Othello by Shakespeare exercise

Neph131

 04/20/15

Othello

EXERCISE 12 STYLE: ALLUSIONS

1.      Underline the allusions in the following sentences.

2.      Describe each allusion and how it relates to the plot of Othello and what happens in Act IV.

3.       

a.       history b. mythology c. religion d. folklore/superstition

ACT IV

__A__14. Do ye triumph, Roman? Do you triumph?

Othello asks Cassio is he’s happy now.

__C__15. If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the

serpent’s curse, for if she be not honest, chaste, and true, there’s no

man happy.

This represents Desdemona’s influence on Othello just like the serpent influenced Eve in the Bible.

__C__16. Had it pleased heaven to try me with affliction, had they rained all

kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, steeped me in poverty to

the very lips . . . I should have found in some place of my soul a drop

of patience.

This refers to Job in the Bible like God tested his patience and faith. Othello would rather go through what Job went through then be shamed by Desdemona.

_B___17. That have the office opposite to Saint Peter and keep the gate of hell!

Saint Peter is the gate keeper of hell. Desdemona has become more of the opposite of her character now. She’s no longer the pure and innocent girl.

__C__18. Why, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a

monarch? I should venture purgatory for’t.