Othello flashcards
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Othello speaks these lines while explaining how Desdemona came to fall in love with him. Venetians are shocked Desdemona can 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. Also reveals that Othello is a charismatic and articulate individual, who charmswith the power of his words.
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.”
Othello to Iago after Iago has explained to him about Cassio’s involvement in a drunken brawl. Ironic - Othello assumes Iago is being tactful and tries not to blame Cassio for what happened, but Iago has actually engineered the entire situation in order to get Cassio in trouble.
“ know, Iago
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter.”
Othello shows his faith in Desdemona and his refusal to be suspicious of her without a cause. Shows Othello does love his wife and doesn’t want to think ill of her. However, Othello’s faith in Desdemona also allows Iago to give Othello “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity. Because Othello is resistant to believing in Desdemona’s guilt, Iago has more fuel to persuade him.
“No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt”
Othello says this line at the very end of the play, once he realizes that he has been tricked and deceived. At this point, all he can do is try to explain how he would like his story to be told. He specifies that he sees his downfall as his passion for Desdemona, since it ultimately made him succumb to jealousy. Had he been less in love with his wife, he would not have become as jealous.
“Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely but too well.”
Desdemona says this line when she realizes she is torn between her father and her new husband. At this time, a woman was expected to show total obedience to the male authority in her life, but Desdemona is now transitioning from loyalty to her father to loyalty to her new husband. The quote reveals that Desdemona is very aware of, and eager to honor, social expectations of showing loyalty to her husband.
“I do perceive here a divided duty.”
Here, Desdemona cheerfully reassures Cassio that she will bring about a reconciliation between him and Othello. The quote shows that at this point Desdemona feels confident in her relationship and sure that she can persuade her husband to share her perspective. The quote is an example of dramatic irony in that Desdemona thinks she is being kind and helpful, but has no idea that she is about to fall victim to the trap Iago has laid.
“Do not doubt, Cassio,
But I will have my lord and you again
As friendly as you were
Desdemona insists to Emilia that Othello is not a jealous man. She makes a playful reference to Othello’s origins, suggesting sun in his native land made him impervious to jealousy: he is exception to the typical Venetian tendency to be suspicious of women’s behaviour. Quote shows Desdemona’s naïve and trusting nature, since she doesn’t realise how jealous her husband is capable of being.
I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humors from him
Act 1 scene 1 during Iago’s prejudiced rant. helps establish the oppressive culture which Othello and Desdemona defy in sealing their love with marriage vows. encapsulates mysoginistic and racist aspects of the play.
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ew
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Iago admits his true nature. contrast between blunt simplistic language to complex imagery and message behind quote, and sense of sincerity, indicate Iago is at ease with his dual nature and has no intention of changing.
I am not what I am
She has deceived her father and may thee
Act 4 scene 2. Othellos mind descends into chaos, so does his relationship. refers to himself in the third person - attempt to step outside his story and share his life himself - casts Desdemona as evil villain who “married with Othello” making himself victim to this, he essentially rejects his responsibility and there is clear emphasis on his blindness to reality.
I took you for that cunning whore of venice/That married with Othello.
