Othello quotes Flashcards
“The woman falls, sure he killed his wife”
-the death of desdemona is symbolic for the fall of femininity, this can be supported by Lisa Jardines’ understanding that desdemona was “too knowing” and “too independent”, and so her death represents the punishment she faces from the patriarchy for defying its rigid expectations.
-symbolic for the silencing of women and the fall of femininity due to the dominace of men
“They are all but stomachs, and we are all but food; they eat us hungerly, and when they are full they belch us”
-Emilia contrasts desdemona she is more outspoken about the inequalities and gender segregations of men and women
-she criticises the double standard of women
-“we” is a universal term used to describe the role of a woman
-the using and discard of women
“but i do think it is their husbands fault if wives fall”
-Emilia acknowledges the hypocrisy of men and their adultery but expect women to remain faithful and pure - “She is a whore: take her out, and let her sport her place” a woman’s virtue is tied to her sexual purity and loyalty to her husband, suggest women are forced to only be extentions of their husbands
“To get his place, and to plume up my will in double knavery. How? How? let’s see: after some time to abuse othellos ear”
-stock archetypal vilan
-Iago acts on irrationality, E.A.J Honigmann says “iago excellent in short-term tactics, not in long-term strategies” suggesting Iago is skilled at manipulating people in the moment but does not fully consider the consequences of his actions
“if she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor.”
-Valerie Wayae states that iago is the presence of misogynistic discourse in the play, implying that women are fickle and incapable of true devotion, reflects a broader misogynistic belief that women’s choices are irrational or untrustworthy.
“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; / Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure.”
-Iago subtly suggests that Desdemona may be cheating, plants suspicion within othello- iago is aware of once othello notices he will become jealous- manipulation of language
-Samuel Coleridge states othello didn’t kill desdemona in jealously but that he was forced upon him by the almost superhuman art of iago
“I lay with Cassio lately… In sleep I heard him say ‘Sweet Desdemona,”
Iago exploits the idea of ocular proof to manipulate Othello’s perception of reality, as he knows othello will act rashly upon it
-it fuels Othello’s imagination and jealousy.
“A guiltless death I die.”
desdemona maintains her innocence and refuses to confess to a crime she did or did not commit. This line reflects her unwavering purity and dignity, even in her tragic end.
“Nay, we must think men are not gods”
Desdemona’s disillusionment is not confined to Othello alone but reflects her realization that men, as a whole, are deeply flawed and vulnerable to the same weaknesses—such as jealousy, pride, and rage—that have now destroyed her relationship with Othello
-no longer the idealistic woman who sees her husband as an almost divine figure; she is now forced to confront the harsh reality of his human flaws
-internal maturation
-howecer this quote is tragically itonic as she is unaware that Iago is behind his irrational jealousy and violent behavior and that irony stems from that Desdemona recognizes Othello’s flaws too late, and the realization comes in a moment of helplessness
