Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Discuss how Shakespeare uses betrayal to present social and personal…
Discuss how Shakespeare uses betrayal to present social and personal issues in Othello.
"I am not what I am"
Paradox, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, antithesis.
Religious context (Elizabethan Christianity) Line twists the Bible verse where God says "I am that I am". By reversing it, Iago presents himself as the opposite of God, linked to the Devil - deception, moral corruption. Fits Elizabethan beliefs that evil worked through lies, disguise and temptation.
Juxtaposition
"My life upon her faith"
Hyperbolic metaphor, foreshadowing
Honour and trust in Elizabethan society. Women's chastity and loyalty were seen as central male honour. Othello's statement shows absoloute trust in Desdemona's virtue. By staking his life upon her faith, Othello reflects the honourable Reneissance husband.
"I'll tear her all to pieces"
Hyperbole, juxtaposition
Patriarchal control and female punishment. Early modern England - women accused of infidelity were often met with harsh judgement and violence.
"Put money in thy purse"
Repetition, imperative, symbolism, 'put' dynamic verb, 'purse' 'money' common noun
Attitudes to money and greed in Shakespeare's time, greed and materialism were seen as moral sins. Iago's constant repetition presents him as corrupt.
"You are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlours, wildcats in your kitchen"
Direct address, common noun, metaphor, antithesis, animalistic imagery, asyndetic listing.
Patriarchal views of women. The metaphor filled insult reflects Elizabethan misogyny and patriarchal fears that women were outwardly virtuous but privately unruly, reinforcing Iago's role as a morally corrupt manipulator.
"I hate the moor"
Hyperbole, declarative, dramatic irony, 'hate' dynamic verb, 'moor' proper noun.
In Shakespeare's time, black people and Muslims were viewed as 'outsiders' in Europe. Many Elizabethans associated them with danger and moral corruption.
"Ocular proof"
Symbolism of the handkerchief
Sight and truth in Reneissance thinking - Sight was believed to be the most reliable sense. The word 'ocular' reflects reneissance trust in visual evidence - in Othello's eyes it must be true.
"Honest Iago"
Repetition, dramatic irony
Elizabethan England - honesty implied moral integrity, loyalty, honour. Characters mark Iago as socially trustworthy.
"O foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter"
Epithet 'foul thief', metaphor, posessive language
Patriarchal ownership of daughters - daughters were often viewed as theur father's property. Marriages were usually arranged to protect family honour, wealth and status.