Evidence for Desdemonas resistance to patriarchal domination

What do you think the quotes mean?

Look back at the text...
QUOTE

MEANING?

..she was half the wooer.. Brabanzio Act 1

Sc 3

So much I challenge that I may profess..

Desdemona
Act 1 Sc 3

I am glad at soul I have no other child, For

thy escape would teach me tyranny..
Brabanzio Act 1 Sc 3

She loved me for the dangers I had passed,

And I loved her that she did pity them.
Othello Act 1 Sc 3

That I did love the Moor to live with him, My

downright violence and storm of fortunes,
May trumpet to the world. Desdemona Act
1 Sc 3

...do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be

thy husband. Desdemona Act 2 Sc 1

Quest for Learning 2012

www.questforlearning.co.uk

Evidence for Emilias resistance to patriarchal domination

What do you think the quotes mean?
Look back at the text...

..the more angel she, and you the blacker

devil. Emilia (to Othello) Act 5 Sc 2
would she give you so much of her lips As of
her tongue she oft bestows on me, you
would have enough. Iago (on Emilia) Act 2
Sc1
... hell gnaw his (Othellos) bones.. Emilia
Act 4 Sc 2

I will be hanged if some...villain...have not

devised this slander. Emilia Act 4 Sc 2

You shall not write my praise Emilia

(to Iago) Act 2 Sc 1

Thou hast not half that power to do me

harm, As I have to be hurt..O dolt! As
ignorant as dirt..I care not for thy sword..
Emilia (to Othello) Act 5 Sc 2
I will not charm my tongue.
Emilia (to Iago) Act 5 Sc 2

Thou art rash as fire to say that she was

false.. Emilia (to Othello) Act 5 Sc 2

Quest for Learning 2012

www.questforlearning.co.uk

Evidence for Desdemonas submission to patriarchal domination

What do you think the quotes mean?
Look back at the text...

To his conveyance I assign my wife..

Othello Act 1 Sc 3

..My lord, what is your will? ....what is your

pleasure?
Desdemona Act 4 Sc 2
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue.
That profits yet to come tween me and
you. Othello Act 2 Sc 3
Out of my sight! Othello
I will not stay to offend you. Desdemona
Act 4 Sc 2
..to his honours and his valiant parts, Did I
my soul and fortunes consecrate..
Desdemona Act 1 Sc 3

Whater you be, I am obedient.

Desdemona Act 3 Sc 3

I am a child to chiding.
Desdemona Act 4 Sc 2

Tis meet I should be used so..

Desdemona Act 4 Sc 2

Quest for Learning 2012

www.questforlearning.co.uk

Evidence for Emilias submission to patriarchal domination

What do you think the quotes mean?
Look back at the text...

I am glad I have found this napkin...My

wayward husband hath a hundred times
Wooed me to steal it....Ill...givt Iago..
Emilia Act 3 Sc 5

If it (the napkin) be not for some purpose of

import, Givt me again..shell run mad When
she shall lack it. Emilia
...I have use for it. Go, leave me. Iago
Act 3 Sc 3

...let thy wife attend on her..

Othello (to Iago) Act 1 Sc 3

They (men) are all but stomachs, and we all

but food, They eat us hungrily, and they are
full, They belch us.
Emilia Act Sc 4

Quest for Learning 2012

www.questforlearning.co.uk

Discussion Points

1/

Why do you think there seems to be more evidence within the text for Emilias
resistance to patriarchal domination than there is for Desdemonas?

2/

What factors do you think affect Desdemonas rapid transformation from wilful and
disobedient daughter to utterly submissive wife?

3/

How is the male perception of love demonstrated throughout the play (especially by
Iago and Othello)?

4/

Do you think Emilias character can be considered as inconsistent in her wavering

between submission and resistance to patriarchal domination?

5/

What in your view are the prime motivational factors for Iagos enmity towards
Othello and why is his hate so profound?

Quest for Learning 2012

www.questforlearning.co.uk