Othello Quotes Flashcards
She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them. (1.3.)
Othello speaks these lines while explaining how Desdemona came to fall in love with him. While the other Venetians are shocked that Desdemona could love a man from a different race and background, Othello’s explanation shows that he and Desdemona fell in love out of mutual admiration and respect. The quote also reveals that Othello is a charismatic and impressively articulate individual, who can charm someone with the power of his words.
I know, Iago
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter. (2.3.)
Othello speaks this quote to Iago after Iago has explained to him about Cassio’s involvement in a drunken brawl. Ironically, Othello assumes that Iago is being tactful and trying not to blame Cassio for what happened, whereas Iago has actually engineered the entire situation in order to get Cassio in trouble. The quote reveals Othello’s blind spot where Iago is concerned, and sets the stage for how Othello’s belief in Iago’s integrity and honesty will lead to disaster.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings. (3.3.)
Othello says this to Iago after starting to become suspicious about what might be happening between Desdemona and Cassio. A master manipulator, Iago plants a seed of suspicion, but then seemingly hesitates to make any distinct accusations. As a result, Othello actually has to beg Iago to reveal the very suspicions that Iago is eager to pass along. The quote also shows that once Othello has begun to think about the possibility of his wife being unfaithful, he is unable to leave the idea alon
No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt. (3.3.)
Here, Othello asserts his faith in Desdemona and his refusal to be suspicious of her without due cause. The quote shows that Othello does love his wife and does not want to think ill of her. However, Othello’s faith in Desdemona also opens the door for Iago to give Othello seeming “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity. Because Othello is resistant to believing in Desdemona’s guilt, Iago has more fuel to persuade him.
Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace
Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love. (3.3.)
Finally convinced that Desdemona has betrayed him, Othello vows revenge against her and Cassio. The quote shows how fully Othello’s feelings towards Desdemona have changed: he now hates her as passionately as he previously loved her. The quote darkly foreshadows how Othello will be unmoved by Desdemona’s insistence on her innocence and pleas for her life to be spared.
Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore;
Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof,
Or, by the worth of mine eternal soul
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath! (III.iii.)
In response to Iago’s insinuations about Desdemona’s adultery, Othello demands “ocular proof”—that is, evidence that will visually verify the allegation against his wife. Othello’s emphasis on the need for Iago to “prove [his] love a whore” demonstrates his commitment to justice. However, Othello’s commitment to law and reason also comes into direct conflict with his emotional and irrational response to Iago’s rumormongering. This conflict disrupts Othello’s otherwise black-and-white understanding of the world and leads to disastrous consequences.
It is the cause; it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars;
It is the cause. (V.ii.)
Othello utters these words as he enters Desdemona’s chambers with the intent to kill. His refrain of “the cause, the cause” indicates his need to convince himself of the justness of his planned actions. However, this refrain also recalls Emilia’s words earlier in the play, where she claimed that jealous individuals “are not ever jealous for the [stated] cause.” In this light, Othello’s insistence on “the cause” may serve to conceal his innate jealousy and thereby subvert his commitment to legal procedure.
O perjured woman, thou dost stone my heart,
And mak’st me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice. (V.ii.)
Othello addresses these lines to Desdemona. His word choice here once again signals his commitment to the law. Calling Desdemona a “perjured woman,” he implies that by denying the allegations against her she has lied under oath. Desdemona’s supposed false testimony has dire consequences for Othello’s interpretation of her death. Whereas he sees her execution as lawfully necessary and therefore “a sacrifice,” if she is actually speaking the truth it would make him a murderer. The uncertainty she causes in him turns his heart to stone.
Give me to know
How this foul rout began, who set it on. . .
What, in a town of war
Yet wild, the people’s hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel?
In night, and on the court and guard of safety?
‘Tis monstrous. Iago, who began ’t? (2.3.172–180)
In these lines, Othello demands to know who “set on” (instigated) the brawl that led to Montano’s stabbing, and he condemns the unknown culprit as “monstrous.” Othello seems particularly upset that this “private and domestic quarrel” has disturbed Cyprus in a time of war, when the people are already full of fear and the army is supposed to be providing security, not brawling in the streets. Ironically, the brawl foreshadows Othello’s own private and domestic quarrel with Desdemona. Iago, the monstrous instigator of both quarrels, expertly exploits Othello’s fears and suspicions, abusing his trust and spurning his duty to Othello.
I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Romantic final cuplet; redemption for the tragic hero
