Othello: Marriage and Cuckoldry Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What would it mean to be a cuckold in the Jacobean Period?

A man whose wife has slept with another - a fool who has been emasculated.

Give a quote to suggest Othello's fear of cuckoldry: 1. ______

"Therefore be double damned: Swear thou art honest." (4.2.)

Give a quote of Iago suggesting Othello's been cuckolded: 1. ______

"So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip. But if I give my wife a handkerchief—" (4.1)

Emilia's opinion on infidelity is?

"But I do think it is their husbands' faults if wives do fall." Signup and view all the answers

How is Emilia also presenting a double standard in her opinion of Bianca?

Emilia and her husband demonize Bianca, belittling her as a 'whore', despite Emilia believing women have the same desires as men. Signup and view all the answers

What is the stereotype of Venetian women?

Infidels Signup and view all the answers

What are Desdemona's duties to her husband (Act 1 Scene iii)?

Women belonged to their fathers (or brothers) and then to their husbands. Women could not own property of their own. Signup and view all the answers

What type of language does Othello use toward Desdemona once he has been shown 'proof' of her betrayal: 1. ______

"Damn her, lewd minx!" (3.3) Signup and view all the answers

When is the Iago and Othello 'marriage' scene and what significance does it hold? ______

ACT 3 Scene 3 Signup and view all the answers

How is Othello more faithful to Iago than his own wife? Why might this be?

Othello trusts Iago completely, transferring the trust that should be for Desdemona to Iago because he sees Iago as a loyal servant. Signup and view all the answers

Who views that 'Othello struggles not to love Desdemona.He is not driven by jealousy, but by 'moral indignation and regret' that Desdemona's virtue has been destroyed.'?

T.S. Coleridge Signup and view all the answers

What are Othello's theories as to why Desdemona may not love him/cuckolded him?

'Haply for I am black' Signup and view all the answers

What are the reasons put forward against the marriage of Othello and Desdemona?

Othello being a Moor Signup and view all the answers

What other Shakespearean tales have plots linked with the theme of the fear of cuckoldry?

The Merry Wives of Windsor Signup and view all the answers

In a culture in which the status of women was an increasingly contentious subject, what were other forms of 'female insubordination'?

Husband-beating Signup and view all the answers

What is the traditional symbol of a cuckold?

Growing horns Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cuckoldry in the Jacobean Period

A cuckold is a husband whose wife has cheated, marking him as emasculated and foolish.
Fear of cuckoldry was prevalent, seen as a significant humiliation for men during this era.

Othello's Fear and Betrayal

Othello expresses deep suspicion about Desdemona's fidelity, questioning her honesty and integrity.
Key quotes illustrate his anxiety: “Therefore be double damned: Swear thou art honest.” and references to a “handkerchief” central to the plot's deceit.

Iago's Manipulation

Iago feeds Othello’s insecurities with insinuations and clever insinuations, heightening Othello's fear of infidelity.
He suggests Othello's worst fears are realized by alluding to dreams and the sight of a handkerchief associated with betrayal.

Emilia's Views on Infidelity

Emilia believes infidelity is often the husband’s fault, reflecting a complex view on gender double standards.
She asserts women have the same desires as men but reveals hypocrisy when she condemns other women like Bianca.

Stereotypes and Female Roles

Venetian women were stereotypically viewed as unfaithful and sexually promiscuous, showcasing societal attitudes of the time.
Women were considered property, transitioning ownership from fathers or brothers to husbands, limiting their autonomy.

Othello's Language Shift

Once convinced of Desdemona’s betrayal, Othello's language turns cruel and derogatory, displaying his emotional turmoil.
Phrases like “Damn her, lewd minx!” show his transformation from love to rage.

Iago and Othello's Bond

The 'marriage' between Iago and Othello occurs in Act 3 Scene 3, symbolizing deep trust and complicity in deceit.
Othello entrusts Iago with greater faith than he reserves for his wife, reflecting misplaced loyalty.

Literary Perspectives

T.S. Coleridge suggests that Othello’s struggle stems from moral indignation rather than pure jealousy over Desdemona’s suspected infidelity.
Othello's insecurities include doubts about his worthiness due to his race, expressing societal racism in relationships.

Marriage Challenges

Key reasons against Othello and Desdemona’s marriage include significant age differences and Othello’s ethnicity as a Moor.

Broader Themes in Shakespeare

Other works by Shakespeare, like The Winter's Tale and The Merry Wives of Windsor, also explore themes of cuckoldry and infidelity.
In an era challenging women's status, manifestations of female insubordination included financial irresponsibility and open defiance.

Symbolism of Cuckoldry

Growing horns serve as a traditional symbol of cuckoldry, underscoring the public humiliation associated with a deceitful wife.
Othello’s anguished mention of pain indicated on his forehead further emphasizes his emotional suffering upon realizing betrayal.

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Description

Explore the themes of marriage and cuckoldry in Shakespeare's Othello through engaging flashcards. This quiz highlights key quotes and definitions from the Jacobean period, deepening your understanding of the male perspective and emotional turmoil associated with fidelity. Test your knowledge and insights on these profound concepts within the play.