Othello KQ Flashcards
Key quotes for Othello from scene 1-5
“Let him do his spite: My services, which I have done the signory, shall out tounge his complaints”
Act 1 scene 2
Highlights Othello’s honourable and loyal personality, he is a loyal dedicated soldier for the signory and believes that that will protect him from any false allegations made by Iago (through Brabantio)
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.”
Act 1 scene 3
Othello loved D because she pitied and was excited by his warrior stories, and she loved him because he was something new and exciting which was an escape from the oppressive patriarchal settup she was currently living in.
O, my fair warrior!
Act 2 scene 1
By calling Desdemona “my fair warrior,” Othello expresses his deep admiration and affection for her. He acknowledges not only her physical beauty but also her inner strength and courage. This line reflects Othello’s perception of Desdemona as a partner who is both beautiful and strong, someone who stands by his side with the valor and spirit of a warrior.
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue: That profit’s yet to come ‘tween me and you.
Act 2 scene 3
Through this quote it can be infered that the marriage between O and D is purely transactional. D uses Othello to escape her oppressive and patriarchal father and life whereas evidently Othello marries D because of her exceptional beauty, he uses her for his own sexual gratification.
Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.
Act 3 scene 3
Intense Love: Othello’s love for Desdemona is deeply passionate and all-consuming.
Risk of Damnation: He would risk eternal damnation for his love.
Dependency: His sense of stability hinges on his love for her.
Foreshadowing: Hints at the chaos and destruction if his love turns to jealousy.
Dramatic Irony: Audience knows Iago is manipulating Othello, foreshadowing the tragic outcome.
Why did I marry?
Act 3 scene 3
Othello’s question, “Why did I marry?” signifies a pivotal moment of doubt and insecurity, highlighting the destructive power of Iago’s manipulation and foreshadowing the tragic consequences of Othello’s growing jealousy.
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!
Act 3 scene 3
Othello expresses profound despair, contemplating that if Desdemona is unfaithful, it would shake his belief in the very order of the universe—an emotive portrayal of his turmoil and the play’s themes of trust and betrayal.
“There’s magic in the Web of it”
Act 3 scene 4
Contrast to Act 1 scene 3- Othello denied using any magic to cooerce Desdemona into marrying him but through his mention of the handkerchief having magic “in the web of it” this suggests Othello is not as honest and noble as he was first presented to be.
“Devil, he strikes her”
act 4 scene 1
This shows just how deep Iago’s manipulation of Othello has gone, the fact her physically harmed Desdemona highlights the corrosion of their love due to Othello’s unchecked jealosuy and places him right back into the racial sterotype of Venetian society who viewed “Moors” as uncivillised, violent, impulsive and dangerous individuals.
“I’ll chop her into messes”
Act 4 scene 1
This foreshadows the dangers present in D and O’s relationship due to unchecked jealousy, the use of the violent. gruesome imagery shows just how far Othello has descended and fits him with the “black ram” stereotype he was earlier placed with
“O devil, devil! / If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, / Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile”
Act 4 scene 1
Othello believes that her tears are fake, a show put on by D to hide the fact she has cuckolded Othello. However, due to being blinded by jealousy he does not validate any of the “ocular proof” provided by Iago.
“I took you for that cunning whore of Venice.
Act 4 scene 2
eling her as “that cunning whore of Venice.” This accusation reflects Othello’s deep-seated jealousy and insecurity, exacerbated by Iago’s cunning manipulation. It marks a pivotal moment where Othello’s love for Desdemona is eclipsed by suspicion and betrayal, showcasing the tragic consequences of unchecked jealousy.
Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lust’s blood be spotted.
Act 5 scene 1
signifying that Othello is going to kill Desdemona in the bed she has corrupted with lust by her supposed affair with Cassio, oblivious to the fact he will be staining it with innocent blood.
She turned to folly; and she was a whore
Act 5 scene 2
Othello suggests that Desdemona become foolish and became a whore by sleeping with Cassio.
I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Act 5 scene 2
Standing over Desdemona’s lifeless body, Othello reflects on his fatal act of kissing her before killing her, symbolizing his conflicted emotions of love and despair. He sees his own death as the only escape from the guilt and anguish caused by his jealousy and actions. This moment encapsulates the tragic consequences of unchecked jealousy, manipulation, and the irreversible destruction of love
