shift to her husband, portraying a conflict between familial duty and marital commitment.
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"How I did thrive in this fair lady's love/ And she in mine" - Othello emphasizes the mutual and genuine nature of their love, contrasting the external influences that contribute to its eventual tragedy.
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"Let me go with him." - Desdemona's assertive declaration demonstrates her love for Othello and her challenge to societal norms by demanding to accompany him in front of the court.
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"She has deceived her father and may thee" - Brabantio's statement reflects the sexist views of the time, foreshadowing the tragic path of Othello’s trust and leading to Iago's manipulation.
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"my life upon her faith" - Othello’s profound trust in Desdemona underscores his character’s tragic decline, as this faith is ultimately shattered by Iago's deceit.
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"I will incontinently drown myself" - Indicates the drastic measures Othello is willing to take, reflecting his deep despair and foreshadowing the tragic outcomes influenced by manipulation and misunderstanding.
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Explore key quotes from Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Othello with in-depth flashcards. Understand the significance of each quote and how they relate to the themes and character developments in the play. This quiz is perfect for students studying Shakespeare.
