Othello quotes Flashcards
(8 cards)
Othello quote+ analysis 1
'’She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.’’ (1.3.)
- Othello speaks these lines while explaining how Desdemona came to fall in love with him. While the other Venetians are shocked that Desdemona could 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.
- The quote also reveals that Othello is a charismatic and impressively articulate individual, who can charm someone with the power of his words.
quote 2
I know, Iago
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter. (2.3.)
- Othello speaks this quote to Iago after Iago has explained to him about Cassio’s involvement in a drunken brawl. Ironically, Othello assumes that Iago is being tactful and trying not to blame Cassio for what happened, whereas Iago has actually engineered the entire situation in order to get Cassio in trouble.
- The quote reveals Othello’s blind spot where Iago is concerned, and sets the stage for how Othello’s belief in Iago’s integrity and honesty will lead to disaster.
quote 3
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings. (3.3.)
- Othello says this to Iago after starting to become suspicious about what might be happening between Desdemona and Cassio. A master manipulator, Iago plants a seed of suspicion, but then seemingly hesitates to make any distinct accusations. As a result, Othello actually has to beg Iago to reveal the very suspicions that Iago is eager to pass along. The quote also shows that once Othello has begun to think about the possibility of his wife being unfaithful, he is unable to leave the idea alone.
quote 4
No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt. (3.3.)
- Here, Othello asserts his faith in Desdemona and his refusal to be suspicious of her without due cause. The quote shows that Othello does love his wife and does not want to think ill of her. However, Othello’s faith in Desdemona also opens the door for Iago to give Othello seeming “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity. Because Othello is resistant to believing in Desdemona’s guilt, Iago has more fuel to persuade him.
Iago quote 1
I follow him to serve my turn upon him. (1.1.)
- Iago says this line to Roderigo at the start of the play as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. As a trusted confidante, he is able to sway Othello’s opinion and manipulate him much more effectively. The quote shows that from the moment the action begins, Iago is already looking for ways to bring about Othello’s downfall.
Iago quote 2
If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. (1.3.)
- Here Iago explains how Roderigo can help him. He knows that Roderigo lusts after Desdemona and is angry to learn that she is married Othello. Iago encourages Roderigo to believe that by participating in Iago’s plot, he might have the chance to have an affair with Desdemona.
quote 3
It is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets
He’s done my office. (1.3.)
- This quote is one of the few moments where Iago explains his possible motivation for being obsessed with destroying Othello. He claims that there are rumors Othello has had an affair with Emilia, which would be a plausible reason for wanting to destroy Othello’s trust in his own wife. However, Iago only mentions this motivation very briefly, and it does not seem to fully explain the depth of his hatred toward Othello.
quote 4
She did deceive her father, marrying you. (3.3.)
- Iago makes this comment to Othello as a way of refuting Othello’s insistence that Desdemona is honest and would not lie to him. He points out that Desdemona demonstrably has the capacity to lie and keep secrets since she hid her courtship with Othello from her disapproving father. This quote shows Iago’s skill at psychological manipulation: he subtly plants a seed of doubt in Othello’s mind, using the couple’s own love as a weapon to increase the distrust between them.
