Iago KQ Flashcards
I am not what I am
Act 1 scene 1
The phrase “I am not what I am” serves as a parodic allusion to a well-known biblical quote from Exodus 3:14, in which Moses asks God his name and God offers an enigmatic response: “I am that I am.” By transforming God’s words into a negative formulation, Iago indicates his identity as a diabolical figure.
An old black ram is tupping your white ewe
Act 1 scene 1
This dysphemistic metaphor highlights Iago’s racial views about Othello and as a potential reason for his mission to ruin his life
Contrast of “black ram” and “white ewe” emphasises the racism present in Venetian society- Iago highlights Desdemona’s purity and innocence through the use of the adjective “white” compared to adjective “black” which highlights Othello as evil and malicious.
“Ram”- also highlights Othello as animalistic and base- he is controlled by his basic instincts and predatory nature.
With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio
Ac2 scene 1
Almost predatory.
He is very confident in his ability to control and manipulate others will potentially be his hubris.
He acknowledges the fact that Cassio is a very important part of his plan. He (like a spider) is sly and quiet waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
“With as little a web as this”- this potentially highlights Iago’s inability to recognise the significance of his malicious actions- he see’s his plans as little, but does not truly consider the detrimental consequences that will come from them.
O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am.
Act 2 scene 1
This passage reveals Iago’s malicious intent to ruin Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. He acknowledges their current happiness but vows to disrupt it, using the metaphor of a musical instrument to illustrate how he plans to create discord. The irony of Iago referring to himself as “honest” underscores his deceptive nature and foreshadows the treachery he will employ to achieve his goals.
I’ll pour pestilence into his ear- link to
Lady macbeth
Act 2 scene 2
“Pestilence”- A fatal epidemic disease- Iago will whisper poisonous words into Othello’s ear (acting as the deadly disease), killing Othello from the inside by filling his mind with unbearable jealousy.
“The Moor already changes with my poison”
Act 3 scene 3
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on
Act 3 scene 3
In Othello, the line, ‘beware the green-eyed monster’ is very important in the text. It’s ironic, because it’s made under false pretenses. We, the audience, know what Iago is doing but Othello does not, so it heightens the dramatic irony that’s at work in the play. It’s uncomfortable for the audience as it puts them in the position of being conspirators in Iago’s manipulation. We also watch with dismay as the other characters become confused and paralysed by the multiple lies ‘honest’ Iago tells them, while we know the true situation.
Strangle her in bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.
Act 4 scene 1
Here Iago orchestrates even the way in which Desdemona will be killed. The quote shows Iago’s desire to control every aspect of how his plan will unfold, and also his sinister sense of poetic justice. He argues that since Desdemona has committed her crimes in bed, by sleeping with other men, she should also die in bed.
“Demand from me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I will never speak word.”
Act 5 scene 2
Iago’s silence is just as poisonous as his words, he refuses to explain or justify the reasoning behind his relentless betrayal, giving him a sence of power over them. He keeps within his villain egotism and is not remorseful for his actions, he is a true machiavellen villian.
“If Cassio do remain he hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly”
Act 5 scene 1
Although often Iago is labels as a “motiveless villain” this quote highlights his jealousy as one of the sources and roots to the tragedy he is creating, emphasizing the destructive nature of jealousy as a whole.
