Othello Themes - Quote and Analysis Table PDF

Preview

Summary

THEME: JEALOUSYQuote Character Reference Technique ExplanationThink’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy... to be once in doubt is once to be resolved... ‘Tis not to make me jealous / to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well. Where virtue is, ...

Description

THEME: JEALOUSY Quote

Character

Reference 3.3.207-223

Technique Metaphor Personification

Explanation

Think’st thou I’d make a life of jealousy… to be once in doubt is once to be resolved… ‘Tis not to make me jealous / to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well. Where virtue is, these are more virtuous… I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove… Away at once with love or jealousy.

Othello

Here, Othello claims that he won’t be destroyed by jealousy. He reasons that Desdemona “had eyes, and chose [him]” despite, presumably, the fact that he is black. But, Othello lets slip that he may in fact be a bit more jealous and suspicious of his wife than he lets on – he says he wants some “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity.

Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ. This may do something… The Moor already changes with my poison.

Iago

3.3.370-372

Simile Metaphor

Iago realises that real proof of Desdemona’s supposed infidelity is not necessary because mere suspicion is enough to feed Othello’s jealousy. Even though the handkerchief is a mere :trifle, light as air” once Othello sees it in another man’s possession he’ll think he has solid proof that Desdemona has been cheating. Holy writ is as evidence direct from the bible. Poisoned Othello = metaphor for poisoning him with words, changes with jealousy.

But jealous souls will not be assured so; They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they are jealous; ‘tis a monster Begot upon itself, born of itself.

Emilia

3.4.147-150

Symbolism Allusion Imagery Repetition Personified

Explains the irrational nature of jealousy. Emilia signals the circularity of this logic with the confounding image of jealousy as a monster that gives birth to itself. Just as Iago warns Othello to beware of jealousy, Emilia tells Desdemona that jealousy is a monster that eats away at a person. Are aware that only one of them is sincere in this warning. Emilia acts as an honest echo of her dishonest husband. Alludes to the snake swallowing its own tail, stuck in a self-perpetuating loop. Jealousy just appears with no cause, it is just there.

The Moor already changes with my poison; Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood Burn like the mines of Sulphur. Enter Othello. I did say so. Look, where he comes. Not poppy, nor mandragora Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep

Iago

3.3.373-382

Symbolism Simile

Iago realises the unbelievable power of jealousy. Here, he claims that he has poisoned Othello’s mind by suggesting Desdemona may be up to something naughty. Because Iago has succeeded in making Othello suspicious, Othello will never, ever have a good night of sleep again, not even if he used the best sleeping medicine in the world.

Commentary on his passionate and jealous outbursts, symbolic of the stereotypical attacks on his moorish background....