5.1 Stage directions mirror the opening scene of darkness and secrecy. Entrapment in the cyclical structure of the poem – this tragedy surrounds them and they are fated to fall. Adds to the darkness, suspense and a foreboding atmosphere. | “Night. A street” |
5.1OthelloIronic as Iago is actually a coward – rather than facing his problems and grievances head on like a brave and honest soldier should, he does everything in the shadows seen in Act 1, and keeps his machinations secret and sly. Afraid of conflict? | “O Brave Iago” |
5.1OthelloJustifies killing Desdemona on their wedding sheets as he believes they have already been stained – context – loss of virginity symbolised by blood on wedding sheets. | “thy bed, lust stained, shall with lust’s blood be spotted” |
5.2OthelloShows that he still cares about his reputation, his “title”, and believes that he should be remembered for his military success rather than for his poor actions. | “Speak of me as I am” |
5.2 OthelloRealises that he did not love in a smart way as he was easily jealous and naïve – shows that loving too strongly can lead to terrible consequences. Love is not good in excess | “One that loved not wisely but too well” |
5.2EmiliaEmphasises their difference in race, the fear that everyone had all along. Desdemona was pure and innocent while Othello enacts his racial stereotype. | “O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil” |
5.2 OthelloCompares himself to a racial stranger showing he has become who everyone feared he was. Compares Desdemona to something white, pure and precious. Context – Europeans viewed Native Americans as people who were too ignorant to know the expense and value of what they gave away. | “base Indian” “threw a pearl away” |
5.2OthelloTells a story of killing an enemy of the state at war before stabbing himself – shows he considers himself an enemy of the state that value him of “Valiant”. Links to when Cassio stabs Montano and he compares them to Turks. | “a Turbaned Turk” “And smote him – thus” |
5.2OthelloHis last poetic words show he is still in love with Desdemona and cannot comprehend his own conflicting feelings. | “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this: Killing myself, to die upon a kiss” |
5.2LodovicoCompares Iago to an animal showing his ruthless barbarity. Shows the class issue as they see him merely as a pet – ironic as pets are supposed to be loyal. | “O Spartan Dog” |
Othello – Act 5 Quotes
September 4, 2019