Othello - Emilia quotes Flashcards
“What he will do with it,
Heaven knows, not I” (3.3)
-Says line after picking up Des. handkerchief, planning to return to to Iago.
-Shows Emilia at this point feels little moral responsibility, and in fact might prefer not to know the details of what her husband is plotting.
-Later she will be devastated to realise how her action contributed to a chain of events culminating in Des. death.
“‘Tis not a year or two shows us a man” (3.4)
-Explains to Des. that her friend is only newly married & may not yet understand her husband’s true nature.
-Suggests Emilia has only gradually learned who Iago truly is & that she is trying to encourage her friend to be more cautious & less naïve.
“They are not ever jealous for the cause
But jealous for they’re jealous” (3.4)
-Emilia & Des. argue over whether Oth. will ever be satisfied about Des. innocence.
-Des. thinks she can prove her fidelity to her husband but Emilia is more cynical & believes that now Oth. has become suspicious he will never be able to fully trust her.
-Emilia’s insight may come from her less-happy relationship, but it turns out to be true.
“If any wretch have put this in your head
Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse” (4.2)
-Chastises Oth. for doubting Des. fidelity.
-Ironically Emilia immediately hits upon the truth that Oth. suspicions result from someone else planting ideas - she has no idea it is actually her husband who she curses here.
-Reflects important theme of deception - shows even married couples may not truly know much about their spouse.
