Othello Key Quotations and Analysis Flashcards
Iago: “I am not what I am” (Act 1 Scene 1)
Biblical allusions in the Old Testament, God says “I am”. Establishes that Iago will corrupt everything good and right, as he believes he has ultimate power over his social world. Shakespeare introduces Iago as being a corrupting characters that will deceive and revel in immorality
Iago: “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe”. (Act 1 Scene 1)
Shakespeare emphasises Iago’s debased attitude to romantic relationships. Iago uses animal imagery to provoke Brabantio’s racial prejudice. Chosen to create a disgusted reaction, which Iago consolidates through the verb “tupping”. “your white ewe” is misogynistic language used by Iago to highlight Desdemona as being of Brabantio’s possession that Othello has “stolen”.
Othello: “My service which I have done the signiory / Shall out-tongue his complaints”. (Act 1 Scene 2)
Othello’s self belief is based on his military background, further reinforced his tragic hero. Views his position as an act of giving rather than employment. Shakespeare hints at his downfall through hubris and misunderstanding that he is becoming more accepted in the Venetian society. “Out-tongue” reflects the motif of speech and speechlessness. Shakespeare highlight that a black man can speak up for himself in order to change societal preconceptions. POSITIVE MOMENT IN THE PLAY!
Othello: “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them”. (Act 1 Scene 3)
The repetition of “loved” emphasis their progression as an inter-racial couple, effectively communicating affection in a political space. Suggests that their marriage is built on precarious foundations as Desdemona fell for the narrative of his heroism and adventures. Not deep enough love to withstand societal prejudice. Shakespeare lays the foundations for their collapse.
Iago: “Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth fourth to the world’s light”. (Act 1 Scene 3)
Iago has several soliloquies at the start of the play unlike the tragic hero. Shakespeare builds understanding and complicity between the charismatic villain and the audience. Imagery of “Hell” represents how Iago rebels Christian views. Aligns with the devil to enact evil. Shakespeare uses this to symbolise the horror that we should feel at Iago’s plan to corrupt everything that is good.
Othello: “My souls joy.” (Act 2 Scene 1)
Shakespeare represents this is the pinnacle for their love. “Soul” represents transcendent love. Declaration of love is very public. Provides hope for other inter-racial couples to celebrate their relationships. Shakespeare juxtaposes this with Iago’s debased attitude to love and morality.
Cassio: “Reputation reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation, I have lost the immortal part of myself and what remains is bestial”. (Act 2 Scene 3)
A persons reputation was key to an individual’s social status. Casio’s loss of reputation is accompanied by him falling from blank verse into prose. A shift that usually signifies an increase in chaos. Cassio feels as though he is becoming debased and corrupt. Shakespeare repeats the animal language that we have seen elsewhere in the play.
Emilia: “They are all but stomachs, and we are all but food”. (Act 3 Scene 4)
Shakespeares motif of appetite. He also uses this as a euphemism for sexual desire, revealing Iago’s debased attitude to physical love. Perhaps Emilia reveals her own mistreatment in her marriage. “We” and “They” reflects how Emilia sees a clear difference between villains and victims. Shakespeare conveys the importance of female friendship and solidarity.
Othello: “That cunning whore of Venice”. (Act 4 Scene 2)
Othello’s language converges with Iago”s diction. Reflects how Iago is gaining a grasp of Othello’s psyche. Venice= double meaning, centre of Europe, and sexual freedom. Ironic as Othello has experienced hurtful preconceptions and prejudice, therefore does this to Desdemona despite it being hinted earlier that Brabantio’s has kept this hidden from Desdemona.
Emilia: “I will speak as liberal as the north”. (Act 5 Scene 2)
Emilia’s final step to being outspoken. Emilia rejects Desdemona’s silencing and becomes more outspoken. She herself is then silenced as she reveals Iago’s deceit-fullness. Shakespeare reveals how women will always be silenced, either by societal expectations or violence.
Iago: “From this time forth I never will speak word”. (Act 5 Scene 2)
Uses silence to be just as powerful as his voice. The use of the definite modal verb “will”, reveals his determination and certainty that he will retain power over his own thoughts.
Othello: “I have done the state some service, and they know it”. (Act 5 Scene 2)
“Service”, Othello views his employment by the Venetian state has been more than a mere transaction. Feels apart of the Venetian culture and community. Is his mistaken belief that he has been accepted into his society been his true hamartia?
Iago: “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place”. (Act 1 Scene 1)
The audience may question Iago’s self-confidence and suitability for promotion. Hubristic or Realistic? Perhaps Othello doesn’t want to employ another “man of action”? Different skill set like Cassio-Academic. Shakespeare uses monetary language to reveal Iago’s avaricious. Also shows how Iago functions on a debased and corrupt level.
Iago: “a great arithmetician, / One Michael Cassio, A Florentine… Nor the division of battle knows / More than a spinster”. (Act 1 Scene 1)
Iago is debased, prejudiced and experienced, Cassio is inexperienced but intellectual. Gendered language is notable, “spinster”, implies Cassio is an inexperienced, single woman. Shakespeare is making Iago’s misogyny clear from the outset, whilst also indicating his dislike for Cassio.
Iago: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him: / We cannot all be masters, nor all masters / Cannot be truly followed”. (Act 1 Scene 1)
Shakespeare presents Iago is potentially revolutionary and dangerous, as he questions the social hierarchy. The Diving Right of Kings! The Great Chain of Being! Iago’s words undermine these hierarchies. Those on the top might not be worthy of such a position.
Iago: “Poison his delight […] Plague him with flies”. (Act 1 Scene 1)
“Poison” is a motif throughout the play, conveys Iago’s methodology. Iago deceives and manipulates the mind and body. A cure for “poison” was rare in the renaissance.
Also an imperative verb, he holds authority. “Plague him with flies”. Shakespeare eludes to the ten plagues. God sent these plagues to set the Israelites free from slavery. Iago believes he is in total control and authority. He wants to wreak havoc on the Venetian hierarchy. Anger at being overlooked for the promotion.
