Sight and Blindness

Question 1

Stagecraft of sight and blindness

Answer 1

Othello is visually different to all other characters

Question 2

Desdemona’s insight

Answer 2

• ‘I saw Othello’s visage in his mind’
• This later contrasts Othello’s own perception of him
• ‘Haply for I am black’

Question 3

Purpose of the motif of sight and blindness

Answer 3

• Sight is considered as having power
• Blindness is connected with being a cuckhold.

Question 4

How does Brabantio introduce the motif of sight and blindness?

Answer 4

‘if thou has eyes to see, she has deceived her father and may thee’

Question 5

How does Othello acknowledge his lack of sight?

Answer 5

He demands ‘occular proof’ (A3S3)

Question 6

How does the motif of sight and blindness establish a power dynamic between Othello and Iago?

Answer 6

• ‘this honest creature doubtless sees and knows more’
• since sight is associated with knowledge and power, Othello views Iago as more powerful

Question 7

How does Iago use blindness

Answer 7

In A1S1 and A5S1, he uses to cover of darkness to commit his deeds (manipulating Brabantio and injuring Cassio)

Question 8

How is Othello’s blindness exemplified in Act 5?

Answer 8

• Hearing Cassio’s scream without seeing him which prompts him to kill Desdemona
• ‘minion, your dear lies dead’