How does the Duke and senators speak of Othello?
(ln 46-51)
Speak highly of him with words such as 'valiant' however still use racist terms such a
'moor'. However this was an ordinary term used and wouldn't have been disapproved of or seen as offensive during the time of the play.
How does Brabantio speak of his daughter? (ln 58-106)
'corrupted', 'not deficient, blind, or lame of sense',
What do we learn about views towards
foreigners/moors?
It's a racist society, even Othello's wife describes him as a moor.
What is ironic about Othello’s claim that “rude am I in my speech?
He claims that he can't speak well but then says long eloquent speeches.
What is startling about Othello’s decision to
let Desdemona speak on his behalf? (think
context)
He's living in a patriarchal society where this would have been viewed as shocking and unusual. Othello has high power so having someone of low power, a woman, speak on his behalf would show him to be weak.
