Iago KQ Flashcards
A barbary horse
Act 1 scene 1
Barbary” refers to the region of North Africa (modern-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) known historically for its Berber inhabitants and their horses.
Usage in Othello: Iago uses the term “Barbary horse” in Act 1, Scene 1 when he informs Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, about Desdemona’s elopement with Othello. He uses racially charged language to provoke Brabantio’s anger and prejudice against Othello.
Barbary horse” is a derogatory term that Iago uses to emphasize Othello’s race and to suggest that Othello is a wild, untamed animal. It plays into the racist stereotypes and prejudices of the Venetian society, where Othello, as a Moor (a North African or Arab of Muslim descent), is viewed as exotic, foreign, and inferior.
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.
” I follow him to serve my turn upon him
Act 1 scene 1
Iago explains his strategy to Roderigo and justifies his treachery. He resents those above him, following them simply to harm them. He defends his actions by stating in the end, his “masters” will discard him if he fails to get the upper hand now.
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.
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.
Villanous Whore!
Act 5 scene 2
His mysoginistic views are clearly expressed through this quote, he did not expect that his wife (Emilia) would out him to everyone.
He calls her “villanous” which is ironic as he is the reason 3 people are dead.
“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.
