Othello A01/A02 Flashcards

Knowledge + application (75 cards)

1
Q

Iago speech

O, sir, content you;
1: I follow him to serve my turn upon him:
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly follow’d. You shall mark
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave,
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage,
Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass,
For nought but provender, and when he’s old, cashier’d:
.2: Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are
Who, trimm’d in forms and visages of duty,
Keep yet their 3:. hearts attending on themselves,
And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,
Do well thrive by them and when they have lined
their coats
Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul;
And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir,
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:
In following him, I follow but myself;
4:. Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, ‘tis not long after
5:.But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: 6:. I am not what I am.

(Iago Act 1 Scene 1)

‘Its long so just mostly remember this part ‘But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve // For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.’
(Iago, Act 1 Scene 1)’

A

1: This is as a result of Othello giving position to “one Michael Cassio”. Iago wants to take advantage of Othello’s virtues and turn them against him.
4: Religious language ironic because behaviour of Iago juxtaposes teachings of Christianity.
5: Also promises to show the audience who he truly is which he does throughout the play with his trickery.
6: Contradiction of statement establishes Iago’s duplicity early in drama: how he appears in play = different from reality of his beliefs and motives.
Establishes his demonic nature of character - outward appearance = there to conceal his true self.

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2
Q

“thicklips”

(Roderigo Act 1 Scene 1)

A

Race:
Emphasises how despite Othello’s military successes he is viewed only by his race.

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3
Q

1.Zounds, sir, you’re robb’d; for shame, put on your gown; Your heart is burst, you have 2. lost half your soul; Even now, now, very now, 3.an old black ram Is topping your white ewe. (Iago Act 1 Scene 1)

A

1: her daughter is stolen, Othello a thief.
2: Uses religious imagery when his actions will contradict it, and the gives the notion that Othello = Devil. Almost like Desdemona = angel has had a fall from grace.
3: Reinforcing Othello’s age and race, suggesting he is only with her because of sexual lust. Also Desdemona = presented as domesticated and elegant also innocent and symbol of purity where as Othello = brutish and savage. Animalistic imagery.

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4
Q

O treason of the blood!

(Brabantio Act 1 Scene 1)

A

Gone against social norms. Inter-racial marriage = frowned upon by Elizabethan society. Also shows partiarchal expectations - How Desdemona is owned by her father through their blood.

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5
Q

my daughter is not for thee

(Brabantio Act 1 Scene 1)

A

emphasised “my” = property: fathers picked who their daughters married

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6
Q

My services which I have done the Signiory/ Shall out-tongue his complaints
I fetch my life and being/ From men of royal siege
1. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul

(Othello Act 1 Scene 2)

A

Othello introduces himself to audience as noble character and a man who believes he deserves respect. Proud of his “royal” background and he craves the regard of the Venetian nobility.
Believes he will be judged on his merits.
Word choices - “parts”, “title”, and “perfect soul” = self confidence = flaw in Othello’s character because = arrogant and his belief that men are judged by their actions and reputation.
Reputation = important to him hence why he kills Desdemona: cares about what will happen to his reputation
Similar to Iago - “I know myself I know my worth” - Othello and Iago = mirror images of each other
1. characteristic idiom = dignified, measured in blank verse. believes things listed will protect him but shows his hubris
Inspiration for Othello = Leo’s A Geographical Historie of Africa 1600, both men = honest and proud

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7
Q

boarded a land carrack

(Iago Act 1 Scene 2)

A

Objectifies women and sees them as something to be won - a “prize”

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8
Q

stowed, apprehend, discover him

(Brabantio Act 1)

A

Extend metaphor of thief = emphasises how Othello does not belong in this society

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9
Q

Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.

(Brabantio Act 1 Scene 3)

A

Prophetic but ironic warning. Warns that Desdemona may not be as virtuous as she seems - because she questioned the patriarchy her virtues are called into question.
Ironically, Brabantio refers to Othello using his “eyes to see”, which is how Othello judges people and situations . However, when he judges Desdemona, he is twisted by Iago’s lies and unable to see truth.

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10
Q

My life upon her faith

(Othello Act 1 Scene 3)

A

Declaration of trust = loaded with irony. After listening to Iago, Othello gives his life for what he believes is her lack of “faith”
Complete devotion to Desdemona that Iago is able to undermine by tapping into Othello’s insecurities - social and racial.

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11
Q

Othello Epithets:

A

“the warlike Moor, “brave Othello”, “the lusty Moor”, “my lord”, “noble Moor” à “devil”, “murderous coxcomb”

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12
Q

Desdemona Epithets:

A

“the divine Desdemona”, “virtuous Desdemona”, “O my fair warrior” à “public commoner” “devil” “strumpet” “fair devil” ‘sweet mistress’

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13
Q

Iago Epithets:

A

“honest creature” “honest Iago” à “demi-devil” “hellish villain”

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14
Q

Iago’s use of Animal Imagery:

A

Iago uses animal imagery to insult people, which Othello later comes to mimic. “black ram is tupping your white ewe”, “I had rather be a toad”, “as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys”

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15
Q

“To love The Moor”

(By Iago?) Act 1, scene 1

A

Othello isn’t named until later on he is merely defined and referenced by the colour of his skin alone.

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16
Q

Handkerchief Symbolism:

A

“That handkerchief Did an Egyptian to my mother give…”
The detailed description imbues the handkerchief with exotic and symbolic importance, representing trust and fidelity

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17
Q

Iago’s Soliloquy: “I am not what I am.”

A

The paradox reveals Iago’s duplicity and sets the tone for his manipulative nature throughout the play.

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18
Q

Jealousy Language:

A

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” (Iago, Act 3 Scene 3)

  • The vivid metaphor personifies jealousy as a destructive force, foreshadowing Othello’s downfall.

Iago says this to Othello, pretending to warn him against becoming jealous — while ironically planting the seeds of jealousy in his mind

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19
Q

Desdemona: “I do perceive here a divided duty.”

A

Her conflicted language underscores her innocence and loyalty, highlighting the tragic tension in her relationship with Othello.

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20
Q

Final Scene – Othello’s Death:
Key Plot Point: After killing Desdemona, Othello learns the truth and takes his own life, saying:

A

“I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”

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21
Q

Othello’s trust quote:

A

‘Certain men should be what they seem’

Othello, Act 3 scene 3

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22
Q

‘Rude I am in my speech, and little blessed with the soft phrase of speech’

Othello Act 1 scene 3

A

Symbol of pride - not well versed with in the venetian language because he has been too busy defending the nation on the battlefield

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23
Q

‘I fetch my life and being from men of royal siege, and my demerits may speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune as this that I have reached.’

Othello Act 1 scene 2

A

Does not need to prove or impress anyone as he is also from royal blood

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24
Q

‘For since these arms of mine had seven years’ pith
Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used Their dearest action in the tented field,’

- Othello Act 1, Scene 3

A

Shows that Othello is only used to life on the battlefield and that because of this he may be more vunerable to a weapon he has not learnt to fight against - the lies of man.

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25
'For naught I did in hate, but all in honor.' (Killing D) | Othello Act 5, scene 2
Dissulusioned that he didn't do it because of hate - Othello's identity blurred at this point- oxymoron term 'honourable murderer' he says. But the fact he asks everyone to remember him as he 'was' at the end, shows he changed alot.
26
'Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well. Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought, perplexed in the extreme. **Of one whose hand like the base Indian, threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe**.' | Othello Act 5, scene 2
Allowed his instincts to get the better of him because he was so in love - he killed what he desired most
27
'And say besides that in Aleppo once, where a malignant and a turbaned Turk beat a Venetian and traduced the state, I took by the throat the circumcised dog. And smore him, thus.' | Othello Act 5, Scene 2
Retells a story where he is the hero of that event, Obsessed with his reputation even towards his own death (impales himself)
28
'I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that twist my sheets he's done my office' | - lago Act 1, Scene 3
The line where Iago suspects Othello for sleeping with his wife Emilia, even though he has no proof. Iago lusts after Desdemona because he wants even.
29
Sexist quotes by Iago:
'You are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.' - Iago Act 2, Scene 1 'You rise to play and go to bed to work' - Iago Act 2, scene 1 (Implying that they are only good for sex)
30
'That I did love the Moor to live with him, my downright violence and storm of fortunes may trumpet to the world. My heart's subdued. Even to the very quality of my lord. I saw Othello's visage in his mind, and to his honors and his valiant parts did I my soul and fortunes consecrate..' | Desdemona Act 1, scene 3
Saying she cannot live without Othello and would rather throw away her old life as her fathers daughter just to be with him. - Proud to give away her life for him, even though he is shunned for being black.
31
Quote that shows Desdemona's high morals
'Assure thee, if I do vow a friendship, I'll perform it to the last article.' - Desdemona Act 3, Scene 3, said to Cassio
32
'The world's a huge thing. It is a great prize for a small vice,' | - Emilia Act 4, Scene 3
Subverts expectations of her sex, might be seen as dishonourable by an Elizabethan audience but an early feminist perhaps by a postmodern audience (This is about how she doesn't think cheating is that wrong)
33
How is Cassio depicted by Iago?
'He hath a person and a smooth dispose. To be suspected, framed to make women false.' - Iago Act 1, Scene 3. Meaning he is the exact sort of man that married women would be tempted by because he is young, flirty, handsome and well-mannered + full of honour. 'Ay smile upon her, do, I will gyve thee in thine own courtship' - Iago Act 2, Scene 1. His kindness makes him perfect for framing.
34
A quote that shows Cassio as a lady's man yet modest
Iago tries to get Cassio to talk sexually about Desdemona to which he replies 'An inviting eye, and yet methinks right modest.' - Cassio Act 2, Scene 3 - basically saying that while she is beautiful she is also a lady so they should not talk about her this way, shows his maturity.
35
perception vs reality quote from Othello:
'Be sure thou prove my love a whore. Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof' - Othello Act 3, Scene 3
36
Othello quote that shows the full extent of Iago's deception:
'I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty. And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath,' - Othello Act 3, Scene 3 (says this to Iago)
37
Desdemona's quote that shows the full extent of Iago's deception:
'And have you mercy too! I never did offend you in my life, never loved Cassio but with such general warranty of heaven as I might love. I never gave him token.' - Desdemona Act 5, Scene 2 This just makes Othello angry and at this point he doesn't even attempt to take in anything she says as truthfull.
38
Quote of Cassio putting blame on himself, even though he has been tricked into losing his reputation:
'Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.' (Cassio, Act 2 Scene 3) ## Footnote This shows he takes full responsibility unlike characters like Othello Iago and Roderigo. But also too trusting as he goes to Iago for help.
39
Iago quote that reinstates greed
Put money in thy purse. (Iago, Act 1 Scene 3)
40
A quote by othello himself which shows how Desdemona fell for him
She wished she had not heard it, yet she wished That heaven had made her such a man. (Othello, Act 1 Scene 3)
41
Desdemona's full quote when she realises her divided duty between her father and Othello
'My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education: My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. You are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband; And so much duty as my mother show'd To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord.”
42
Feminist quote by Emilia on the subject of men - using gustatory imagery
'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food: They eat us hungerly, and when they are full They belch us.' (Emilia, Act 3 Scene 4)
43
Quote on Othello wanting to kill desdemona while still precerving her beauty
'Yet I’ll not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, And smooth as monumental alabaster.' (Othello, Act 5 Scene 2)
44
What Emilia says when she goes against Iago after figuring out it was his plan:
'Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.' (Emilia, Act 5 Scene 2)
45
'I know my price: I am worth no worse a place.' Iago
Iago is portrayed as a confident character, he believes himself to be worthy of the position of lieutenant and cannot understand why Othello promoted Cassio over him. This makes the audience suspicious of what Iago is truly like because it seems unwise to make a stranger lieutenant instead of someone that has been watched over and has plenty of experience. Iago feels as though he is devalued by Othello and hence wants vengeance.
46
'Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.' Iago
Iago makes it appear as though the suggested sex between Desdemona and Othello is monstrous, which portrays love (usually a positive thing) under a negative light.
47
'O thou foul thief [...] thou hast enchanted her.' Barbantio
Brabantio views his daughter as a possession that has been stolen by Othello. He also believes that he used black magic to get her to marry him. This suggests that Brabantio does not want to believe that his daughter would 'betray' him and would rather think she'd been manipulated, which suggests they have a close father-daughter bond.
48
'Valiant Othello' - Duke
The Duke remarks that Othello is brave, which shows his status in their society and contrasts with Brabantio's more negative view of him.
49
'She loved me for the dangers I had passed, / And I loved her that she did pity them.'
Othello's story shows how natural it was that Desdemona fell in love with his warrior characterisations but leads to the question on whether she held admiration - but not true love - for him. Furthermore, he loved her pity and sympathy, which suggests that his craving for attention made him decide it was love, not because of her personality. Othello dismisses the accusation of using witchcraft.
50
'to be free and bounteous to her mind' Othello says this for Desdemona
Othello pleads to allow Desdemona to do as she wishes and permits her freedom, this shows that he not the traditional married man since he does not take advantage of the control he now has over her. ## Footnote Irony
51
'Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.' Iago
The comparison between virtue and a fig shows how Iago believes it to be insignificant, furthermore figs are symbolic of peace so by negatively comparing virtue to peace, it becomes evident that Iago thrives from the chaos caused. He also believes that people have control over themselves, regardless of circumstances, which makes Roderigo hope for Desdemona to love him despite her marriage to Othello. Roderigo's obsession for Desdemona suggests that he does not wish for her happiness, he just wants to own her as a wife - Othello shows a similar love later in the play as he decides to murder his wife at the prospect of her and Cassio being together.
52
'With as little a web as this will I ensnare a great a fly as Cassio.' Iago
Iago's powerful simile suggests that he is a spider and Cassio merely a fly; spiders are symbolic of malice as they give their victims a venom that slowly kills, this can be compared to Iago planting the seed of doubt in Othello's head.
53
'Iago is most honest.' Othello
Silly Othello! Yet another use of dramatic irony as the repetition throughout the play of Iago's honesty enforces how the others truly believe it to be the case, when in fact he is far from it. This shows how impressive his manipulative acting is.
54
'So will I turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all.' Iago
In this monologue, Iago tells the audience how he will turn Desdemona's goodness into a net designed to trap the others. The manipulation of her virtue shows how twisted Iago is and makes him an impressive villain as he realises that Desdemona is good but still tries to upset those around her. It could be suggested that his lack of motive is what makes him so evil, or that he is jealous of the virtue Desdemona possesses so wants to destroy those around her.
55
'I warrant it grieves my husband / As if the case were his.' Emilia
Emilia has been fooled by her own husband! She thinks that Iago is upset and feels guilty about Cassio's incident (which he should be considering it was his fault Cassio got drunk). She clearly doesn't know him very well. This makes the handkerchief bit more excusable.
56
'But I do love thee; and when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again.' Othello
This foreshadows the chaotic events that occur when Othello stops loving Desdemona.
57
'O curse of marriage, / That we can call these delicate creatures ours.' Othello
Othello is now convinced that she has cheated on him and should hate her to get over his hurt. This shows how men in the Shakespearean time were not allowed to feel sad, but must act with a passion as strong as love when betrayed - hate. The curse of marriage suggests that Othello no longer sees his marriage to Desdemona as a blessing, but as something deceitful. 'She' infers sexism.
58
'If she be false, O then heaven mocks itself!' Othello
Othello states here that if Desdemona is fake, then so is heaven. This is rather depressing and displays his distraught at the prospect of his wife being unfaithful. Desdemona clearly means a lot of goodness to him and without her, he feels there is nothing to believe in - not even God, this is peculiar and strong when considering how religious Shakespearean societies were.
59
Your napkin is too little; [He pushes the handkerchief away, and it falls.] - Othello
As Desdemona's handkerchief is a symbol for their love, he is saying that her love is no longer enough - the seed of mistrust has been planted and taints their relationship so that Othello now rejects her. The dropping of the handkerchief is not only symbolic for their love being dropped, but also an opportunity for Iago's plan to succeed. Stage direction shows an effort to push it, much like Othello has to make an effort to believe Iago.
60
'Trifles light as air / Are, to the jealous, confirmations strong,' Iago
Iago is quite intelligent to be fair to him. He realises that small things, like a love token, mean a lot to a suspicious man and can be used as proof - despite how little they are.
61
'For here's a young and sweating devil, here, / That commonly rebels.' Othello to Desdemona
Othello is telling Desdemona that her hand requires praying to stay clear of temptations because it is hot like the devil and may wish to rebel. This is his way of accusing her of doing sinful acts - which insinuates that he suspects her affair. He views her clammy hand as a sign that she is rebelling against her marriage commitment. It is ironic that he suspects her and acts jealousy straight after Desdemona's vouch for him never acting in envy.
62
'Men's natures wrangle with inferior things, / Though great ones are their object.' Desdemona
Desdemona is now viewing Othello as a man - nothing special or romantic, just another man like Emilia said. She thinks that he is angry about little things though bigger matters are his true concern and that he is still a kind man. This means that war is most likely his main concern, by convincing herself of this she is protected from having upset him too much by losing the handkerchief, which she views as a little thing in comparison to war.
63
Sweet Bianca, [He gives her Desdemona's handkerchief.] - Cassio
This really shows their relationship as he passes on items that he has found to her, demonstrating how he scarcely ever buys her things and their love is cheap. This is the first time the audience sees Cassio's version of love - he is far from selfless and does not spend time with his mistress, her being a prostitute suggests that their love is sexual and vain.
64
'This is the monkey's own giving out: she is persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise.' Cassio about Bianca
The comparison between Bianca and a monkey shows how Cassio views her as an animal. The monkey is generally viewed as fairly intelligent, rebellious, curious and 'fun' - so by Cassio seeing himself above it suggests that he is using Bianca for a bit of fun. Othello thinks Cassio is referring to Desdemona, so is quite offended on Desdemona's part as he holds true respect for her. It shows how weak Cassio's relationship with Bianca is but also reflects the mistrust in Othello's own relationship.
65
'Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.' Iago
It is an intimate idea to do it in bed, however not the sexual version of passion but the painful case of murder. The word 'contaminated' once again insinuates illness.
66
Devil! [He strikes her] - Othello
Stage direction with dialogue. This shows the revelation in Othello - from a gentle, kind and noble man to jealous and violent.
67
She is honest, / Lay down my soul at stake.' - Emilia
Emilia has faith in Desdemona's honesty, this shows her loyalty towards her friend - and perhaps guilt at having betrayed her. Though Emilia was probably not aware that Iago would use the handkerchief to destroy Desdemona, and it seemed like a "trifle" action.
68
'O thou weed, / Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet,' - Othello
Othello uses a negative metaphor to describe Desdemona. Shakespeare also uses weeds in Hamlet to present a marriage that has become disordered and polluted, it could be that he is trying to show the same thing here as the marriage between Othello and Desdemona has become corrupt. He also demonstrates confusion here as he still calls Desdemona 'lovely', 'fair' and 'sweet', which insinuates that he still admires her beauty and manipulation.
69
'I called my love false love; but what said he then? Sing willow, willow, willow,' - Desdemona
Shakespeare twists the 1583 song that his audience would be familiar with so that it is effective in letting Desdemona tell the audience of her sorrows. The song breaks off before the tragic ending, but this means it is able to continue in actions as Desdemona dies shortly after singing it, just like Emilia. The 'false love' contrasts with Desdemona's true love shown towards Othello, but illustrates Othello's partial love towards her perfectly and hence portrays the love women and men had for each other - women loving and men only partially, Emilia later reiterates this point.
70
'Their wives have sense like them: they see, and smell, / And have their palates both for sweet and sour,' - Emilia
Shakespeare shows some feminist views here and brings forward the topic of gender equality which was not challenged so much until the 20th century. Emilia's talk of sweet and sour palates could be symbolic of acting obediently towards the husband and straying. This supports the rumours that she and Othello had an affair, though this is the only evidence suggesting they ever had a relationship and her closeness to Desdemona makes it highly unlikely.
71
'Put out the light, and then put out the light.' Othello
It could be argued that the light referred to is not just symbolic of Desdemona's life, but also of his happiness; especially since 'then' implies he is putting out more than one light. This suggests that Othello feels he should be punished for the supposed disloyalty of Desdemona, which indicates a dependence on his wife. Another interpretation could be that he realises that murdering someone will result in him being hung.
72
[He kisses her.] So sweet was ne'er so fatal. - Othello
Once again, mixed emotions are expressed as he wants to kill her but affectionately kisses her and labels her as 'sweet', which has connotations of innocence and kindness.
73
'O, the more angel she, / And you the blacker devil!' - Emilia
The contemporary audience may think this to be a slightly racist stereotype as he was as savage and violent as the labels associated with black people at the time suggested. However, Emilia's words are forgivable since she is terribly upset and this is the first time she has been racist. Black could be more a symbol of sin than a racist remark, which makes sense when considering that Desdemona is described as an angel - not a white person.
74
'Villainous whore!' - Iago
Iago uses foul language against his wife, he calls her a villain, when in fact he is the villain. The word 'whore' almost insults himself as he married her so it suggests she is unsatisfied with just him, which links to the idea that his motive was her being with Othello.
75
'I will play the swan, / And die in music. [She sings:] 'Willow, willow, willow.' - Emilia
The animal swan relates to virtue and pureness, which suggests that Emilia feels sinless in death. The verb 'play' contradicts this though as it implies that she is merely acting, perhaps as the Desdemona in the situation. This is supported as she dies in such a similar fashion to Desdemona, the willow song being the music of their death.