Analysis of Othello Quotes

Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. (A3S3) Iago knows that conjuring an offensive image will intensify Othello’s concern.
But jealous souls will not be answered so. They are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself. (A3S4) Emilia tries to explain the nature of jealousy to Desdemona. Can be applied to Iago and Othello – neither has a “cause” for his actions
Daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly (A5S1) Iago says that Cassio must be destroyed. Iago is envious of Cassio’s job, superior manners and social status.
The lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat (A2S1) Iago hears rumours of Othello and Emilia sleeping together. Key example of sexual jealousy.
Stolen hours of lust (A3S3) Othello imagines Desdemona and Cassio together and cannot bear it. Othello and Iago share envy and possessiveness at losing their wives to other men.
Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit. (A1S3) Iago confesses he is deceiving Roderigo. Iago clearly intends to manipulate Roderigo in such a way that Roderigo will function as his “purse”. No one – even those on his side – will be spared from his plot.
And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you. (A2S3) Iago tells Cassio that he is his friend. Iago implies love without actually expressing it, comforting Cassio and gaining his trust.
So will I turn her virtue into pitch and out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all. (A2S3) Iago further develops his plot against Othello. He speaks of Desdemona, using her “goodness” against her. “Pitch” is a sticky, tar-like substance and Iago shifts from this metaphor to the image of a web in which he can ensnare his enemies.
I am glad I have found this napkin… I nothing but to please his fantasy. (A3S3) Emilia deceives Desdemona by taking her handkerchief and giving it to Iago. Although, her deception is not the same as Iago’s, it is unintentional.
My Lord, you know I love you (A3S3) Iago uses this same manipulation against Othello, leaving Othello to still trust him as “honest Iago”. He once again implies love without stating it
I am not what I am (A1S1) Iago says this to Roderigo, signaling that he is not what he appears to be. Iago’s words contain deeper meaning: When Moses asked God his name, God replied “I am that I am”. Iago twists God’s words, indicating his identity as an evil figure.
The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest that but seem to be so. (A1S3) Iago speaks of his hatred for Othello. He intends to exploit Othello’s trusting nature on belief in the reality of appearances to lead him to his own destructions.
Men should be what they seem, or those that be not, would they might seem none! (A3S3) Iago says this in a discussion of Cassio’s trustworthiness. With this he covers up his own treachery and causes Othello to doubt Cassio’s honesty.
t’is the strumpets plague to beguile many and be beguiled by one (A4S1) Iago speaks of Bianca, who is used and abused – an example of double standards
I think my wife be honest, and think she is not (A3S3) Iago has begun to poison Othello’s mind. His mind quickly changes from having love and trust in his relationship to having none. In Othello’s world there are two types of women – chaste wives or whores. He is quickly divided in his heart.
She loved me for the dangers I had passes and I loved her that she did pity them (A1S3) Othello described the love him and Desdemona share. It suggests that possibly Othello and Desdemona fell in love wit an image or idea of one another. Certainly a love built upon pity isn’t desirable.
Tis not a year or two show us a man. They are all but stomachs, and we all but food (A3S4) Emilia’s disillusioned view of marriage reminds us that female character’s are powerless in Othello – they are “food” for their men.
I will not charm my tongue: I am bound to speak (A5S2) Emilia stands for justice, showing female power and avengement, at which point Iago tries to silence her by killing her
Look to her, Moor, of thou hast eyes to see: She has betrayed her father, and may thee. (A1S3) Brabantio suggests Othello should be suspicious of Desdemona’s loyalty. Illustrates male ownership of women.
She’s gone. I am abused and my relief must be to loathe her (A3S3) Othello speaks of Desdemona. To Othello, wives can only be perfect and submissive or a “wh*re”. Othello has such high insecurity and a lack of self-worth, it makes it easy for Iago to manipulate him.
Maybe, because I am black, and don’t have those soft parts of conversation that gentlemen have; or because I am getting much older (A3S3) Othello speaks down on himself. Because of his insecurity he trusts Iago more than his beloved wife and believes the worst of Cassio, who has been a trusted friend and colleague. This could be because Iago cruelly reminds him that he is an outsider and addresses him as an ordinary, foolish cuckold.
Valiant Othello Othello seems to have openness, sincerity and a natural authority when we first meet him, which contradicts how Iago described him as pompous, conceited and vulgar.
She gave me for my pains a world of sighs Othello seems to have a way with words
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly Othello is proud of his career and character. He is proud of his reputation and this and his profession is important to him. When he fears he has been cuckolded the hero doubts himself and is forced to become a deceived husband, which his pride won’t allow him to accept.
She had eyes and chose me In acts one and two he has confidence in himself. This is quickly gone when Iago begins to poison his mind. He doubts his attractions and his race.
I will chop her into messes! and I’ll tear her all to pieces. When Othello is corrupted by Iago his language deteriorates and becomes more like Iago’s. It could be said that Othello’s desire for revenge is the result of his failure to combine his roles as soldier and lover.
Othello’s occupation’s gone! Othello says this when he fears Desdemona has betrayed him, as if Desdemona was the prize Othello earned for his military victories. She replaced his career as the source of his pride and honour.
Honourable murderer In Othello’s final scene he has great concern for his honour. He believes he is saving other men’s honour and redeeming his own when he smothers Desdemona.
“perdition catch my soul but I do love thee. And when I love thee not chaos is come again” Othello says this in A3S3 suggesting his overwhelming love for his wife in the first few acts.
September 5, 2019