Tragedy Extentions

http://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/racism-misogyny-and-motiveless-malignity-in-othello 


Racism, misogyny and 'motiveless malignity' By Kieran Ryan


What does Kiernan Ryan believe the play is a 'searing critique' of?
Racial and sexual injustice.
What evidence does Ryan provide to substantiate this view?
The fact that Othello and Desdemona had to elope to marry supports the fact that the play may be a searing critique to racial injustice because if they had to elope it suggests that their relationship was not excepted in the eyes of Venice.
What does Ryan believe is Brabantio's main fear regarding Othello and Desdemona's relationship?
Brabantio believes if it the marriage of Desdemona and Othello is accepted by society it means that black people will be able to take 'taking our place and having power over us'.
Which quotations are used to demonstrate that characters 'speech is infected with contempt for "the Moor"?
When Iago says ‘Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe’ (1.1.88–9),
What type of jealousy is shown to be the 'rule' in Venice?
Sexual
What item does Ryan believe links the three couples?
The handkerchief
 Why does Ryan believe Iago is so successful in making Othello believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful?
Othello's insecurity and doubt allow him to grip so swiftly at Iagos prompting. Also, Iago is able to believe what Iago says due to the warped ideas men have about women and female sexuality.
Which two quotations does Ryan use to show this to be true?
'did deceive her father, marrying you’
'Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; / She has deceived her father, and may thee'
 Summarise why Ryan believes that Iago DOES NOT possess 'motiveless malignity'.
Ryan believes that Iago does not posses motiveless malignity because, according to Ryan it is clear to see what makes him tick. His motives include the fact that he thinks that Othello should not see himself as worthy to marry Desdemona 'as if he were equal' and also how Desdemona would prefer him over a white man. Othello and Desdemona have made a mockery of the principles of social, sexual and racial hierarchy on which Iago's very identity and sense of self-worth depend.