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Questions tagged [othello]

Questions about William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello', which was probably written in 1603. Use this tag with the [william-shakespeare] tag.

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9 votes
1 answer
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What does "invention comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize" mean in "Othello"?

From Othello II.1.125–130: Iago: ... my invention Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize, It plucks out brains and all. But my muse labours, And thus she is deliver'd: If she be fair and wise,...
SDRay's user avatar
  • 161
9 votes
2 answers
427 views

Does Othello have impostor syndrome, or any other problem because his background is different?

Is there any implication in Shakespeare's text that Othello had impostor syndrome, or any feeling of inadequacy (in love, or another aspect of interpersonal relationships) because his background is ...
Yulia V's user avatar
  • 335
6 votes
3 answers
2k views

Why didn't it occur to Othello that Iago might be upset about being passed over for the promotion?

The entire storyline of Othello is precipitated by Iago's resentment over being passed over for a promotion in favor of Cassio. That being said, why doesn't it seem to occur to Othello that Iago might ...
EJoshuaS - Stand with Ukraine's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
352 views

What is the meaning of "Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet" and "Or breed itself so out of circumstances" in "Othello"?

In William Shakespeare's Othello, Act 3, Scene 3, Desdemona assures Cassio that Othello's anger at him is only dictated by wise policy and that Othello will restore him to his position in the future. ...
BeatsMe's user avatar
  • 217
5 votes
2 answers
488 views

What does the word "seem" mean in these lines of Shakespeare?

In Shakespeare's Othello 3.1.26, the Clown answers Cassio: She is stirring, sir; if she will stir hither, I shall seem to notify unto her. where the verb "seem" makes me confused. The ...
J. Wu's user avatar
  • 157
5 votes
3 answers
942 views

Is Othello being deceptive when he says, “This only is the witchcraft I have used” (Act 1.3.184)

When Othello is brought before an “ad hoc” court of law for surreptitiously marring Desdemona, Brabantio essentially accuses him of using “witchcraft” as a means of seducing his daughter suggesting, ...
user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
279 views

Are there any literary techniques in the following quote from Othello other than metaphor?

Whilst re-reading Othello, I came across the following quote from Iago. I understand that there is metaphor within the quote, however, can anyone identify any more interesting techniques within the ...
John Elliot's user avatar