Othello Quotes analysis PDF

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Description

Deception and the Difference Between Appearance and Reality

Example and Key Quotation

Who said it and when?

Technique and analysis of effect

“Divinity of Hell”

Iago in his soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 3

Paradox of heaven and hell Contradiction Juxta positioned heaven and hell. Biblical allusion Encapsulates Iago’s Machiavellian character as everyone thinks he is heavenly but really, he is evil and hellish.

“I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mice this matter”

Othello says Act 2 Scene 3

Dramatic irony as Iago is not an honest or loving man. Othello putting his trust in Iago (ironic)

“Have you forgot all place of sense and duty?”

Iago says Act 2 Scene 3

“The Moor is of a free and open nature. That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by thy’ nose as asses are”

Iago in his soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 3

“But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at. I am not what I am”

Iago in Act 1 Scene 1

“To do no contrived murder. I lack iniquity Sometimes to do me service” “By Janus, I think no” “Honest Iago”

Iago in Act 1 Scene 2

“Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used”

Iago’s soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 1

“You advise me well”

Cassio to Iago in Act 2 Scene 3

Iago in Act 1 Scene 2 Othello in Act 1 Scene 3

This reveals how Iago is a master manipulator and has tricked Othello into thinking he is honest. Foreshadowing of the tragedy that is about to come. Duplicity of Iago Iago is acting as a civil and dutiful man. Manipulating the situation and turning the blame on Cassio, etc. This adds to the manipulative nature of Iago as the audience knows that Iago has conducted this fight and caused it. So externally, Iago is acting sad and distressed about the fight. However, the audience knows that he is internally happy about the fight. This shows how Iago pictures Othello as weak due to his naivety. Iago uses people’s good qualities against them and sees it as a chance to exploit them  Machiavellian qualities Simile Scornful tone Demonstrates how he is the king of deception and manipulation. Creates a Paradox as we do not know who he is. He pretends to be someone that he is not (honest and trustworthy) for his own advantage  Machiavellian - Metaphor, paradox (Iago is only pretending to be Othello’s friend) Iago’s dishonesty is what fools Othello into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful and this contributes to Othello’s hamartia causing him to kill Desdemona and himself. Dramatic irony  he thinks he is too nice for his own good when he is not Classical illusion of a 2-face god Dramatic irony as we know that Iago is not honest, and he is deceptive Ironic epithet Demonstrates how Iago is going to use Othello’s naivety and trusting nature in him to exploit him and achieve what he wants to -> Machiavellian You will never see a villain’s true face until it has been used and shown  reinforces his deceptive nature and how no one will realise he is doing bad until it is already done. Dramatic irony as we know that Iago does not have Cassio’s best interest at heart and

“My lord, you know I love you”

Iago Act 3 Scene 3

“The Moor already changes with my poison”

“And, good lieutenant, I think you think I love you.”

“And what's he then that says, I play the villain, when this advice is free, I give, and honest,”

Act 2 Scene 3

"Hell, and night, must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light."

Act 1 Scene 3, Iago’s soliloquy at end of Scene

“Thus i do 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”

Iago Act 1 Scene 3

“I think my wife be honest, and think she is not”

Othello Act 3 Scene 3

“My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught”

Iago Act 4 Scene 1

is not advising him in the best way. Cassio is being deceived Dramatic irony as he in fact does not love Othello but instead wants to ruin his reputation and take away his title.  manipulating him to trust him to get what he wants Metaphor Metaphor to show his corrosive and destructive nature of deception. He is taking full credit for his manipulative qualities and almost boasting about them. Ultimately, this highlights Iago’s Machiavellian ideas with disregard for the people around him. Paradox Paradox: for deception and trust as a character. Iago uses his power in language to pull on Othello’s emotions --- gain his trust. Reveals his confusing nature as a character and his use of powerful language in controlling. Machiavellian nature as his role in deception Dramatic Irony Dramatic Irony: This shows that Iago feels that he does nothing wrong. He says that he gives good, honest advice, and the advisee is under no obligation to follow the advice. What Iago does is obviously deceitful, but because deception is different in each interpretation, Iago is able to ask this question and honestly believe that what he does is not deceitful. Showing him as a deceptive Machiavellian character who uses people freely not acknowledging that he is doing the wrong thing Rhyming couplet Metaphor Syntax The rhyming couplet shows Iago’s control of the situation as he has control over his language. This conveys his controlling and manipulative nature as he can control every situation. Shakespeare utilises Iago’s soliloquy and this metaphor to show his Machiavellian nature. Metaphor Roderigo as a purse Deception as a sport Objectification Bestial imagery Shakespeare utilizes metaphor to articulate Iago deception of Roderigo. He compares him to a purse, objectifying him and outlining his manipulation of Roderigo. Similarly, he uses sport as a metaphor for deception, indicating his perception of manipulation, and his duplicitous nature Iago’s manipulation results in Othello’s inner conflict. This shows the impact Iago’s deception has on Othello’s downfall. Notion of possession and connotation of capturing Metaphor

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“Soliciting his wife. Ay, that’s the way: Dull not device by coldness and delay.” Iago Act 2 Scene 3

Iago Act 2 Scene 3

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“And what's he then that says, I play the villain, When this advice is free I give, and honest,”

Iago Act 2 Scene 3 Line 326-327

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“I follow him to serve my turn upon him.”

Iago Act 1, scene 1

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Iago claims his manipulation throughout the play which reveals its effect on Othello. The metaphor of ‘medicine’ explores the idea of ‘poison’ being given to Othello to deceive him Rhyming couplet Rhyming couplet depicts his control over Desdemona and Othello’s relationship. In addition, it demonstrates Iago’s duplicitous ability to control and manipulate everyone. Dramatic irony Honest Metaphor Notion of possession Juxtaposition Iago claims that he is the one to blame and essentially the villain. However, he also states that he is honest and free utilizing dramatic irony to convey his manipulative character. He juxtaposes his actions, demonstrating his duplicitous nature, in an attempt to justify corrupt behaviour. Shows how Iago only follows and serves Othello to gain something and benefit from it. Everything he does is only for himself and what he gets out of it.

Patriarchal Perception of Women Quote

Act

Technique + Analysis

“Tying her beauty, wit and fortunes…”

Act 1 Scene 1

‘nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster’

Iago – act 1 scene 1

Technique: Accumulation Analysis: Demonstrates the attributes that women were valued for and emphasises the extent to which women were supposed to be dutiful and submissive and were valued only if it was believed they had those qualities. Othello knows no more than an unmarried old woman Also shows he doesn’t value women

“Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags!”

Iago  Act 1 scene 1

“His unkindness may do much, and his unkindness may defeat my life, but never taint me love”

Act 4

“A maiden never bold”

Brabantio  Act 1 Scene 3

“O she deceives me” “Fathers from hence not trust your daughters’ minds”

Brabantio  Act 1 scene 1

Uses them as a negative referral Suggests ownership Views the daughter as property House is more important than daughter as it was mentioned first Technique : Assertion, submissive tone, monologue Analysis: Desdemona demonstrates her loyalty to Othello which is ironic because Othello has no faith in her and doesn’t believe her claims Expectations of women that they should be quiet and obedient Shows the patriarchal society Demonstrates the extreme mistrust of women  whatever they say is not to be

“They are all but stomachs, and we are all but food; and when they are full, they belch us”

Act 4  Emilia

“I pray you hear her speak” “here comes the lady: let her witness it”

Brabantio  Act 1 Scene 3 Othello – Act 1 Scene 3

“Would you bear your fortune like a man!”

Iago Act 4

“He hath not yet made wanton the night with her, and she is sport for Jove”

Iago  Act 2 Scene 3

‘The divine Desdemona’

Act 2 scene 1 Cassio Cassio Act 2 Scene 1

‘The riches of the ship is come on shore’

‘She that was ever fair, and never proud, had tongue at will, and yet was never loud’ As Iago commands Emilia to “charm [her] tongue” she defies her husband by declaring “I will not charm my tongue. I am bound to speak: my mistress here lies murdered in her bed”.

“To you I am bound for life… But here’s my husband [to whom I must show] duty”

“To seel her father’s eyes up close as oak He thought twas witchcraft”

Jealousy as a fatal flaw

Iago Act 2 scene 1 Emilia and Iago- Act 5 Scene 2

taken truthfully or seriously Technique: Extended metaphor Analysis: Extended metaphor for the treatment of women in Venetian society. Emilia states that women are treated as if they are there specifically for men to use and are not considered to have their own wills and desires Expectation of female subservience Values Desdemona’s opinion and treats her as equal Let’s her speak Contrast to Iago’s terrible opinion of women Technique: Exclamation Analysis: Iago uses gender stereotypes to provoke Othello and play on his insecurities. By calling into question his manhood, Othello’s clear fear at being ridiculed for being a cuckold can be seen. Iago is subtly pushing Othello into action. From this, you can see the patriarchal society be a reason for Othello’s downfall Iago explicitly sexualises Desdemona and treats her like an object Technique: Classical Allusion Analysis: Sexual connotations as Iago alludes to “Jove”, the king of the Gods who was known for his sexual prowess. Demonstrates attitudes toward women in Ventiatian society and highlights Iago’s highly misogynistic and derogatory attitude → shows how women were never trusted etc Hyperbolic Flowery & romantic Metaphor → Desdemona is a prise to be won Dehumanising Women must be beautiful but not proud and talk when spoken to but not loud. Emilia’s assertive tone shows her ability to stand up to her husband, highlighting her value of loyalty over the Elizabethan expectancy of female subservience to male figures. This then leads to the death of Emilia, highlighting the dangers of women speaking up in the patriarchal society. Therefore, Desdemona would have been extremely fearful of speaking her truth and feeling the need to remain loyal to Othello, therefore leading to his continual downfall. Connotations of female obedience When Desdemona married Othello, she became bound to him, to obey him and admire him. We see this theme all the way through the play, her loyalty always shines through. Simile Shows that women were experienced liars and witches

Quote

Act/Scene

Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. (Iago)

Act 3, Scene 3, Lines 168-169

“I’ll tear her all to pieces”

Act 3 Scene 3

Technique and Analysis - Iago tells Othello that jealousy is dangerous (like a monster) and consumes a person - Green represents jealousy - This warning is ironic coming from Iago as he does want Othello to become jealous - Metaphor - Iago uses this metaphor to reflect Othello’s fatal flaw rising and causes dramatic irony as we know that Iago is deceiving Othello and trying to destroy him as a result of his Machiavellian nature Othello’s built up jealousy has resulted in him wanting to hurt Desdemona gruesomely. Violent imagery Showing the shift in his character, from romantic and chivalrous to violent, aggressive due to the rise in his jealousy Shows the impact his hamartia has on him

“If Cassio do remain, he hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly”

Act 5, Scene 1, Iago

“And I will kill thee and love thee after”

Act 5 Scene 2, Othello

“O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword!”

Act 5 Scene 2 Othello

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. (Othello’s Eulogy)

Othello Act 5 Scene 2

“You are eaten up with passion”

Iago in Act 3 Scene 3

“By heaven I would most gladly have forgot it. Thou said’st – O it comes o’er my memory, As doth the raven o’er the infected house” “I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!”

Act 4 Scene 1 Othello

Act 4 Scene 1 Othello

Strong feelings of Jealousy can make people do violent things even to those that they love Juxtaposition of ‘beauty’ and ‘ugly’ demonstrates his personality in that he is a jealous person. If Cassio lives it is worse for him; jealousy Characters can make irrational decisions when jealous Othello is still in love with Desdemona, but his irrational anger/jealousy leads to his downfall Personified Justice His irrational jealousy and actions make him want to kill her and he is here trying to justify his actions and make himself feel better and heroic for such an act Irony Othello mentions he is not one to be easily jealous. However, that is not the case as he has just recently murdered his own wife. He claims he killed her out of love instead of jealousy Creates this contrast between his actions and words from his eulogy Characters such as Othello become consumed by one idea and cannot see past it. Hyperbole referring to how Othello is consumed by his jealousy and justifying his jealousy as a ‘passion’ Syntax, fragmentation of Othello’s thoughts Imagery, Othello’s mind is poisoned Anger, Violent Imagery

Racism/Prejudice – Othello’s vulnerable position as an outsider

Quote

Act/Scene

IAGO: Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. Arise, I say!

“Barbary horse” - 1.1.111 “Courses for cousins” - 1.1.112 “Beast with two backs” - 1.1.116 “Barbarian” - 1.3.343

Technique and Analysis Shakespeare’s concept of racism within an Elizabethan society can be seen through Iago when he uses racist slurs, when waking Brabantio to give him news on his daughter eloping with a darker man (Othello). Iago draws on Elizabethan notions that black men obtain animal-like hyper-sexuality. Iago successfully antagonises Brabantio’s fear of miscegenation *mixed race* Animal imagery Iago calls Othello the devil which is an oldfashioned conception of black men being the shadow of the devil. Shakespeare’s reflection of the racist society can be seen through Iago’s repetitive discriminatory zoomorphic names for Othello, often those relating to horses and beasts. This relates Othello with something less than human, increasing his susceptibility and vulnerability to manipulation.

“Moor”

“Thou has practised on her with foul charms” - 1.2.73 “Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals that weaken motion” - 1.2.74 OTHELLO Her name, that was as fresh As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face. (3.3.441-443)

“Lascivious Moor” - 1.1.125

Comparing Othello to an animal uses techniques such as Bestial Imagery which dehumanises him and adds to his vulnerable position as an outsider Brabantio correlates Othello with witchcraft and black magic after accusing him of taking his daughter Desdemona away. This correlation is harmful as it paints Othello as negative and supernatural simply because of his race. Shakespeare demonstrates Iago’s manipulation when Othello suspects Desdemona's infidelity, he implies his name/reputation is now in jeopardy. He had faith in Desdemona before Iago changed his perceptions. Othello demonstrates his internalized racism when he states ‘as dian's visage’ to ‘black as mine own face’ which shows the purity to impurity (Diane’s is the goddess of the pale moon) He states he is dirty (begrimed) which is what the racist Venetians have been saying all along. Roderigo associates Othello with being overly sexual and lascivious, further perpetuating the ideology of him being

Despite Elizabethan context, it has textual integrity as it is still relevant in 21st Century hence it is timeless and universal.

HUMANITY- UNIVERSALITY Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello applies universal themes such as prejudice, jealousy and manipulation to further the understanding of how humans create drama for their own personal gain. Shakespeare uses the Machiavellian character of Iago to manipulate and essentially destroy the lives of Othello and others. His self-awareness and intelligence allow him to control the people around him to get what he wants. Act 1 Scene 1 sets the play up for Iago’s antics. “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” Iago says this line to Roderigo at the beginning of the play, he secretly explains how he hates Othello and is plotting against him. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the advantage that a false friendship gives him. As a trusted friend, he can

sway Othello’s opinion and manipulate him effectively. The quote shows that from the moment the play begins, Iago is looking for ways to bring about the downfall of Othello. Similarly, in Act 3 Scene 3, Iago makes a comment to Othello as a way of refuting Othello’s insistence that Desdemona is honest and would not lie to him. “She did deceive her father, marrying you”. Iago points out that Desdemona evidently has the capacity to lie and keep secrets since she hid her marriage with Othello from her disapproving father. This shows Iago’s skill at psychological manipulation, in this he shrewdly plants a seed of doubt in Othello’s mind by using the couple’s own love as a weapon to ruin the mutual trust between them. Through making Iago’s role in the play to spark hatred and destruction between characters, it highlights how Shakespeare uses the concept of human fragility in relation to manipulation and jealousy to create tension and distrust between each of his characters. This reminds the audience of how humanity values negative emotions and experiences to create drama for one’s own or a community’s personal gain because ultimately, humanity is motivated by selfishness.

JEALOUSY- DRAMATIC Shakespeare’s Othello retains its value as a critical study due to the dramatic representation of jealousy that runs the life of the villain, Iago. Iago’s jealousy motivates the central c...