Quotes (Othello)

This section explains the key quotes in Othello by William Shakespeare. These quotes capture key moments in the play, reflecting its central themes of jealousy, manipulation, racism, honour, and love. Each quote reveals the complexity of the characters and their motivations, deepening the tragedy as Othello spirals towards his inevitable downfall. Understanding these quotes and their significance is essential for grasping the underlying messages in the play.

"I am not what I am." – Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)

Explanation: This quote reveals Iago's duplicitous nature and foreshadows his deceit. It is a declaration of his intent to disguise his true self and manipulate others. It sets the tone for his manipulative behaviour throughout the play.

"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe." – Iago (Act 1, Scene 1)

Explanation: Iago uses racist, animalistic imagery to provoke Brabantio, referring to Othello and Desdemona’s marriage. This highlights the theme of racism and foreshadows the prejudice Othello will face throughout the play.

"Rude am I in my speech, and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace." – Othello (Act 1, Scene 3)

Explanation: Othello downplays his eloquence, portraying himself as a soldier unskilled in the ways of polite Venetian society. His humility contrasts with his actual articulate nature and reveals his insecurity as an outsider.

"She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them." – Othello (Act 1, Scene 3)

Explanation: Othello explains the basis of his relationship with Desdemona. Their love stems from her admiration for his heroic stories and his appreciation of her empathy, establishing their bond as based on mutual respect and affection.

"I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets he has done my office." – Iago (Act 1, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago reveals one of his motivations for hating Othello – the rumour that Othello has been intimate with his wife, Emilia. Whether true or not, this gives Iago personal reasons to destroy Othello.

"The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so." – Iago (Act 1, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago recognises Othello’s trusting nature and sees it as a weakness he can exploit. This foreshadows how Iago will manipulate Othello by taking advantage of his naivety.

"Put money in thy purse." – Iago (Act 1, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago repeatedly tells Roderigo to finance his schemes, knowing that Roderigo is hopelessly in love with Desdemona. This demonstrates Iago’s manipulation of others for personal gain, and Roderigo’s gullibility.

"Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!" – Cassio (Act 2, Scene 3)

Explanation: After being dismissed by Othello, Cassio laments the loss of his honour. His concern for his reputation reflects the importance of honour in Venetian society and the theme of how easily one's reputation can be damaged.

"So will I turn her virtue into pitch, and out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all." – Iago (Act 2, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago plots to use Desdemona’s kindness and virtue against her. This highlights his villainy and the theme of manipulation, showing how Iago can twist good qualities into destructive forces.

"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." – Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago warns Othello of jealousy, ironically planting the very seeds of doubt that will lead to Othello’s downfall. This metaphor of the “green-eyed monster” represents the destructive nature of jealousy, one of the play’s central themes.

"She did deceive her father, marrying you." – Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago uses Desdemona’s past actions to imply that she is capable of deceit. This manipulative statement makes Othello begin to question her loyalty, contributing to his growing jealousy and distrust.

"I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove." – Othello (Act 3, Scene 3)

Explanation: Othello initially insists on evidence before he will believe in Desdemona’s infidelity. However, Iago quickly manipulates him into accepting circumstantial evidence, showing how quickly Othello’s rationality is undermined by jealousy.

"Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ." – Iago (Act 3, Scene 3)

Explanation: Iago reflects on how small, insignificant details can seem like solid evidence to a jealous person. This reveals Iago’s understanding of human psychology and his ability to manipulate Othello’s emotions.

"I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not." – Othello (Act 3, Scene 3)

Explanation: Othello is torn between his love for Desdemona and his growing belief in her infidelity. This internal conflict illustrates his confusion and descent into jealousy, which will ultimately consume him.

"The handkerchief! The handkerchief!" – Othello (Act 3, Scene 4)

Explanation: The handkerchief, a token of Othello’s love, becomes symbolic of Desdemona’s supposed betrayal. Its loss convinces Othello of her unfaithfulness, despite its triviality, demonstrating how jealousy distorts his perception.

"But jealous souls will not be answered so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they’re jealous." – Emilia (Act 3, Scene 4)

Explanation: Emilia explains the irrationality of jealousy, recognising that it often does not need a valid reason. This foreshadows Othello’s tragic downfall, as his jealousy is fuelled by emotion rather than evidence.

"This is some token from a newer friend. To the felt absence now I feel a cause." – Bianca (Act 4, Scene 1)

Explanation: Bianca’s jealousy over Cassio’s possession of the handkerchief mirrors Othello’s own jealousy over Desdemona. Both characters are misled by outward appearances, reinforcing the theme of appearance versus reality.

"It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul." – Othello (Act 5, Scene 2)

Explanation: As Othello prepares to kill Desdemona, he convinces himself that he is acting justly by framing her death as punishment for her supposed infidelity. His repetition of "the cause" reveals his attempt to rationalise his actions, though they are driven by jealousy and manipulation.

"Nobody; I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord." – Desdemona (Act 5, Scene 2)

Explanation: Even as she dies, Desdemona remains loyal to Othello, refusing to blame him for her murder. Her final words reflect her enduring love and forgiveness, contrasting with the betrayal and violence that surrounds her.

"I look down towards his feet – but that’s a fable. If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee." – Othello (Act 5, Scene 2)

Explanation: Othello momentarily believes that Iago is the devil and checks his feet for cloven hooves. This suggests that Othello now recognises the extent of Iago’s evil, but it also shows Othello’s tragic realisation that he has been deceived.