Othello - quotes: Act 1 Flashcards
“hast had my purse as if the strings were thine” - Roderigo
Alludes to the fact that Iago has been taking money from Roderigo, we do not yet know that this was supposed to be used to ‘woo’ Desdemona but of course it never serves this purpose, Iago essentially robs him in broad daylight.
“I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” - Iago
We see Iago’s arrogance and jealousy here at the fact that Othello chose cassio for the Lieutenant role over him. We see how highly he thinks of himself.
- marxist critism: a society which puts prices on peoples worth
AO3: heirarchy in social status important in Venice as indicator of your worth
“A fellow almost damned by a fair wife” - Iago
Perhaps the first looks at Iago’s sexist language, he says that Cassio is do weak that he could be beaten or damned by a woman.
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him - Iago
Iago alludes to his duplicity, essentially hinting that he is only loyal to Othello so that he can seek his revenge.
he is cunning + machovelian
“Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul” - Iago
Very deliberate use of language here, makes Brabantio question why he hasn’t noticed that Des is gone, makes it sound as if his life is over because his daughter has married Othello.
“I am not what I am” - Iago
Shows Iago’s duplicity and deception, he suggests that he is not as he seems. Also from a religious POV, God says to Moses ‘I am that I am’ so in saying this, Iago is almost going against the Christian conventions expected of him. also highlights deception.
“An old black ram is tupping your white ewe” - Iago
Iago makes a racist comment about Othello. Black has connotations of evil and white of innocence, as if Othello is harming Desdemona, inflicting evil upon her. Base sexual and animalistic imagery. + also emphasises Othello’s age - highlights d’s youth and innocence as if O has taken advantage of her
“Thou art a villain” - Brabantio
Brabantio is the first character who sees Iago for what he really is, he says this as he doesn’t believe what Iago is saying at this point.
“This is Venice” - Brabantio
Says it as if bad things can’t happen there, hints to the social elites warped view. Also alludes to how badly things change in Cyprus. Ironic because dark corrupt underbelly of Venice.
“Though I do hate him as I hate hell pains” - Iago
Possibly one of the only points in the whole play where Iago tells the truth.
“Is there not charms by which the property of youth and maidenhood may be abused?” - Brabantio
Brabantio doesn’t believe that Desdemona could have married Othello of her own accord, he thinks dark magic has had something to do with it.
heaven is my judge - Iago
an excuse to get away with his crimes
thieves, thieves, thieves
patriarchal objectification of Desdemona
making the beast with two backs
sex described with animal imagery
gross clasps of the lascivious Moor
racist, sexually driven. Shakespeare reflects the Renaissance stereotypes of black men as sexual predators.
given her leave…gross revolt, tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes
- gross betrayal/ rebellion, men controlling women - feminist
“My parts, my title and my perfect soul
Shall manifest me rightly.”
Who: Othello
Significance: It can be taken as very self absorbed. He believes his title and actions will protect him as he believes he has done nothing wrong. It has both pride and a man defending his own honor. This idea that he calls himself perfect is vey self absorbed.
Link to the fact the name Othello means ‘he has the sound of God’ - he is perfect
“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.”
Who: Othello
Significance: We see here that Othello is an authoritative yet calm figure despite the threat of violence. His expert suppression of the street fight demonstrates that he is a highly skilled general. He is not one to completely resort to violence, thus going against the stereotypes of a dangerous menace set out in Elizabethan times
“I love the gentle Desdemona”
Who: Othello
Significance: presents the purity of their relationship, and their love before it becomes affected by external poisons like war and Iago’s manipulation. He uses soft and gentle adjectives to describe Desdemona giving her an angelic description, thus reaffirming Desdemona as the ultimate chaste victim (a sacrifice). (women expected to be gentle in Jacobean period)
“By Janus, I think no.”
Who: Iago
Significance: Janus is a two-faced Roman God, thus proving Iago to be the ultimate manipulator, able to present the facade of a trusting character in order to fulfill his ulterior motives. By swearing by this God it proves to show how he epitomises a ‘two-faced’ person, and relishes in it, giving him the title of a Satan like character.
“So opposite to marriage that she shunned
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation”
Who: Brabantio
Significance: due to his prejudice views he cannot understand why Desdemona completely dismissed the socially and politically correct suitors that have been put forth to her. This proves Desdemona’s abilities to fight against the social norms for the sack of love. Through Brabantio saying this it reflects his priorities and hierarchy he sees within society.
I fetch my life and being From men of royal siege
worked his way up; proud of his history; unlike description from Iago; he feels the ruling families of Venice - the signatory will value his military effort
let him do his spite
Othello is calm and measured; that nothing will ruin marriage
three several quests to search you out
othello urgently needed in venice; creates tension; will cause divide in relationship
