Othello Quotes

Question 1

Quote 1

Answer 1

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”

Question 2

Quote 2

Answer 2

“Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.”
(Iago, Act 3, Scene 3)
• Iago explains how even insignificant things can fuel jealousy.

Question 3

Quote 3

Answer 3

“She did deceive her father, marrying you.”
(Iago, Act 3, Scene 3)
• Iago manipulates Othello by pointing out Desdemona’s past actions to instill mistrust.

Question 4

Quote 4

Answer 4

“But jealous souls will not be answered so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous.”
(Emilia, Act 3, Scene 4)
• Emilia’s insightful observation on jealousy as an irrational emotion.

Question 5

Quote 5

Answer 5

“Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love.”
(Othello, Act 3, Scene 3)
• Othello succumbs to jealousy, leading to violent intentions.

Question 6

Quote 6

Answer 6

“I am not what I am.”
(Iago, Act 1, Scene 1)
• Iago reveals his duplicitous nature, a key to his schemes.

Question 7

Quote 7

Answer 7

“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.”
(Iago, Act 1, Scene 3)
• Iago explains his exploitation of Roderigo and others for personal gain.

Question 8

Quote 8

Answer 8

“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see; she has deceived her father, and may thee.”
(Brabantio, Act 1, Scene 3)
• Brabantio’s warning plants an early seed of doubt in Othello.

Question 9

Quote 9

Answer 9

“I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.”
(Iago, Act 1, Scene 1)
• Iago’s deceptive nature and refusal to show true emotions.

Question 10

Quote 10

Answer 10

“Work on, my medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught.”
(Iago, Act 4, Scene 1)
• Iago delights in his successful manipulation of Othello.

Question 11

Quote 11

Answer 11

“My life upon her faith!”
(Othello, Act 1, Scene 3)
• Othello’s initial, unwavering trust in Desdemona.

Question 12

Quote 12

Answer 12

“Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul but I do love thee! And when I love thee not, chaos is come again.”
(Othello, Act 3, Scene 3)
• Othello’s intense love for Desdemona foreshadows his descent into chaos.

Question 13

Quote 13

Answer 13

“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
(Othello, Act 5, Scene 2)
• Othello’s tragic realization of his love and guilt.

Question 14

Quote 14

Answer 14

“If it were now to die, ’twere now to be most happy.”
(Othello, Act 2, Scene 1)
• Othello expresses the peak of his happiness and love for Desdemona.

Question 15

Quote 15

Answer 15

“But I do think it is their husbands’ faults if wives do fall.”
(Emilia, Act 4, Scene 3)
• Emilia critiques men’s treatment of women, hinting at societal injustices.