Othello act 5 scene 2 Exam With Complete Solutions 2024

Othello act 5 scene 2 Exam With Complete Solutions 2024"Enter Othello with a light. Desdemona in her bed (asleep)" - correct answer-Instantly sets up the power dynamic. Othello appears a hysterical hunter/detective while Desdemona is entirely passive and innocent. "It is the cause my soul!" - correct answer-Othello addresses his soul, common in the bible "I'll not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow And smooth as monumental alabaster. Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men." - correct answer-White and snow connote purity and chastity. Shakespeare appears to depict Othello as the victim of a trap through his reluctance to murder her yet his belief that he must as a sacrifice/duty to humanity. Perceives himself almost as Jesus. Links to patriarchal control, characters as victims of societal attitudes which force them to behave in a certain way. However is this an attempt to conceal his own interest as the cause of his tragic fall is ultimately his own pride and jealousy. Shame in this? Monumental connotes funerals. "Put out the light, and then put out the light" - correct answer-In soliloquy, his desire for certainty reinforced. Her death will be absolute. The sacrifice must be set in stone and recognised, links to the idea of a sacrifice for society or alternatively a way of him salvaging his tarnished status in being supposedly cuckolded. "When I have plucked thy rose I cannot give it vital growth again, It must needs wither" - correct answer-As Othello prepares to kill Desdemona the idea becomes curiously intertwined, in his mind, with the idea of taking her virginity. He expresses his sorrow that he has to kill her in terms that suggest his reluctance to take her virginity. Double meaning of death and loss of virginity conveys the importance of chastity. Unplucked rose, has their marriage never been consummated? Suggests that Desdemona is spoilt by Cassio and now must wither as a direct result. Links to previous floral imagery used to describe Desdemona, concept of a deceitful femme fatale figure? His words imply that the real tragedy is the loss of her virginity, which would leave her spoiled. Ironically part of him seems to view her as still intact, like an alabaster statue or an unplucked rose. Furthermore, the reader may recall that the all-important handkerchief is dyed with the blood of dead virgins. The handkerchief's importance to Othello may suggest that he thinks it is better for a woman to die as a virgin than live as a wife. "balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword!" - correct answer-Is he subconsciously aware of her purity. Links to previous ideas of the importance of reputation. Having people believe she's committed this act is worthy of death whether she has or not. Othello is nothing without his reputation then murders her solely in order to salvage this. Also links to previous idea of the moon having to wink and her having to be double damned. Sword as a symbol of justice. Legal language links to the social significance of her death, the murder as a performance for Othello to recover his masculinity. Ironic as there has been no fair trial, Desdemona has had no voice. "I will kill thee And love thee after. (kissing her)" - correct answer-Fuels idea of murder to salvage reputation whether she'd guilty or not. He'll love her when she no longer tarnishes his status and hes salvaged his security and position. Previous "kissing her" was in the romanticised scene of them uniting in Cyprus however this could've been seen as a performance. Here however they are alone. "Have you prayed tonight, Desdemon?" "Ay, my lord" "I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit" - correct answer-Othello forces her to repent before death however here creates an ominous tone due to his authoritative voice against her subservience. "I fear you" - correct answer-Amplifies Desdemona's innocence "Some bloody passion shakes your very frame" - correct answer-Desdemona acknowledges his physical deterioration. She seems controlled despite fear while he appears hysterical. "Passion" foreshadows sacrifice, dramatic irony victimises her further. Specific use of "frame" connotes superficiality of appearance. Detachment of soul from reputation and social standing. "Sweet soul, take heed, take heed of perjury. Thou art on thy deathbed" - correct answer-Sinister atmosphere due to the juxtaposition of typically loving language with the reality of the events. Desdemona is completely infantilised. "Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception That I do groan withal." - correct answer-Desdemona can't change his mind. Easier for him to believe she's guilty, he believes he has to murder her anyway and doesn't wish to give her the opportunity to convince him otherwise. Choke also foreshadows her being smothered. Conception connotes birth, motherhood and sex. I say "amen." - correct answer-Othello uses a semantic field of religion. Links to his desperation to be an insider in appropriating Christian language despite exotic heritage and beliefs in charm. "They are loves I bear to you" - correct answer-Her greatest sin is loving Othello. Alludes to the sin of loving a human more than God, reflects the magnitude of her unconditional love towards him. "never loved Cassio But with such general warranty of heaven As I might love" - correct answer-A reminder of Desdemona's genuine kindness as she says she didn't love him more than she genuinely loves all humans. Links to Iago previously playing on her kind nature. "thou dost stone my heart, And mak'st me call what I intend to do A murder, which I thought a sacrifice!" - correct answer-Links to him finding it easier to convince