Identify AF/SD
Identify the language feature in the quote: "It is the green-eyed monster."
Metaphor
What does the metaphor "green-eyed monster" suggest about jealousy?
Jealousy is dangerous, uncontrollable and destructive.
Why would jealousy about a wife's faithfulness be especially important in Shakespeare's society?
A husband's honour depended on his wife's obedience and fidelity.
Complete the quote: "I'll pour this pestilence into his _____."
ear
Analysis: Iago compares his lies to a deadly disease that can infect Othello's mind.
Why is it ironic that Iago warns Othello about jealousy?
Iago is actually the person causing Othello's jealousy.
Identify the language feature in the quote: "The Moor already changes with my poison."
Metaphor
How does the word "monster" influence the audience's view of jealousy?
It presents jealousy as something unnatural and threatening.
Why is becoming a cuckold such a powerful fear for Othello?
A cuckolded man was viewed as weak, foolish and dishonoured.
Identify and analyse the language feature in the quote: "I'll pour this pestilence into his ear."
Metaphor
Analysis: Iago's manipulation is compared to a contagious disease entering the body.
What does Shakespeare suggest about evidence in the quote, "Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ"?
Jealous people interpret small events as definite proof.
Identify the language feature in the quote: "Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons."
Extended metaphor (jealous thoughts compared to poison)
What does Iago suggest about Othello when he says, "The Moor already changes with my poison"?
Othello is slowly being corrupted by Iago's lies.
How does Othello's jealousy reflect expectations of masculinity in Venetian society?
Men were expected to maintain authority and control over their households.
What does the word "pestilence" suggest about the effect of Iago's lies?
His lies are toxic, contagious, and capable of causing destruction.
Analysis: Shakespeare presents jealousy as something that spreads and corrupts like a plague.
How does Shakespeare use religious imagery in "proofs of holy writ"?
Othello begins to treat weak evidence as unquestionable truth. (People did not question religion in Shakespearean times).
Identify the language feature in the quote: "Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ."
Simile
Why does Shakespeare repeatedly compare jealousy to poison?
Poison spreads gradually, infecting the mind before destroying the victim.
How might Othello's racial outsider status intensify his jealousy?
He already feels insecure about belonging, making Iago's lies more convincing.
Identify the language feature and analyse the quote: "Work on, my medicine, work!"
Answer: Metaphor
Analysis: Iago ironically calls his manipulation "medicine" when it is actually harming Othello. This highlights his role as a villain who disguises poison as a cure.
Identify TWO language features in the quote and analyse the perspective on jealousy conveyed.
"But jealous souls will not be answered so;
They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they're jealous."
The repetition emphasises the obsessive nature of jealousy. The paradox suggests that jealousy does not rely on evidence or logic. Shakespeare presents jealousy as irrational and self-perpetuating, highlighting why Othello becomes increasingly unable to think clearly.
Identify the language feature in the quote: "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."
Extended metaphor and personification
How does Shakespeare present jealousy as self-destructive in "the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on"?
Jealousy harms the person experiencing it as much as its target.
How does Shakespeare challenge the belief that men are naturally rational?
Othello, a respected military leader, becomes overwhelmed by emotion and suspicion.
Identify the language features and analyse the quote: "O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours, and not their appetites!"
In your answer reflect on how jealousy has infected Othello's thinking about love.
Language Features: Metaphor, exclamatory language, possessive pronoun.
Shakespeare uses disease-like imagery of corruption and contamination to show how jealousy has infected Othello's thinking. Othello no longer sees Desdemona as a loyal wife but as someone driven by uncontrollable desires. The possessive pronoun "ours" reflects the patriarchal beliefs of Venetian society, where wives were expected to be faithful and obedient. The quote reveals how jealousy has distorted Othello's judgement, transforming love into suspicion and contributing to his tragic downfall.
Identify TWO language features in the quote and analyse the perspective on jealousy and distortion of judgement.
"Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds." – Othello
The rhetorical question reveals Othello's growing insecurity and loss of confidence in his marriage. The dramatic irony occurs because the audience knows that Iago is not honest, while Othello continues to trust him completely. Shakespeare uses these techniques to show how jealousy has distorted Othello's judgement and made him vulnerable to manipulation.