= Write 300+ words on selected sections of The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice, making a "Top Ten" (start with 10 and count down) of the lines you find to be most beautiful. Translate and analyze. Give the act and scene number to help us all study the play more closely--and, hence, perform better on the test. Thank you for working diligently; just glance back down this site to realize how much we've examined.
 |
| Great Movie Stars, Chiwetel Ejiofor (Othello) & Ewan McGregor (Iago) |
74 comments:
Story 5,
My first favorite line in the play of Othello happens to deal with religious purposes. “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, but seeming so, for my peculiar end.” “Heaven is my judge,” blazes out to me as thee statement to study upon. Such a high moral statement from a low devious rat; Iago undoubtedly would be judged into hell instead of heaven. Later on Iago’s statements prove and foreshadow the unique outcome he suffers. “Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.” His statement shows conspiracy to be plotted in the surrounding government and that his associations belong with hell. Iago also proclaims, “I am not what I am.” He serves to Othello in a position where trust is much needed, yet he cannot be trusted. This also lets the audience know immediately who the villain is and even how he plans to manipulate everyone around him. Iago’s schemes take off right before act two as he states, “Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” He clearly sets the stage for all the audience to prepare for mischievous events that will corrupt civilization and create the tragedy in the play. Iago resembles crooks and thieves among the world as he states, “as honest as I am,” in a scene. By this point the audience acknowledges his un-trustworthyness and he stating this to Othello shows his stupidity and depraved morals . . . similar to criminals in our world. Eventually Iago’s treachery compels Othello to do something most would consider unbearable. “Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage.” Othello feels as if a curse lays within love or “false love.” Those who do not take the word of their spouse or even trust them truly may fall into heartbreaking situations as well. Othello also states, “If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!” Othello desires everything to revolve around him and becomes narrow-minded. He took a vow and breaks such with his words and actions. Desdomona tries to disprove Othello’s corrupted mind by demanding, “No, by my lfe and soul! Send for the man, and ask him.” She clearly still has hope and faith in Othello despite the fact that Othello has none in her. This proves the necessity to take a vow seriously when becoming married. However, to add to Othellos corruption, Desdomona’s father stated, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father, and may thee.” This develops mind-boggling thoughts inside Othello as all of us have been told accusations before that should not be taken so seriously. Othello also had another person stating (Emil.), “But then I saw no harm, and then I heard each syllable that breath made up between them.” Emil tells Othello that nothing is wrong; however, Othello listens to Iago. This could be a sexist attack driving out the ignorance that comes from men when listening to women. Extroidinary and compelling the play of Othello is, along with the countless literary strategies that prove the play’s value while being displayed. A true masterpiece it is, but even that is an understatement. Thee masterpiece, it is.
Shroll 2
The top ten quotes from Shakespeare’s Othello (in no particular order—I attempted to order them from least to greatest, but all of the following quotes are great in unique ways so it seems unfair to rank one as better or more “beautiful” than another) are as follows:
1. Duke, page 15: “To mourn a mischief that is past and gone/Is the next way to draw new mischief on.” I love this quote, as it is a testament to the power of forgiveness—and if one neglects to forgive and mopes about the past, nothing in their life will ever improve.
2. Cassio, page 23: “She that I spake of, our great captain’s captain.” This quote is about Desdemona and how she really has the power over the army, as she controls Othello since he will do anything for her love.
3. Roderigo, page 18: “I’ll be with thee bedtimes.” I simply thought this quote was a cool way to say “I’m going to bed.”
4. Iago, page 2: “We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly followed.” Iago is attempting to “console” Roderigo, but is basically telling Roderigo that he has no chance to have control over anything.
5. Iago, page 3: “I am not what I am.” Shakespeare portrayed many complexly simple messages through the mouth of Iago.
6. Othello, page 33: “For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl.” Othello is telling Cassio to quite being ridiculous and act like a civilized, moral man. With the help of brilliant alliteration, Othello tells the men to grow up.
7. Iago, page 90: “Demand me nothing; what you know, you know.” Iago, for craving Othello’s position of power, does not desire to be understood—only revered.
8. Iago, page 38: “And out of her own goodness make the net/That shall enmesh them all.” Love can often suffocate instead of amend/guide… it is ultimately loving too much that brings about Othello’s ruin.
9. Iago, page 4: “You are—a senator!” Iago says this to Brabantio when telling of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage after Brabantio calls Iago a villain. Iago is pointing out that politics are often evil, as politics are no greater than the (wo)men/(wo)man behind them.
10. Iago, page 35: “But men are men; the best sometimes forget.” As we heard during Be the Change week, we are more alike than different; we are all equally vulnerable to life’s hardships—it’s how we cope with them that defines us.
Marso 1
As one reads any Shakespeare, one will undoubtedly find brilliant and confusing language. Shakespeare’s plays seem to carry a reputation for beautiful language in part because of the high intellect required to decipher it. After viewing the Hollywood version of the play and glancing over the text, I have selected the following 10 quotes as superior to others because of their significance both to the plot and as they contribute to the artwork that is Shakespeare’s writing:
10. Act I Scene III, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.” Here, Desdemona tells her father that although she is loyal and obedient to him; her first allegiance lies with Othello now. She chooses her words wisely to appear to her father she is obliged to Othello rather than outright choosing him.
9. Act III Scene III, “I am glad I have found this napkin.” Though the language here is simple, the foreshadowing offered in this quote is undeniably paramount in the course of the play.
8. Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” Iago warns Othello of jealousy, but in reality one of Iago’s motivations for his fowl play throughout the story may be jealousy. Additionally, the metaphor used by Shakespeare is marvelous.
7. Act IV Scene I, “Oh, devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.” This is the part of the story when Othello accuses Desdemona of lying to him about other romantic relationships. Instead of directly assaulting her, he utters these beautiful, albeit false visual images portraying her unfaithfulness.
6. Act IV Scene II, “Had it pleased heaven To try me with affliction, had they rained All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, Steeped me in poverty to the very lips, Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, I should have found in some place of my soulA drop of patience.” Shakespeare alludes to the story of Job here as Othello exclaims physical suffering would be far better than finding out a wife he thought to be honest has cheated and lied about it.
5. Act I Scene III, “Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands.” The Duke, probably the wisest character throughout the play, advises Brabantio to accept Othllo as his new son-in-law.
4. Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." From the beginning, the audience is aware that Iago is a deceiver. Already he admits to Roderigo that he is not what he appears and says he is.
3. Act IV Scene III, "Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?" Emilia tells Desdemona what her feelings towards adultery are in regards to selfish motivations and desires. Even her caretaker’s feelings cannot corrupt the pure morals of Desdemona.
2. Act IV Scene I, ““This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite.” At a key moment in the play—when Iago pronounces all his work comes down to the events to ensue—Shakespeare beautifully presents the message with rhyme.
1. Act V Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Shakespeare utilizes one of the all-time best euphemisms to describe the murder of Desdemona.
Bauer 2
In Shakespeare’s Othello, many elegant lines appear within the margins. I will attempt to rank them one through ten, one being the best. However, all of the lines from Shakespeare’s play are magnificent and well written.
10. “The world’s a huge thing: it is great price for a small vice.” Emilia (76) Act IV, Scene III.
This line spoken by Emilia to Desdemona, shows Emilia’s true feeling towards Iago. Desdemona asks Emilia if cheating on her husband, Iago, is a possibility and Emilia continuously give Des humorous answers. Emilia means by this statement, that if she actually had to cheat on her husband—or any task—for the world she would because the world is such a big place.
9. “Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.” Iago (65) Act IV, Scene I. At this point of the play, Othello and Iago have devised their plan to kill Cassio and Desdemona. Iago convinces Othello to kill Desdemona by strangling her in the bed they shared instead of poisoning her.
8. “My lord, you know I love you.” Iago (44) Act III, Scene III. This line represents and example of Iago deceiving ways. Throughout the play, Iago act as if he truly cares for Othello and wants the best for him.
7. “Why, very well then; you must not think then that I am drunk.” Cassio (32) Act II, Scene III. This line is spoken before Cassio gets in a fight because he is drunk. This line shows Cassio’s weakness to alcohol.
6. “Death and damnation! O!” Othello (52) Act III, Scene III. When Othello says this, it shows that he has officially gone over the edge. He is now convinced Des and Cassio are together and he must take their lives to end it.
5. “…Have you not seen a handkerchief spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?” Iago (53) Act III, Scene III. Iago truly is a viper. He has stolen said handkerchief and to deceive Othello further, he sticks to his lying deceiving ways.
4. “That’s he that was Othello: here I am.” Othello (89) Act V, Scene II. When Othello says this, he admits to not being the man he was when he arrived in Cyprus. Iago changed him into a new, worse man.
3. “I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; for, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” Othello (89) Act V, Scene II. Othello is enraged with Iago and what he has done but wishes not to kill him because death would be the easy way out for Iago.
2. “Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.” Iago (53) Act III, Scene III. Filled with irony, this line could have saved Othello’s, Desdemona’s, and Emilia’s life. If Othello had not already been completely tricked by Iago he would have thought rationally and figured out it was all a lie.
1. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio (18) Act I, Scene III. Brabantio says this after the Duke has given Othello the authority in Cyprus and to bring Des with him. When he says this he means that because she has deceived him by marrying Othello so she will deceive Othello too.
Robertson 2
10) O, beware, my lord, of jealousy.
9) How poor are they that have not patience!
8) ...killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
7)This sorrow's heavenly; it strikes where it doth love.
6)She gave for my pains a world of sighs.
5) Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving.
4)If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
3) The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest but that seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
2) My soul hath her content so absolute
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.
1) I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.
I'm out of time. TBC.
Gallo 2
“I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” Act 1, Scene 1. Iago says this line to Brabantio to emphasize the horror of the situation: his daughter is having sex with a Moor.
“Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!” Act 2, Scene 3. Cassio says this line to Iago. It highlights how important a reputation was to a man of the era. A good name meant more than almost anything else.
“To be direct and honest is not safe.” Act 3, Scene 3. Iago says this to Othello to emphasize that he believes that Othello only wants him to tell him what he wants to hear; to actually tell Othello the “terrible truth” would be his downfall. He cleverly sets Othello up to beg him (Iago) to tell the “truth.”
“I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello.” Act 4, Scene 2. Othello uses brutal, caustic sarcasm to insinuate that he “accidentally” mistook his wife for the whore he believes she is: very powerful.
“The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree/ Sing all a green willow/ Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee/ Sing willow, willow, willow.” Act 4, Scene 3. Desdemona sings this while being tended to by Emilia. The lyrics of this song are great, the foreshadowing, exceptional, and I absolutely loved the hollow yet beautiful voice of Desdemona singing this in the movie.
“Hell and night/ Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.” Act 1, Scene 3. Iago speaks this in an aside. This line marks Iago’s revealing of a devilish plan to screw up the lives of other characters. Hellish, indeed.
“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on.” Act 3, Scene 3. Iago says this line to Othello. I find this line very profound. Ironically, the one doing the warning (Iago) seems to be the one more consumed with monstrous, jealous feelings.
“Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me/ For making him egregiously an ass.” Act 2, Scene 1. Iago declares this in an aside. This electrifying line highlights that the villain fully intends to deceive Othello while pretending to be on his side.
“Myself will straight abroad, and to the state/ This heavy act with heavy heart relate.” Act 5, Scene 2. Lodovico’s line, the closing line of the entire play, really solidifies the story as a terrible tragedy. The end is bitter and mournful.
“Put out the light, and then put out the light.” This line spoken by Othello occurs in the fifth act and second scene. As my colleague Marso 2 points out, this is one of the all-time best euphemisms. I absolutely adore the double meaning. This line is the cleverest way to speak of Desdemona’s tragic death.
VandeBerg 5
10. Act V, Scene II "Put out the light, and then put out the light."
I found this quote to be interesting because it is a pun, yet a dark pun. He intends to darken the room so there is no light, and then put out the light of life in his wife.
9. Act III, Scene III "If thou dost love me, show me thy thought."
I found this to be very interesting because Iago does everything but love Othello. Which is why he shares his thoughts of cheating and such to Othello.
8. Act I, Scene III "So much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord."
This was a cool two lines because she openly expresses how her obediance is more with Othello than Brabantio.
7. Act I, Scene III "To hang clogs on them,"
I liked this line because Brabantio wishes he would have been able to hinder Desdemona's movement in eloping and getting married.
6. Act I, Scene III "She has deceived her father, and may thee."
Obviously this is a huge quote as it sets the tone for the rest of the play. We think Desdemona will cheat on Othello, and Othello's paranoia leads him to that conclusion with Iago's help.
5. Act I, Scene III "After some time, to abuse Othello's ear."
This quote was neat because he uses the word abuse and that is exactly what Iago does to Othello.
4. Act III, Scene III "I am your own forever."
Iago says this to Othello when Othello promotes him. This was intriguing because Iago will die just as Othello will.
3. Act III, Scene IV "Alas the day, I never gave him cause"
I liked this quote because it is exactly what is going on. It is easier for me to understand this quote, and it also allows the reader/viewer to feel Desdemona's frustration and worry.
2. Act V, Scene I "O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!"
I like the last part of the quote because it is a very interesting comparison. Instead of just calling Iago a dog, Roderigo calls him an inhuman dog.
1. Act V, Scene II "Killing myself, to do upon a kiss."
This quote stuck out to me because it directly relates to his killing of Desdemona. He kissed her before he killed her, so now he is kissing her before he kills himself. He wants one good thing before he dies: a kiss.
Larson Pd 5
Although I am not a fan of poetry, I must admit Othello did catch my eye. Not only did Othello have very interesting and unique characters, but the script was nothing short of beautiful and poetic. I will rank my top ten quotes from Othello starting with ten and counting down to one.
10. "I am one, sir, who comes to tell you your daughter
and the Moor are making the beast with
two backs." Act 1, Scene 1. I love this quote because it really shows how much hatred Iago has for Othello and he has not afraid to cross lines to get him in trouble.
9. "To mourn a mischief that is past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on." Act 1, Scene 3. I love this quote because it exposes that the Duke is a good person and he believes if there is a grudge you should move on from it and live your life.
8. “The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not / Is of a constant, loving, noble nature;” Act 2, Scene 1. This is interesting cause it shows that Iago does believe Othello has good nature, or on the other side—this quote shows Iago is very good at deceiving and telling lies.
7. “Nay, but he prated / And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms / Against your honor, / That with the little godliness I have, / I did full hard forbear him.” Act 1, Scene 2. I like this quote more because where it is placed in the play. Already in Act 1, Scene 2 the readers are informed that Iago is playing both sides of the fence.
6. “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy!” Act 3, Scene 3. My favorite character in Othello is Iago, and this quote shows his treachery perfectly. Iago is playing on Othello’s fears which shows he is a great trickster and character in this play.
5. "I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Act 5, Scene 2. This quote shows so much emotion from Othello. He says his love and eventual jealousy killed Desdemona. If he had never loved or kissed her, she never would have died.
4. "[w]ho would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?" Act 4, Scene 3. I love this quote because it shows Emilia actually has a backbone. She is saying she would actually cheat on her husband if she could gain from it.
3. “And so much duty that my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord” Act 1, Scene 3. I love this quote because it shows Desdemona defends Othello.
2. “He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature” Act 1, Scene 3. This scene is very important because it explains Iago plots to ruin Othello.
1. I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.” Act 1, Scene 1. I love this quote because this shows that Iago is willing to manipulate and act deceptively if it suits his motives.
Olesen 1
1. “To kiss and talk to. I’ll ha’ the work ta’en out, And give’t Iago. What he will do with it, Heaven knows, not I. I nothing, but to please his fantasy.” Emilia (III.iii. 49)
Emilia is taking Desdemona’s handkerchief for Iago. She doesn’t know what he wants with it, but will do anything to make him happy with her.
2. “Then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well, Of one not easily jealous but, being wrought…” Othello (V. ii. 91)
These were some of Othello’s last words to Lodovico.
3. “Lay down your soul at stake: if you think other, Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom.” Emilia (III. ii. 68)
Emilia is attempting to persuade Othello that Desdemona is honest and loyal.
4. “If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remores; On horror’s head horrors accumulate;” Othello (III. iii. 51)
Othello is telling Iago to give him proof of his wife’s cheating.
5. “Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; For nothing canst thou to damnation add Greater than that.” Othello (III. iii. 51)
Othello is explaining that nothing is worse than Desdemona’s adultery.
6. “Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday.” Othello (III. iii. 50)
Here he comes. No drugs or sleeping pills will ever give you the restful sleep that you had last night.
7. “My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught; And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach.” Iago (IV. i. 61)
Iago proclaims that his plans are working.
8. “It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will.” Iago (I. iii. 19)
Iago is talking to Roderigo about his love for Desdemona.
9. “I here do give thee that with all my heart, Which but thou hast already with all my heart I would keep from thee.” Brabantio (I. iii. 15)
Brabantio is saying that the Moor isn’t so bad.
10. “Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion Blush’d at herself; and she – in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, everything – To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on!” Brabantio (I. iii. 12)
Brabantio is explaining how Desdemona fell in love with Othello
Scholten 2
Shakespeare’s Othello is just as relevant today was it was when it was written due to the powerful themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racism. The play is full of beautiful dialogue and wonderful soliloquies. The following quotes from Othello are some of my favorite, most important, and poetic lines.
10. Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” Iago is playing on Othello’s fears in this scene. He warns Othello of jealousy which seems ironic to me. Jealousy could be one of the driving forces of Iago’s motivation throughout this play. Also, the metaphor Shakespeare uses to describe jealousy is widely famous and still spoken today.
9. Act V, Scene II, "Put out the light, and then put out the light." This clever pun is one of the best lines in the play. Othello says this just before blowing out the single candle in the room and before killing Desdemona. It is a very beautiful, but dark, way to foreshadow Desdemona’s tragic murder.
8. Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago clearly states here that he is fooling everyone and exhibiting false emotions. He is not how he appears to be. Wearing your heart on your sleeve means expressing your true emotions and feelings. Iago’s emotions are fake so no one can see his true nature.
7. Act I, Scene III, “Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.” Iago says this during one of his asides. He is going to reveal his horrible plan that will be disastrous to many of the characters in the play.
6. Act I Scene III, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.” These are Desdemona’s first words in the play. Her choice of words shows us just how thoughtful and respectful she is. She tells her father that she is now loyal to Othello but will forever be bound to him. She acknowledges out of respect for her father that her duty is now “divided” between the two of them.
5. Act III, Scene III, “I am glad I have found this napkin. This was her first remembrance from the Moor, My wayward husband hath a hundred times Wooed me to steal it” This is Emilia’s line that starts the handkerchief plot that ultimately causes the death of so many of the characters. This line states the importance of the handkerchief to Othello and Desdemona since the audience has not heard a word about it before this moment. It was the first give Othello gave Desdemona, obviously something very special and personal between the two of them.
4. Act III, Scene IV, ‘”Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us” I found this line by Emilia to be very interesting. She basically means that men want women to appease their ‘appetites” and that when they are finished, they will dump the women. Only time will show a man’s true feelings. If the men stick around for a year or two, they must be staying for more “noble” reasons.
3. Act IV, Scene III, “Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?" Here, Emilia and Desdemona are talking about marriage. Emilia says that she would cheat on her husband if she could gain something from it. Desdemona doesn’t understand this since she is fully committed to her husband. This shows the difference in morals between the two women.
2. Act V, Scene II, "I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss." These are some of Othello’s last words which he speaks to the dead Desdemona. Because Othello kissed Des before he murdered her, he kisses her once more before he takes his own life. As his personal repentance, Othello kills himself.
1.Act I, Scene III, “To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to draw new mischief on.” Shakespeare expresses the true nature of human beings. The Duke is saying that holding onto grudges is a waste of time. If something happened in the past, leave it there and move on.
Van Ede, 5
10. "But masters, here's money for you: and the general so likes your music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to make no more noise with it." Act III, Scene I. A spiteful but humorous comment from the clown to the group of musicians, I admired this comment not for its relevance to the tragic plot but for the humor and sarcasm expressed through it. Just because something is simple and rude does not mean it is not beautiful.
9. "This accident is not unlike my dream, Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say, light!" Act I, Scene I. Spoken by Brabantio when he realizes his daughter is missing, the line gives us insight into the graveness of the situation. We learn how severe and absurd it was for a girl to run off from her father, especially with a man of another race.
8. "If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it, To the last article." Act III, Scene III. In reassurance, Desdemona tells this to Cassio, promising to get him his old position back. Not only does this quote work to develop the plot but also to reveal Desdemona's goodhearted, potentially naive, nature to the viewer.
7. "For thy solicitor shall rather die, Than give thy cause away." Act III, Scene III. I am a sucker for anything that is a foreshadow. This was again spoken by Desdemona to Cassio about her rather dying than give up on her promise. Ironically, she does die because she does not give up on returning Cassio to his old position and Othello suspects more than just a friendship between them.
6. "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.Good signior, you shall more command with years, Than with your weapons." Act I, Scene II. A quip from Othello to Brabantio, this demonstrates Othello's wisdom in matters of fighting (including when not to). Furthermore, Othello seems to be insulting Brabantio's age, and I found that slightly humorous.
5. "She that was ever fair and never proud, Had tongue at will and yet was never loud" Act II, Scene I. Amusing at the very least, this quote from Iago to Desdemona about the perfect woman made me chuckle. Not only does it rhyme but also it delivers a common stereotype of women talking too loud and too much.
4. "Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee, And love thee after. One more, and that’s the last." Act V. Scene II. While Desdemona is still asleep, Othello whispers this. Symbolic, this quote represents Othello's deep love for Desdemona despite the fact that he has decided to kill her.
3. "I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised this slander." Act IV, Scene II. Ironic and foreshadowing is this quote by Emilia to Iago. Ironic because she is correct but ignorant to the fact it is her husband. Foreshadowing, because she herself does die at the conclusion of the play.
2. "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black." Act I, Scene III. Spoken by the Duke to Brabantio, this line is one of my favorites mainly because it rhymes but also because it represents an idea of tolerance I did not assume existed in Shakespeare's time.
1. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." Act I, Scene III. Not only is this quote by Brabantio to Othello a rhyme but also a foreshadow, if indirectly. After hearing this, Othello cannot help but be slightly suspicious of Desdemona's trustworthiness.
Koehn pd. 7
10. Act I, Scene Three: Brabantio says, “Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” He is saying to Othello that Desdemona has lied/betrayed him and may do the same to Othello. The meaning of this line is not beautiful, but I just love the rhyme and the foreshadowing.
9. Act II, Scene One: Iago says, “If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, \The one’s for use, the other useth it.” This means that if a woman is pretty and smart, she will use her good looks to get what she wants. I think this line is beautiful because it references beauty and holds truth. Pretty women do get what they want because they can use their influence to gain power, confidence, and status.
8. Act II, Scene One: Desdemona says, “The heavens forbid \But that our loves and comforts should increase, \Even as our days do grow!” Desdemona is saying that if God permits, their love will grow each day as they get older. It is a romantic and sappy line—beautiful I suppose.
7. Act II, Scene Three: Cassio says, “Not to-night good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment.” Translated to Cassio admitting he cannot handle his alcohol consumption. Beauty fills this line with honesty and good self understanding from Cassio. I think it is beautiful to know oneself and their limits.
6. Act II, Scene Three: Othello says, “Cassio, I love thee; but never more be officer of mine.” Othello has just demoted Cassio because of supposedly “causing a riff” amongst the men and causing man to be injured. For the people we love, we sometimes have to do things we don’t want to do for their best interest. Othello is doing precisely this to Cassio from the knowledge he has received of the situation.
5. Act II, Scene Three: Iago says, “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness.” Basically Iago is reassuring Cassio that he will get him in good graces with Othello again and keeping the alliance strong he has built with Cassio. Iago is the most beautiful liar ever. This line shows how sincere and convincing he sounds.
4. Act III, Scene Three, Othello says, “I had rather be a toad, and live upon the vapour of a dungeon, than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses.” The metaphors in this line are beautiful in the way Othello describes all the things he would rather endure than watch his love cheat on him.
3. Act III, Scene Four: Desdemona says, “It yet has felt no age nor known no sorrow.” She is talking about her hand in regards to Othello saying that is moist (which meant it had a sign of amorous disposition). Always speaking truthfully, Desdemona’s beautiful love for Othello will never be shaken even in his insanity.
2. Act V, Scene Two: Othello says, “Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, and love thee after: one more, and this the last: So sweet was ne’er so fatal.” Othello is heartbroken because he thinks he is doing the right thing by killing Desdemona to save other men from being cheated on. This part is tragically beautiful because one can see how much Othello loves Desdemona, but is still going to kill her.
1. Act V, Scene Two: Othello says, “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello has stabbed himself because he has learned about how Iago tricked him. These are his final words and actions and he kisses Desdemona one more time before the life leaves his body. This moment reminds me of Romeo and Juliet when they both kill themselves because they do not want to be alive if the other is dead.
Hallstrom 1
Although I’ve done my best to put these quotes in order from least to greatest, it’s hard to determine the value of words spoken when they all have their own special meaning. The following ten quotes have stood out the most to me:
10. Desdemona, Act I scene III, “…By his dear absence. Let me go with him.” She’s professing her love for Othello. By doing this, she acknowledges the fact that there was no magic involved in the two of them coming together as one.
9. Iago, Act I scene I, “Heaven is my judge.” This to me indicates more of a religious quote in which Iago is stating that no one can judge him except the man above.
8. Iago, Act I scene I, “We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly follow’d.” Iago is referring to him not being as masterful as Othello but by stating not all masters are truly followed is his rebellion of betraying Othello.
7. Brabantio, Act I scene III, “She is abused, stol’n from me and corrupted / By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks;” This is Brabantio accusing Othello of using witchcraft on his daughter in order to make her fall in love with him.
6. Brabantio, Act I scene III, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: / She has deceived her father, and may thee.” This quote is one of the most important quotes in this act because it foreshadows the plan of Iago playing with Othello’s mind that Desdemona cheated on him.
5. Othello, Act III scene III, “O curse of marriage.” Iago has now told Othello of Desdemona’s scandal with Cassio and Othello is questioning why he ever decided to marry in the first place.
4. Desdemona, Act IV scene II, “I understand a fury in your words, / But not the words.” At this point, Othello has confronted Desdemona about the affair but because it was not true, Desdemona has no idea what Othello is talking about.
3. Desdemona, Act IV scene II, “I know not how I lost him.” Again this is Desdemona not understanding what has happened. She’s pleading with Iago to tell her how she can win Othello back.
2. Iago, Act V scene II, “I told him what I thought, and told no more / Than what he found himself was apt and true.” Iago is admitting to false accusations between Desdemona and Cassio. He’s saying he was telling Othello because he knew Othello would believe him. Othello is a true man so he expects other people to be as true as he, therefore believing Iago.
1. Cassio, Act V scene II, “This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; / For he was great of heart.” Cassio never thought Othello was capable of killing anyone, let alone Desdemona. In the end, he’s surprised this was the outcome.
Lenz 7
As professor Patrick Hicks pointed out, Shakespeare created the language that we speak today. Without him, we would not have many of the common phrases spoken in today’s culture. While reading through one of his plays, a person may find many outstanding quotes. I am not sure that I could place these in a certain order, but I tried to rank them from least liked to most liked keeping in mind they are all on my “favorite quotation” list.
10. Act II Scene III Othello: “Iago is most honest” I chose this quote because it is recurring. Throughout the play Shakespeare adds irony by showing the audience that Iago is anything but honest, yet all the characters in the play believe he is a true friend.
9. Act I Scene II Brabantio: “Ay, to me; She is abused, stol’n from me and corrupted by spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; for nature so preposterously to err, being not deficien, blind, or lame of sense, sans witchcraft could not.” This quote stood out to me because whenever a girl marries a guy that her parents disapprove of, I am sure they go through denial by saying things like Brabantio does, “she must have been drugged.” This is just as the parents of the Boston bombing suspects are currently doing.
8. Act II Scene I Othello: “Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this content. It stops me here, it is too much of joy. And this, and this, the greatest discords be that e’er our hearts shall make.” I like this quote because it shows that Othello is in love with Desdemona and does not want to ever fight with it her. It is also, however, foreshadowing to the huge misunderstanding that leads to the death of both of them.
7. Act II Scene III Iago: “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness.” This quote appeals to me because it is showing the scheming side of Iago. His evil nature kills me throughout the play and I cannot believe that the characters fall for his plan.
6. Act IV Scene II Desdemona: “I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia. I cannot weep, nor answers have I none, but what should go by water.” I chose this quote because it shows the true pain that Desdemona is encountering. She does not know why Othello has just called her a whore and hearing it from the person she loves hurts even more.
5. Act II Scene I Montano: “If that the Turkish fleet be not ensheltered and embayed, they are drowned. It is impossible they bear it out.” I chose this quote because this was part of Professor Patrick Hick’s lecture the other day. He spoke of how Shakespeare wrote this scene to reflect what was happening to his country in his personal life.
4. Act III Scene III Iago: “My lord you know I love you.” I chose this quote because it shows the scheming of nature of Iago. He plays to the other characters’ gentle side and gets them to believe he is sincere, when in reality, he is doing the opposite of what is best for them.
3. Act II Scene I Desdemona: “My fair warrior.” I decided to include this quote because it showed Desdemona’s unconditional love for Othello. It showed that she was proud of him for fighting the war, but is glad that he made it home.
2. Act V Scene II Emilia: “O Mistress, villainy hath made mocks with love! My husband say that she was false.” This quote is included because it is when Emilia realizes that she was an accomplice to her mistress’s death and feels horrible sorrow about it.
1. Act V Scene II Emilia: “What did thy song bode lady? Hark canst thou hear me? I will play the swan. And die in music….” This is my favorite quote because it connects us back to the foreshadowing that we received when Desdemona was soaking in her tub singing. Emilia feels so guilty that she was accomplice that she sings Desdemona’s song as she dies.
Wilde 7
Much of Shakespeare’s writing is beautiful, so formulating a “top ten” list becomes quite difficult. This stellar writing has played an intricate role in making Shakespeare such a notorious artist even in today’s society. That being said, here is my feeble attempt at organizing Shakespeare’s phenomenal language into ten precise, ranked quotes:
1. “It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock.” (Act III, Scene III)
The “green-eyed monster” is essentially Othello’s jealousy. Iago is warning Othello of the dangers of allowing said jealously to surface. In this case, jealously is the monster that will surely make fun of its victims. This quote shows how manipulative Iago is towards Othello.
2. “The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief.” (Act I, Scene III)
If the thief sees that he who has been robbed is smiling, less will be gained by said thief. The Duke is saying this to Brabantio. The point is that a robbery victim who can smile about his losses is better than both one who does not and the thief, of course. Things that cannot be changed must not be fretted about. Doing so will only lead to more problems.
3. “To mourn a mischief that is past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on.” (Act I, Scene III)
The Duke is talking to Brabantio, Othello, and Desdemona. He is merely attempting to alleviate the relationship between Brabantio and his daughter and Othello. Holding onto a grudge is useless and the people need to move on!
4. “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.” (Act I, Scene I)
Roderigo and Iago are talking about Othello and Desdemona. Iago is saying that he will do what is necessary to accomplish his goals. This quote shows the reader that Iago is not to be trusted and Roderigo is quite naïve.
5. “T’is neither here nor there.” (Act IV, Scene III)
Emilia and Desdemona are discussing marriage and Emilia is expressing how it does not matter to her.
6. “Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?” (Act IV, Scene III)
Emilia is essentially saying that she would cheat on her husband if there was something to be gained.This makes Desdemona look all the more innocent.
7. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” (Act V, Scene II)
This line occurs towards the end of the play after Desdemona is dead and Othello is soon to die too. Had Othello never kissed her to begin with, she never would have ended up dead. His suicide and last kiss with her is his own way to cope with the situation.
8. “I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live, For in my sense ‘tis happiness to die.” (Act V, Scne II)
This quote goes along closely with #7. Othello is explaining how he wants Iago to live, for to Othello, death will bring him happiness.
9. “O, devil, devil! If that the Earth could teem with women’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!” (Act IV, Scene I)
Othello is explaining how one could cry all day, yet they won’t believe he is sad.
10. “He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest but that seem to be so, and will astenderly be led by th' nose as asses are.” (Act I, Scene III)
Iago is saying this to Roderigo. He’s saying how Cassio is a smooth-talker and good looking, while honest-appearing men are typically honest. Help from the devil will be needed to complete this evil plan.
Rist 2
1. “Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” (Act 5 Scene 2) Othello convinces himself to kill Desdemona despite his love for her. He will not let her betray more men even though she has not betrayed anyone.
2. "I am one, sir, who comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs." (Act 1 Scene 1) Here, Iago is telling Brabantio that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. Iago is hiding to keep his identity from Brabantio.
3. ”And so much duty that my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord.” (Act 1 Scene 3) Desdemona is defending Othello while speaking to her father. She is saying that she prefers Othello before her father, taking after her mother.
4. ”O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; but O, what damned minutes tells he o'er who dotes, yet doubts; suspects, yet strongly loves!” (Act 3 Scene 3) Iago is trying to convince Othello that he will be unhappy to worship Desdemona, who is not faithful.
5. “If it were now to die, 'twere now to be most happy, for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate.” (Act 2 Scene 1) This is somewhat foreshadowing. Othello's whole identity and happiness is so wrapped up in his love for Desdemona that, if it should unravel, fate would be most distressing, even tragic!
6. ”I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” (Act 5 Scene 2) Othello kissed Desdemona before he killed her, so now he’s kissing her while he kills himself.
7. ”O, devil, devil! If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!” (Act 4 Scene 1) In this line, Othello is accusing Desdemona of lying. Othello is so worried about what Iago has told him, that he cannot even believe his own wife.
8. “I am not sorry neither. I'd have thee live, for in my sense 'tis happiness to die.” (Act 5 Scene 2) Othello says this after unsuccessfully attempting to kill Iago. For Othello, death is happiness.
9. ”Not I. I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly.” (Act 1 Scene 2) Othello believes his innocence will protect him so he waits for Brabantio to find him.
10. ”He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest but that seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by th' nose as asses are.” (Act 1 Scene 3) Iago is scheming and plotting against Othello. He says Othello thinks any man who seems honest, is honest.
Herrick 5
I am going to be honest; I think Shakespheare’s works are to read. With the help of my classmates and watching the movie, it became easier to understand. My quotes go from 1 is the best to 10 is the last best.
Act IV Scene III, “No, by this heavenly light! Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do ‘t as well I’ the dark” Emilia is talking to Desdemona about how she would not cheat on her husband in the light/day but she may cheat on him if it was dark and behind is back. I just think it is a funny quote given the time period.
Act II Scene III, “Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment” I enjoyed this quote because I found it interesting how a man amongst his friends would refuse an alcoholic beverage, especially during a party.
Act I Scene I, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” This is an old way of saying, a black man is having sex with your innocent daughter. I just thought it was a funny way of saying it without saying it bluntly.
Act V Scene II pg: 86, “Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man: He says thou told’st him that his wife was false: I know thou didst not, thou ‘rt not such a villain. Speak, for my heart is full.” This is the point in the story where Emilia discovers that her husband used her to take the handkerchief and ruin the marriage of Desdemona and Othello.
Act V Scene II pg: 87, “O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of I found by fortune and did give my husband; For often with a solemn earnestness, More than indeed belong’d to such a trifle, He begg’d of me to steal it.” This is when Emilia tells Othello that she took the handkerchief because her husband wanted it, and that she never wanted to do any harm. She thought she would be more loved by Iago if she got it for him. She was sadly wrong.
Act V Scene II pg: 89, “ I bleed, sir, but not kill’d. I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; For, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” Othello is telling Iago that it is happiness to die and so he wants Iago to live so he can suffer just as much as Othello has.
Act II Scene I pg: 26, “The heavens forbit but that our loves and comforts should increase, even as our days do grow.” This quote shows the love and faith Desdemona has toward Othello.
Act II Scene III pg: 35, “I know, Iago, thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; but never more be officer of mine.” He is saying that Cassio has made himself a fool tonight, and that he still loves him as a brother, but Othello cannot have him as an officer anymore.
Act V Scene II pg: 91, “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello feels sorry for killing his wife without knowing the facts. He would rather kill himself with one last kiss from Desdemona.
Act II Scene I pg 25, This quote is rather long, but it is in the center of the page. This quote is Iago describing the perfect woman to Desdemona. I believe that this happened to make her start thinking she wasn’t a good wife anymore.
10. “My spirit and my place have in them power to make this bitter to thee.” Brabantio. Pg. 4 This is when Brabantio feels threatened by Rodrigo because he is telling him something was stolen from him. He tells Rodrigo that his power as a senator could destroy him. Rodrigo only pushes this aside to continue Iago’s cunning plan.
9. “My parts, my title and my perfect soul, shall manifest me rightly.” Othello pg. 7 Othello has just gotten married and Iago is telling him that he should go see his men. They however come to him and Othello says that they will think of him as they always have.
8. “Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers into your favor…” Duke pg. 15 This is the Duke trying to calm things down. He just said that he would punish the person who stole his daughter, but he found out it was his general and that he did it fairly so he is trying to keep the peace with this line.
7. “The tyrant custom, most grave senators, hath made the flinty and steel couch of war my thrice-driven bed of down…” Othello pg 16 The senators are telling Othello that he needs to go to war again and he tells them back that this is how his life has always been and that he will deliver like he always had.
6. “the affair cries haste, and speed must answer’t” Duke pg 17 The Duke now says that Othello must leave and go to war in Cyprus. It is just said in a very neat way.
5. “Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” Iago pg 20 This is the end of Iago’s little rant. He says his plan and then ends with a quote that means chaos must ensue to finish this plan of mine.
4. “He hath achieved a maid that paragons description and wild fame;…” Cassio pg 22 This is Cassio talking about Othello and Desdemona and how beautiful she is and how lucky Othello is to have her.
3. “The riches of the ship is come on shore! Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees.” Cassio pg 23 Cassio, again, can not stop talking about Desdemona’s beauty. It is a bit ridiculous this time and definitely makes me think that he wants her for his own.
2. “You are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds.” Iago pg 24 Iago is now joking about how girly Desdemona and Emilia are. Desdemona however does not take this well. She just about slaps him and is totally upset.
Tew 2
1. “She never yet was foolish that was fair; for even her folly help’d her to an heir” Iago pg 24 Emilia asks how a woman would get along if she was pretty but stupid, Iago says that that has never happened because anything she does will get her a child.
Larson 1
“Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence…He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.” This is the first of my favorite Othello quotes. The Duke speaks this chunk of dialogue to Brabantio (Act I Scene III) in regards to Desdemona’s elopement. I find this piece to be very humorous, as the Duke tells Brabantio not to worry about griefs that have already passed. Brabantio’s response is my favorite part of this. He responds that he doesn’t think the Duke would be so gracious if Cyprus were stolen from him… The dialogue is also interesting because the whole piece rhymes. It is particularly pretty English used in reference to a particularly painful experience.
“Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” This may be a little cliché because we’ve discussed this quote at great length. It remains one of my favorite comments made by the Duke, however (Act I Scene III). The Duke is shown to be quite a progressive character through this quote, advising Brabantio that Othello will make quite a good son-in-law. I wonder also if this is a Shakespearean lesson, as I don’t buy that he is a racist.
“My life upon her faith!” Othello begins his marriage to Desdemona trusting her wholeheartedly. Brabantio plants the first seed of doubt in Othello when he warns Othello that Desdemona may betray him as she has betrayed Brabantio. This quote shows that Othello and Desdemona could have had a very successful and happy life together had everyone stayed out of their relationship.
“Hell and night/Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” Iago’s deepest darkest person is revealed in this quote for the first time (Act I Scene III). Iago is soliciting the devil’s help in bringing the mayhem and chaos he seeks into the lives of good people. He is completely and utterly forward with the audience about his intentions.
“Iago is most honest.” This quote is spoken by Othello in regards to his dear ensign (Act II Scene III). It illustrates how completely Othello is fooled by Iago’s act. He trusts Iago completely, and believes that Iago has his back completely. This quote is one of many.
“Ay, past all surgery.” Michael Cassio discusses his misfortunes with Iago through this quote. He has been disgraced in front of Othello, and Iago is there at just the right moment to comfort and advise him. Cassio has lost his reputation of goodness because he can’t hold his liquor. This scene begins Iago’s treacherous plan involving Cassio getting too close to Desdemona. If any of these characters had been straightforward with the person they were in conflict with this all could have been avoided and Iago would have been found to be the common denominator.
Arrowsmith 5
As with all of Shakespeare’s writing, to find the meaning of his words at first glance can sometimes be difficult. For some, you need to look deeper to find the important, true meaning.
10. Act III Scene III “thou hast set me on the rack: I swear’t is better to be much abused than but to know’t a little.” Othello is saying he would rather have Desdemona cheat on him and not know about it than her cheat on him and know about it. What you do not know will not hurt you.
9. Act III Scene III “ By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” This shows that Iago’s tricks and mind games are taking their toll on Othello making him question everything he thought true before.
8. Act III Scene III “ All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ‘t is gone.” Othello is saying all his love for the world, life, and Desdemona is gone.
7. Act I Scene III, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.” Here Desdemona tells her father that she still loves him, but also Othello.
6. Act V, Scene II, "Put out the light, and then put out the light." Othello says this cheesy line right as he blows out the last candle in the room and then kills Desdemona.
5. Act I, Scene III "She has deceived her father, and may thee." Iago plants his devious plan into Othello’s mind of Desdemona’s “disloyalty”.
4. Act I Scene III “Your son-in-law is far more far than black.” This line from the Duke is one of my favorite from the play. He basically says just because Othello is black, does not mean he is a bad guy.
3. Act I Scene III “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio warns Othello that if Desdemona could betray him, then she could betray Othello, foreshadowing the rest of the play.
2. Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” This line sums up everything about envy, and is an excellent line.
1. Act V, Scene II "Killing myself, to do upon a kiss." This line is the last thing Othello says before killing himself. His last thing he ever did in this world was kiss the woman he loved…or is it loves?
Etrheim 5
Below is a list ranking my top ten favorite lines beginning with my tenth favorite and leading up to my favorite in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice.
10.) Act V Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Shakespeare uses a great euphemism to tell the readers of Desdemona’s eventual death.
9.) Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” Iago tells Othello the dangers of jealousy here. This is ironic of Iago to say as his number one weapon throughout the play was to create jealousy in Othello.
8.) Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago admits that he is not an honest man from the very beginning of the play. He foreshadows the foul acts that he will commit.
7.) Act I Scene III, “Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands.” Early in the play, the Duke advises that Brabantio just accepts Othello as his new son-in-law with his marriage of Desdemona.
6.) Act V Scene I, "O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!" After being stabbed by Iago, Roderigo curses Iago for betraying him. He calls Iago inhuman—the perfect word to describe this villain.
5.) Act III, Scene III, “I had rather be a toad, and live upon the vapour of a dungeon, than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses.” These metaphors are great in showing what Othello would rather do than watch Desdemona cheat on him.
4.) Act I Scene I, "This accident is not unlike my dream, Belief of it oppresses me already. Light, I say, light!" Brabantio tells the reader how serious the situation of his missing daughter is.
3.) Act I Scene III, "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." Brabantio tells Othello that Desdemona has tricked him and could do the same to Othello as well. This statement creates paranoia within Othello—especially with Iago’s dishonest voice in his ear at all times.
2.) Act V Scene II, "Killing myself, to do upon a kiss." Othello realizes that Desdemona was innocent all along and he was tricked by his “friend” Iago. Othello kills himself and dies shortly after kissing his wife for the last time.
1.) Act V Scene I, “This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago tells the audience that this is the night where all of the remaining action is going to go down. Shakespeare writes this brilliantly in rhyme.
Albertson 5
10. Iago - Act I, Scene I: "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago is spelling out his own underhandedness toward Othello to Roderigo, but poor Roderigo does not realize that he himself is being deceived by Iago.
9. Brabantio – Act I, Scene III: “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: / She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Desdemona’s own father plants the first seed of doubt in Othello. He says that if his daughter would lie to him, then she may lie to Othello too.
8. Duke – Act I, Scene III: “The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief.” In context of the discussion of eloping, the Duke urges Brabantio not to worry about something that he doesn’t have control over.
7. Othello – Act I, Scene III: “It is most true; true, I have married her: / The very head and front of my offending / Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, / And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace” Othello admits to taking away Brabantio’s daughter, but he humbles himself by saying that he is not a good speaker and knows only of battle. It’s ironic because he says this is Shakespeare fashion.
6. Iago – Act III, Scene III: “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” Because of his reputation, I wonder if Shakespeare was the one who coined the phrase. Here Iago warns Othello about jealousy, but that’s exactly what Iago wants Othello to be: jealous.
5. Emilia – Act III, Scene IV: “'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: / They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; / To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, / They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!” This is just a neat analogy by Emilia to Desdemona that I enjoy.
4. Othello – Act IV, Scene I: “If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears, / Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.” Desdemona has done nothing wrong but Othello strikes her. He says that if the whole world was made of women’s tears, Desdemona’s would be crocodiles.
3. Emilia – Act IV, Scene III: “The world's a huge thing: it is a great price. / For a small vice.” Desdemona is appalled that any woman would cheat on her husband, but Emilia humorously admits her price.
2. Othello – Act V, Scene I: “Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted; /
Thy bed, lust-stain'd, shall with lust's blood be spotted.” After Cassio is attacked Othello goes on his way to murder Desdemona. He says their bed, lust-stained, will soon be stained with her blood.
1. Othello - Act V, Scene II: "Put out the light, and then put out the light." Othello will put out the light of the candle, and then Desdemona’s light. Simple and terrifying.
Coyle 2
Othello is a magnificent play and one of my favorites that we have read thus far. I must say that selecting just ten quotes was difficult, but arranging them in order of favorites was exceedingly hard.
1. “And so much duty as my mother show’d/ To you, preferring you before her father, / so much I challenge that I may profess/ Due to the moor my lord” (Desdemona to Brabantio Act 1 scene 3 p 15)
This quote clearly demonstrates Desdemona’s cleverness. She uses the example of her mother’s affection and obedience to Brabantio and likens it to her own choice to remain more loyal and obedient to her husband Othello, than to her father.
2. “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, / your son-in-law is far more fair than black” (Duke to Brabantio Act 1 scene 3 p 18)
The Duke is trying to convince Brabantio that Othello, although different and therefore frightening, is not evil as Brabantio assumes, but is in fact more good than bad.
3. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see/ she has deceived her father, and may thee” (Brabantio to Othello, Act 1 scene 3, p 18)
This quote is particularly important because Brabantio is unknowingly planting the seed of doubt that Iago will later nurture into full blown distrust. This is what I would consider to be the crisis because had Brabantio not said this, it is unlikely that Iago’s plan would have worked as well.
4. “O, beware my lord of jealousy; / it is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / the meat it feeds on:” (Iago to Othello, Act 3 scene 3 p.46)
The green eyed monster of jealousy has become a very popular way to describe it and was in fact coined by Shakespeare himself, although not in Othello but rather in his play The Merchant of Venice.
5. “My life upon her faith” (Othello to Iago, Act 1 scene 3 p 18)
This quote shows just how trusting Othello is of his wife. He clearly feels that he could trust her with anything, including his life. Of course, this feeling doesn’t last long, especially after he is infected with the parasite of doubt.
6. "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at". (Othello Act I, Scene I).
The phrase “wear my heart on my sleeve” has become very popular in modern society with its meaning of openly showing your emotions for all to see.
7. "The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief". (Othello Act I, Scene III).
This quote is very poetic. It states that that if the person that is being robbed can smile, he would be stealing the satisfaction of the thief.
8. “It makes us or it mars us.” (Iago to Roderigo, Act V, Scene I)
Iago is telling Roderigo that killing Cassio will either make them or break them.
9. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” (Othello, Act I, Scene II)
Othello tells the men not to fight because he will make quick work of them and their swords will lie in the grass on which the dew will collect and therefore rust them.
10. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls:
Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.
(Iago to Othello, Act III, Scene III)
This quote demonstrates just how important reputation was during that time period.
Svartoien 7
Iago - “We connot all be masters, nor all masters / cannot truly be followed.” (Act I, Scene I)
I love this quote because as he is simply talking, Iago drops some major wisdom bombs, and this is one. Not everyone can be a leader, and not all those in leading positions have the power to lead. When I read this, it seemed like a verse from Proverbs—just a random piece of life knowledge. That is why it shocks me that Iago is saying it, as he is the source of all evil deeds, thoughts and schemes in this play.
Iago - “That doting on his own obsequious bondage / wears out his time, much like his master’s ass.” (Act I, Scene I)
The reading the procedes this talks of servants who work their whole lives only to be fired in old age. This quote itself is saying that they should be beaten for being so stupid and not using wit to make their situation better.
Iago - “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty.” (Act I, Scene I)
This is insanely ironic! Iago is saying that heavan is his judge…but if that is so, then he shall surely not enter! His actions manifest evil while showing honest and good intent.
Iago - “But I will wear my heart upon my sleve / For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.” (Act I, Scene I)
I simply like this because “I will wear my heart on my sleve” I common english and when I read that, it didn’t sound like Chinese!
Iago - “Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, / Yet throw such changes fo vexation on it / As it may loose some coulor.” (Act I, Scene I)
This is worded beautifully, and I like that he spells color like the British do.
Rodrego - “We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs.”
I really just like that Shakespear said “saucy!”
Brabantio- “O heaven! Gow got she out? O treason of the blood! / Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters’ minds.”
Okay, this is rediculous! Brabantio locked her up and then he’s mad at her for letting his “trust” down? He didn’t even give her room to make her own mistakes and discisions! Of COURSE she’s going to act out!
Cassio- “Reputation, repution, reputation! O, I have lsot my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remainns is bestial.”
It is amazing how long it takes to build something, and how quickly it can be destroyed. Reputation is a beautiful example of this.
Iago- “Our general’s wife is now the general…confess yourself freely to her.”
This quote outlines the epitome of Iago’s schemes.
Othello- “She’s gone; I am abused, and my relief / Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage.”
I was amused that the hatred of marrage can be traced back to media from four hundred years ago. While it is certainly more promonate now, it clearly has been around a while now.
Note: I appologize for mispellings; my spell check was not working.
Andersen
Period 2
These are the quotes that I find to be the most beautiful.
10. Act 1 Scene 3 “And so much duty that my mother showed To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I many profess Due to the Moor my lord.” I love this quote because Desdemona is speaking of the truth and standing up to what she believes and not giving into her father just because that is what is expected of her.
9. Act 3 Scene 3 “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meet it feeds on.” I find this on intriguing because Iago is warning Othello of jealousy and because I think it is something we all need to be reminded of.
8. Act 2 Scene 3 “Iago is most honest.” I like this one because of the irony. Iago is the farthest thing from honest and yet it is said that he most honest.
7. Act 5 Scene 2 “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” This quote has a deeper meaning that what is read. It is figuratively and literally as Othello puts the light out and then kills Desdemona putting out her light.
6. Act 5 Scene 2 “So sweet was ne’er so fatal.” It seems as if Shakespeare is saying that the sweetest person dies the most fatal talking about Desdemona’s death.
5. Act 5 Scene 2 “This sorrow’s heavenly” I like this one because I do not usually think of sorrow as heavenly, especially not a death, but for the person dead, it is heavenly.
4. Act 1 Scene 1 “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.” This is a simple message said by Iago that is intriguing because he openly admits that he is deceiving.
3. Act 1 Scene 1 “You are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you.” This one shows how evil Iago is.
2. Act 2 Scene 3 “I protest, in those sincerity of love and honest kindness.” I like this one because it comes from Iago.
1. Act 2 Scene 3 “But men are men; the best sometimes forget.” This quote says that everyone forgets and does the wrong thing sometimes, but we are all human.
My top ten quotes in no particular order from Othello are as follows. Though there are many more that are great quotes, these are the quotes I wished to have in my list.
1. Othello: I have ta’en away this old man’s daughter. Here Othello is proclaiming that he has married Desdemona, but will not apologize to anyone for their love. not even Brabantio.
2. Iago: What, are you hurt, lieutenant?
Cassio: Ay, passed all surgery. In this instant Cassio has realized how damaging his actions have been for his reputation probably for the rest of his life.
3. Othello: I am not valiant neither, but every puny whisper gets my sword: But why should honor outlive honesty? Let it all go. Othello is realizing how devastatingly wrong he was and he sees the consequences of his actions. Othello believe that he is no longer worthy of anything anymore.
4. Emilia: 'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food;... Here Emilia is speaking down about men and how they are basically disgusting. She means they use women for their own ends and do not care about anything else but their own vices.
5. Emilia: O thou dull Moor! that handkerchief thou speak'st of I found by fortune and did give my husband;... I selected this quote because here Iago is finally revealed for what he is and can get his just desserts from the character he has been manipulating the longest.
She give it Cassio! no, alas! I found it, And I did give't my husband. I selected this quote because here Iago is finally revealed for what he is and can get his just desserts from the character he has been manipulating the longest.
6. Desdemona: but here's my husband, And so much duty as my mother show'd
To you, preferring you before her father… Here Desdemona is telling here father that she realizes that he has done much for him, but now she is moving on to another stage in her life. This she does if front of many people after he said it could not be true.
7. Lodovico:What, strike his wife! Lodovico is one of the only characters that remains wholly good throughout the play. In this moment, he is standing up for Desdemona against Othello.
8. Lodovico: Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth. Here Iago is beat and all of his lies come out.
9.Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock… I like this quote because it is applicable to real life and many situations. Everyone gets jealous and everyone lets it get out of control sometimes.
10. Iago: I am your own forever. This is indicative of Iago’s entire character. He is saying something completely sincere, but meaning absolutely nothing by it. Everyone trusts him, but he has no morals.
THat last caomment was by Bakke 7
Beckman 1
There are many beautiful lines to choose from in Othello but I did my best to pick my top ten in the order I found most fitting for myself.
1. “Come hither gentle mistress: Do you perceive in all this noble company where most you owe obedience?” Brabantio Act I Scene III, Brabantio is asking his daughter who she will be faithful to—her father, who raised her, or her new husband, that her father does not approve of.
2. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father and may thee.” Brabantio Act I Scene III, Brabantio feels that Desdemona has betrayed her and is warning Othello that she will betray him too because if she can do it to her own flesh and blood why would she not be able to betray Othello.
3. “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” Duke Act I Scene III, the Duke is trying to convince Barbantio to look past the color of Othello’s skin and see him for his character rather than his color.
4. “My life upon her faith!” Othello Act I Scene III, Othello informs the audience that he completely trusts his wife—with his life.
5. “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meet it feeds on.” Iago Act III Scene III, Iago is warning Othello of the dangers of becoming too jealous, even though Iago wants Othello to be jealous because it’s exactly what he has had planned all along.
6. “Think on thy sins.” Othello Act V Scene III, Othello is telling Desdemona to think about her sins (with Cassio) but it’s ironic because Othello is about to commit the biggest sin of his life based entirely upon a lie he was told.
7. “If e’ver my will did trespass ‘gainst his love either in discourse of thought or actual deed, or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, delighted them in any other form, or that I do not yet, and ever did, and ever will though he do shake me off to beggarly divorcement, love him dearly, comfort forswear me!” Desdemona Act IV Scene II, Desdemona is stating the fact that she has never cheated, never considered it, and never would. She then says that she will always love Othello.
8. “I swear it be better to be much abused than but to know ‘t a little.” Othello Act III Scene III, Othello thinks that it is better to know the entire truth (or what he’s come to believe as the truth from Iago) and be upset by it than to not know the truth and live in a fake happiness.
9. “Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, but I do love thee! And when I love thee not, chaos is come again.” Othello Act III Scene III, I found this to be a little foreshadowing because by the end Othello believes that Desdemona does not love him as much as he loves her and everything becomes chaotic when he decides the only thing left to do is kill his wife, and once that happens two more people (for sure) end up dying then too.
10. “But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.” Iago Act II Scene I, I love the imagery that this line eludes to and how you can almost see Iago acting as a puppeteer. Then it’s just funny and ironic that he calls himself honest when he is clearly the most deceitful person in the entire play.
Tripp 7
Shakespeare writing is filled with beautiful language. In The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice, beautiful and familiar language is abundant. Starting from my tenth favorite and moving to my favorite, here is a list of my top ten choices for most beautiful language.
10. Act V Scene I, “This is the night / That either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago tells the audience about how this is the night that will either make him or break him.
9. Act V Scene I, “O damn’d Iago! O inhuman dog!” At this point, Roderigo is upset with Iago just after having been stabbed by him.
8. Act V Scene II, “I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; / For, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” Here, Othello is explaining how he would rather Iago live because he feels as though dying would bring Iago the most happiness in the end.
7. Act I Scene III, “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” This quote is by the Duke when talking to Brabantio. He is saying that Othello is much more than just a black man and Brabantio should be grateful that Desdemona has chosen such a brave and honorable warrior.
6. Act IV Scene I, “If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, / Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. / Out of my sight!” This marks the point where Othello is confronting Desdemona about Cassio. He is basically saying that she is faking the tears that she is crying and he does not want to deal with her.
5. Act III Scene III, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; / It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on:” Iago is trying to explain to Othello that he must not become jealous of the things he has just told him (about Desdemona and Cassio). He warns Othello that the jealous one becomes the meat on which jealousy feeds.
4. Act I Scene I, “But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at:” Iago is talking to Roderigo at this point and telling him that he will “wear his heart on his sleeve” or that he will do whatever is necessary to help Roderigo get Desdemona.
3. Act V Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light:” Othello is about to kill Desdemona at this point and is using a major euphemism to talk about the killing of Desdemona.
2. Act I Scene III, “My life upon her faith!” This is Othello exclaiming his love for Desdemona and saying that he is certain that she will be faithful to him and therefore putting his life on her faith is no big deal.
1. Act I Scene III, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: / She has deceived her father, and may thee.” This quote comes just before the last quote and is Brabantio telling Othello that he had better be careful because Desdemona deceived him and will do the same to Othello.
Shakespearean literature is one of the most beautiful types of literature. With this beauty comes confusion at times. As we heard from Professor Hicks, Shakespeare is the mastermind behind some of the great phrases around that world. That is why it is important to study and try to understand what is being said. I have found ten sections of literature that I find very important, but somewhat difficult to understand in the text.
10. “I am not what I am.” Iago- Act I, Scene I—Iago is speaking to Roderigo and explaining to him that even though it seems as if he is faithful to Othello, he has other intentions.
9. “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty.” Iago- Act I, Scene I—Iago is saying that even though he is under the rule of Othello, he will not comply with him completely. He is only judged by God. He takes this idea very lightly.
8. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” Othello- Act 1, Scene II—Othello says this to Brabantio and his followers. He means that he does not want to have a violent confrontation with them. It also is saying that Othello is far superior to them and if they fight, he would win and the dew would rust their swords on the ground.
7. “She that I spake of, the great captain’s captain.” Cassio- Act II, Scene I—Cassio is talking about Desdemona and how she controls Othello, as he would do anything for her.
6. “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Iago- Act III, Scene III—Iago is warning Othello of jealousy that he is feeling. It is ironic because his whole plan of Othello’s downfall is based on jealousy.
5. “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Othello- Act V, Scene II—Othello is talking to himself as he is about to kill Desdemona. He wants to put her light out before it can be extinguished by rumors and gossip.
4. “I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello.” Othello- Act IV, Scene II—Othello tells this to Desdemona. He is so shaken by what he thinks that he has no sympathy for her or her feelings. He lets his anger get the best of him.
3. “Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me/ For making him egregiously an ass.” Iago- Act II, Scene I—In an aside to the audience, Iago makes it clear that his plan is to deceive Othello while acting like they are on the same side.
2. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." Brabantio- Act I, Scene III—Brabantio gives a word of warning to Othello about his daughter. It foreshadows what is to come although Desdemona is honest and has nothing to do with the events that take place.
1. “This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago- Act IV, Scene I—Iago knows that at this is a make or break moment is his plan. If it doesn’t work, he will go down faster that Othello.
Volk 5
Shakespearean literature is one of the most beautiful types of literature. With this beauty comes confusion at times. As we heard from Professor Hicks, Shakespeare is the mastermind behind some of the great phrases around that world. That is why it is important to study and try to understand what is being said. I have found ten sections of literature that I find very important, but somewhat difficult to understand in the text.
10. “I am not what I am.” Iago- Act I, Scene I—Iago is speaking to Roderigo and explaining to him that even though it seems as if he is faithful to Othello, he has other intentions.
9. “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty.” Iago- Act I, Scene I—Iago is saying that even though he is under the rule of Othello, he will not comply with him completely. He is only judged by God. He takes this idea very lightly.
8. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” Othello- Act 1, Scene II—Othello says this to Brabantio and his followers. He means that he does not want to have a violent confrontation with them. It also is saying that Othello is far superior to them and if they fight, he would win and the dew would rust their swords on the ground.
7. “She that I spake of, the great captain’s captain.” Cassio- Act II, Scene I—Cassio is talking about Desdemona and how she controls Othello, as he would do anything for her.
6. “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Iago- Act III, Scene III—Iago is warning Othello of jealousy that he is feeling. It is ironic because his whole plan of Othello’s downfall is based on jealousy.
5. “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Othello- Act V, Scene II—Othello is talking to himself as he is about to kill Desdemona. He wants to put her light out before it can be extinguished by rumors and gossip.
4. “I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello.” Othello- Act IV, Scene II—Othello tells this to Desdemona. He is so shaken by what he thinks that he has no sympathy for her or her feelings. He lets his anger get the best of him.
3. “Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me/ For making him egregiously an ass.” Iago- Act II, Scene I—In an aside to the audience, Iago makes it clear that his plan is to deceive Othello while acting like they are on the same side.
2. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." Brabantio- Act I, Scene III—Brabantio gives a word of warning to Othello about his daughter. It foreshadows what is to come although Desdemona is honest and has nothing to do with the events that take place.
1. “This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago- Act IV, Scene I—Iago knows that at this is a make or break moment is his plan. If it doesn’t work, he will go down faster that Othello.
Backer 2
The following list contains what I feel are the most important quotes in Shakespeare’s Othello. They each are creatively composed and possess a deeper meaning.
10. Act II Scene III Othello: “Iago is most honest” I mainly enjoy this quote because of the irony it contains. Those who know anything about the story of Othello know that Iago is anything but honest.
9. Act l Scene lll, “My life upon her faith” Othello says this after his talk with Brabantio. Unlike Brabantio, Othello feels that he can completely trust Desdemona. I find it ironic how he can say this, but be persuaded by Iago’s lies later in the play.
8. Act I Scene III, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.” Desdemona speaks these words to her father in hopes that he will understand that she owes her loyalty to someone else now too. As much as she wants to remain loyal and obedient to her father, she must put Othello first.
7. Act I Scene III, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio tells Othello that Desdemona cannot be trusted. She already betrayed her own father.
6. Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." From the very beginning, Iago points out that he is not the person he claims himself to be.
5. Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” Iago provides Othello with advice that he himself should take into account.
4. Act V Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Shakespeare cleverly uses an euphemism to describe Desdemona’s death.
3. Act ll Scene lll, “But men are men; the best sometimes forget.” Iago states that even the best of men are capable of making mistakes.
2. Act I Scene III, “To mourn a mischief that is past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on.” Duke wisely tells Brabantio, Othello, and Desdemona that they need to leave their past behind and move on. There are far more pressing matters at hand.
1. Act l Scene lll, “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” Duke tells Brabantio to look past Othello’s color. He basically tells Brabantio to give Othello a clean slate and believe that he is better than what others portray him as. A surprising statement due to the time period.
Myrlie 2
Percy
Ten of my favorite quotes from Othello (in no particular order) are listed below. Included is a brief summary of my interpretation.
1. “Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” Iago, Act 1 Scene 1
Desdemona and Othello have been married. Othello is black, therefore a marriage with a white women could never be accepted. The beast is oddly formed resembling the false sense of unity.
2. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” Othello, Act 1 Scene 1
Othello confronts Brabantio who wants to fight. Othello is saying if they choose to fight him, he will kill all of them and the swords will fall in the grass and rust.
3. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio, Act 1 Scene 3
Brabantio is foreshadowing that Desdemona will soon forsake Othello. She has deceived her father by marring a black man, Othello, and it is in her nature to continue to con with people closest to her.
4. “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving.” Iago, Act 2 Scene 3
Iago says that reputation is of nothing importance since Cassio has just lost his rank. He is hoping to ruin the marriage between Othello and Desdemona. Iago cares less about his own rank than he does about others. He is always trying to degrade people for no reward to him.
5. “Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!” Iago Act3 Scene 3
I find this quote to be extremely ironic. Iago is saying that a man should be truthful otherwise he is not a man at all. This quote goes nicely with the epithet of honest Iago.
6. “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” Iago Act 3 Scene 3
Iago is bringing up jealousy to Othello. Othello has not really started to become jealous but he is starting to dig deeper into the relationship of Cassio and Desdemona. I think this moment in the play is crucial. Iago plants the seed of jealousy inside of Othello.
7. “If she be false, O! then heaven mocks itself. I'll not believe't.” Othello, Act 3 Scene 3
Iago has just told Othello that Desdemona has been unjust to him and their marriage. He automatically denies it because he believes she is heavenly.
8. “Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed.” Iago, Act 4 Scene 1
This is also a very important moment in the play. Iago gives Othello the method of killing. To me, it almost seems that Iago is of higher rank than Othello. Iago has Othello tied around his finger and all Iago has to do is to say the word and it is done.
9. “O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!” Roderigo, Act 5 Scene 1
Roderigo has finally understood what Iago’s plan has been.
10. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello, Act 5 Scene 2
This quote is Othello’s last words. He cannot go on living knowing that Desdemona did nothing wrong and that he has been tricked into killing her by Iago.
Breitzman 1
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the best playwright of all-time. His intricately worded and complex works of literature are famous for their eloquence, cleverness, and beauty. My list of the Top 10 best lines in Othello, The Tragedy of the Moor of Venice is as follows:
10. Act 1, Scene 3, spoken by Desdemona: “That I did love the Moor to live with him.” In this line, Desdemona discusses how she really, truly does love Othello despite their racial differences and she will live with her husband no matter what her father thinks of their marriage. Desdemona words this in a very eloquent way, however.
9. Act 5, Scene 2, spoken by Othello: “…Yet I’ll not shed her blood, nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow and smooth as monumental alabaster. Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Though this line is quite morbid, as Othello is discussing the manner in which he will kill Desdemona, I find the phrasing to be very fluid. Othello is saying that he won’t murder his wife by making her shed any blood or carving into that beautiful white skin; rather, he will kill her using a method that puts out her candle/fire and prevents her from cheating with any other men in the future.
8. Act 3, Scene 3, spoken by Othello: “I think thou dost. And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty and weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath, Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more. For such things in a false disloyal knave are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just they are close dilations, working from the heart, that passion cannot rule.” Othello is stating in this paragraph that he believes Iago because, in Othello’s mind, Iago is a good and decent man. Othello truly believes that Iago is honest, though readers know otherwise. If Iago were a liar and full of trickery and deceit, however, Othello would think differently.
7. Act 1, Scene 3, spoken by Brabantio: “A maiden never bold,
Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion
Blushed at herself. And she, in spite of nature,
Of years, of country, credit, everything,
To fall in love with what she feared to look on?
It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect
That will confess perfection so could err.
Against all rules of nature, and must be driven
To find out practices of cunning hell
Why this should be. I therefore vouch again
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood
Or with some dram, conjured to this effect,
He wrought upon her.” In this line, Brabantio is conveying his disgust with his daughter for marrying Othello. Brabantio talks about how is daughter is quiet, sweet, and obedient, and how someone as perfect as Desdemona would never be foolish enough to marry someone as “repulsive” as Othello.
6. Act 3, Scene 4, spoken by Desdemona: “Who, he? I think the sun where he was born drew all such humors from him.” Desdemona is speaking about Othello’s rumored jealousy and she basically states that she doesn’t think he could be jealous because all jealous tendencies would have burned out by the sun of his native land. She is essentially saying that jealousy would have been sunburned out of him by the sun of Africa. I found this line to be quite comical and it provided Desdemona with a moment of humor.
5. Act 4, Scene 1, spoken by Lodovico: “Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature
Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue
The shot of accident nor dart of chance
Could neither graze nor pierce?” I found this line to be particularly interesting because in it, Lodovico kind of calls Othello out on his suspected jealousy. Lodovico is basically questioning Othello’s previous moral integrity by saying, “Is this the same man who never becomes emotionally strained or rattled and always keeps his cool?” It appears that Lodovico suspects something has occurred between Othello and Desdemona.
BREITZMAN 1 CONT'D
4. Act 2 Scene 1, spoken by Iago: “O, you are well-tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.” This line speaks volumes to me because it shows how evil Iago truly is. He sees Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio as not only pawns in his schemes, but also instruments. He is playing them like strings and orchestrating a grand scheme to destroy their lives, with that scheme being comparable to music.
3. Act 5, Scene 2, spoken by Lodovico: “O Spartan dog,
More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,
Let it be hid.—Gratiano, keep the house
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor,
For they succeed on you.—To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain:
The time, the place, the torture. Oh, enforce it!
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.” I find this line to be powerful because Lodovico is publicly chastising Iago for his despicable behavior. He is calling him a scoundrel and also informing Gratiano that he has inherited the property. Lodovico is also placing authority on Cassio and notifying him that he has the authority to decide what punishment Iago receives. I like this line because Shakespeare phrases it in a way that makes it sound less harsh, even though Lodovico is being incredibly hard on Iago.
2. Act 1, Scene 3, spoken by Brabantio: “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio is telling Othello to be careful of Desdemona, for she is not as sweet as she seems. She has betrayed him, her father, by marrying a black man and she will cheat on Othello as well. This is foreshadowing because, though Desdemona did not actually commit adultery, this conversation plays into Othello’s mind when Iago is spinning his web of lies about Desdemona.
1. Act 4, Scene 3, spoken by Emilia: “And pour our treasures into foreign laps,
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,
Throwing restraint upon us. Or say they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite.
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know
Their wives have sense like them. They see and smell
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. What is it that they do
When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is. And doth affection breed it?
I think it doth. Is ’t frailty that thus errs?
It is so too. And have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?
Then let them use us well, else let them know,
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.” I find this speech by Emilia to be the best set of lines in the entire play. Emilia and Desdemona are having a discussion about adultery and Emilia is giving her opinion on why husbands treat their wives they do. She is basically talking from a feminist perspective by saying that men should not be as controlling over their wives and should start treating their ladies like people. I feel that Emilia is a very “forward” character for the time period and that is why these lines are so meaningful.
William Shakespeare was clearly a talented writer who had a knack for eloquently phrasing his thoughts/opinions on society, human nature, and the like. He was most definitely a great of world literature who continues to be studied and revered today.
Woodward 5
10. Act II Scene 3 “Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft, and wit depends on dilatory time.” Iago shows off his suave language when he convinces Roderigo to be patient with this line.
9. Act I Scene 2 “Let him do his spite.” Othello says this to Iago while on the topic of Brabantio’s wrath. I have never heard someone essentially say, “bring it on” in a more eloquent way.
8. Act IV Scene 2 “Comfort forswear me!” Shakespeare takes the word “discomfort” and turns it into a phrase when Desdemona expresses her worries to Iago.
7. Act V Scene 2 “O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart.” Othello tries to explain his distress to Desdemona, but only creates confusion because Desdemona has done nothing wrong.
6. Act III Scene 3 “Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!” Othello’s grieves are expressed as he discovers that Desdemona cannot be trusted, according to Iago.
5. Act V Scene 2 “A guiltless death I die.” Desdemona is remorseful that she has to die so soon, but finds comfort in the fact that she has done nothing wrong.
4. Act IV Scene 2 “But then I saw no harm, and then I heard each syllable that breath made up between them.” Emilia tries to defend Desdemona’s honor to the extremely jealous Othello. She swears that nothing was kept secret between them as everyone could hear what they said.
3. Act III Scene 3 “I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest.” This line is terribly ironic because it is said to the deceitful Iago. I also found it interesting that Iago is the only Florentine.
2. Act I Scene 3 “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” The Duke of Venice says this to Brabantio to try to ease the pain of losing his daughter to an African man. Not only does this couplet effortlessly flow, it also confronts issues far ahead of Shakespeare’s time.
1. Act V Scene 2 “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello says these words to the now dead Desdemona as he kills himself. In death, Othello realizes that he killed Desdemona by loving her in the first place.
Rusten 5
1. Iago. Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago freely admits that he should not be trusted and is a foreshadowing of his deceit.
2. Iago. Act IV Scene I, ““This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite.” I really enjoy this quote for the simplistic reason of rhyme.
3.. Brabantio. Act I Scene III, “Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” This is foreshadowing and also starts the little doubt egg in the back of Othello‘s brain.
4. Othello. Act V Scene II, “Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Othello believes that he must kill Desdemona before she cheats on anyone else.
5. Othello. Act V Scene II, ”I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” This is really sad because he is saying that he kissed her while she died and so he will kiss her while he dies.
6. Othello. Act III Scene III, “ All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ‘t is gone.” Othello has decided to give up and not love anything anymore.
7. Duke. Act I Scene III, “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” Duke is convincing Brabantio to look past the fact that Othello is black and look more at his character.
8. Emilia. Act III Scene IV, “'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband!” I really enjoy this quote because it is a cool way to put it so Desdemona can understand.
9. Othello. Act 5 Scene 2, “So sweet was ne’er so fatal.” I just thought this quote was particularly beautiful because he has it all wrong and it’s just sad.
10. Othello. Act V Scene II, “I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; For, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” This part is painful for me to watch and read. Othello is in so much pain because he trusted Iago and he want Iago to suffer as much as he is at that moment.
Hensley 5
The beautiful composition that is Othello by William Shakespeare is beset with an abundance of remarkable and powerful lines that move the soul. To only pick ten from this masterpiece seems like an outcry as there are several splendid lines hidden within this powerful piece of literature. I will do my best to rank my top ten favorite lines from this amazing play.
1. Iago’s powerful line that summarizes his entire character into six short words is simple yet might. “I am not what I am.” (pg. 3). With this he describes how he is a man of many faces, each different to its viewer. I believe that Shakespeare was inflecting upon the nature of man and how we put on a mask each different for different circumstances and people for our own gain.
2. It still astounds me how even to this day, Shakespeare was such a talented writer and years ahead of his time that his tales still speak to us today. When the Duke spoke to Brabantio of Othello his comment would have been extremely progressive, “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” (pg. 18). This proves how a man’s race should not diminish his attractiveness and his rights.
3. “It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will.” (pg. 19). Iago’s line is beautiful because of the fact that Shakespeare describes love as what it is in its most fundamental form, man allowing himself to give into his desire.
4. “As honest as I am.” (pg. 26). I find simple beauty in Iago’s line because it shows how Shakespeare would like to poke fun at his audience and tease them with the knowledge of a character’s true nature.
5. One shining moment of Shakespeare’s work is when he uses Iago to describe the perfect woman and he uses some very beautiful language. “She that was ever fair and never proud…” (pg. 25).
6. One line that really stuck out to me was Cassio’s line of “reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!” (pg. 36). This shows how much reputation is to a man.
7. “Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth…” (pg. 58). Cassio’s ironic line is humorous because he is speaking the truth when Othello takes it as a lie.
8. One of the more funny lines with in the play is Iago’s “Or be naked with her friend in bed an hour or more, not meaning any harm?” (pg. 60). This line pokes fun at Othello but also the audience as well.
9. One line that shows how well Iago has intertwined himself into the affairs of everyone is Desdemona’s on page 72. “Good friend, go to him…”
10. Othello’s last words are tragic yet beautiful in themselves for he knows what he must do to redeem himself. “ killing myself to die upon a kiss.” (pg. 91)
Ullom 7
Shakespeare has the power to create such wonderful dialogue that it is difficult to try and choose the best lines. The following are just a few of the lines I find to have an impact.
10. Iago- Act I, scene I: “Were I the Moor I would not be Iago./ In following him I follow but myself;” I find this important because Iago is telling the reader that he does not follow Othello for duty but because he think he can trick and deceive him.
9. Iago- Act II, scene iii: “Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe. Content thyself awhile.” Roderigo is finally deciding to go back home. Iago takes this chance to convince him to stay. He tells Roderigo that he just needs patience.
8. Cassio- Act II, scene iii: “Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.” Cassio fell into Iago’s trap. He became drunk and got into a fight. Othello then stripped him of his title.
7. Iago- Act IV, scene i: “She may, I think, bestow ‘t on any man.” Iago is explaining to Othello that since he gave Desdemona the handkerchief, it is now hers to give away.
6. Othello- Act IV, scene i: “She is protectress of her honor too.” To the previous quote from Iago, Othello responds with this. He is saying that her reputation is also hers. Othello is questioning if she can give away her reputation like she can give away the handkerchief.
5. Duke- Act I, scene iii: “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” The Duke is talking to Brabantio. He is basically telling Brabantio that Othello is a good man.
4. Iago- Act II, scene I: “Her eye must be fed.” Iago is convincing Roderigo that Desdemona is not actually going to remain faithful to Othello.
3. Iago- Act II, scene iii: “Our general’s wife is now the general.” Iago is telling Cassio that Desdemona has much influence over Othello and it is the ideal time to have her help Cassio get his title back. Of course, this is just a part of Iago’s scheme.
2. Brabantio- Act I, scene iii: “She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio is warning Othello. He is saying that if Desdemona can lie to her father, then there is a great chance that she will lie in the future to Othello.
1. Emilia- Act III, scene iii: “I am glad I have found this napkin.” This speech by Emilia is the beginning of the handkerchief dilemma. The event seems insignificant but is ultimately the cause of many deaths.
Waldera 5
10. Act I, Scene III, "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black." I like this quote not because it rhymes but because it is a small step towards equality for all races.
9. Act IV, Scene I, “Oh, devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.” I also enjoyed this quote because of the cleverness of the words. It creates an interesting imagine in one’s mind.
8. Act III, Scene III, “To be direct and honest is not safe.” Iago says this to Othello and it is extremely ironic and even more so clever of Iago. After Iago says this he has Othello literally begging him for more “truths”.
7. Act V, Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” I found this quote very riveting because it is such a huge foreshadow to what is to come.
6. Act III, Scene III, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on.” I like the personification in this quote. Shakespeare does an excellent job incorporating literary devices throughout his plays.
5. Act V, Scene II, “Myself will straight abroad, and to the state/ This heavy act with heavy heart relate.” I feel this is a beautifully written last statement and flows easily with the rhyming.
4. Act III, Scene IV, "Alas the day, I never gave him cause"
I found this quote interesting because it is very straight forward and Desdemona clearly expresses that she is clueless as to what she did.
3. Act I, Scene III, "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." I truly like this quote because it not only sticks with Othello throughout the whole play but with the reader as well.
2. Act III, Scene III "If thou dost love me, show me thy thought."
I enjoy this quote as well because the irony it is said with by Iago.
1. Act I, Scene I, “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.” This quote is amazingly beautiful and flows out of one’s mouth with ease. There are many beautiful quotes throughout the play but this one by far stuck out to me.
Hanzel 7
10. Act V Scene II
“Demand me nothing; what you know, you know: From this time forth I never will speak a word.”
I found this quote interesting because it is the final words of Iago. With no response to from Iago we are left filled with curiosity about his intentions.
9. Act I Scene I
“We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly follow’d.” I selected this quote because it is one most can relate to. Iago is talking about his relationship with Othello.
8. Act I Scene I
“Heaven is my judge.” I enjoy this quote because it shows Iago not allowing Othello to affect him.
7. Act I Scene III
"She has deceived her father, and may thee." This quote displays the beginning of Iago’s wicked plan.
6. Act V Scene II
“Put out the light, and then put out the light.” The technique used to break the news of Desdemona’s death is unique.
5. Act I Scene I
"I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." This quote uncovers the truth behind Iago’s plan.
4. Act III Scene III
“All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ‘t is gone.” This quote is a turning point for Othello. He has lost his love for nearly everything.
3. Act I Scene III
“She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Desdemona cannot be trusted because if she betrays one person there is nothing stopping her from betraying others.
2. Act I Scene III
“Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” This quote explains that Othello is a good man.
1. Act V Scene II
“I kiss’d thee ere I lkill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” The final quote of Othello shows his redemption.
Lippert 7
10. Act II Scene III “Good night, honest Iago.” This is a very short quote and it is not necessarily beautiful but I just like how ironic this line is. I can almost hear every audience member protesting as Cassio delivered this line four hundred years ago in London.
9. Act I Scene III “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father, and may thee.” This line from Brabantio serves as an awesome foreshadowing to what shall happen latter in this play!
8. Act I Scene I “Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.” This quote from Iago is very effective in demonstrating how racism was even alive in Shakespeare time and influenced their opinions of people.
7. Act I Scene II “Damn’d as thou art, thou hast enchanted her: for I’ll refer me to all things of sense if she in chains of magic were not bound,” I like this quote from Brabantio because it shows how people believed in witchcraft in Shakespeare’s time and I always give a small laugh when I come across it in his plays.
6. Act V Scene I “‘T is he. O brave Iago, honest and just” I find this quote ironic how Othello is praising Iago as being noble and just for killing Cassio when Iago has tricked him this whole time and it is actually Cassio who has been a friend to Othello.
5. Act V Scene II “Nobody; I myself. Farewell: Commend me to my kind lord: O, farewell!” This was Desdemona’s reply to Emilia’s question of who had killed her, I like this line because it shows her still defending Othello even after he killed her showing how much she truly loved him.
4. Act V Scene II “I look down towards his feet: but that’s a fable. If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.” Othello’s line is a great way of summing up what Iago is and that be a devil.
3. Act V Scene II “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” As Othello prepares to murder his light in the world the audience cannot help but be moved by these sad and heavy words.
2. Act I Scene II “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” The Duke’s lines shown previously have a nice rhyme to them and his words are just dripping with wisdom.
1. Act V Scene II “I kiss’d thee ere I Kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello’s powerful last words, he kissed his wife before killing her and now with one final kiss he too leaves this world.
Tibke p. 1
I didn’t really chose an order as to which were the best quotes in this play. I merely chose the 10 quotes that stood out to me as important and those that fascinated me the most.
1. Brabantio to Iago and his response, Act I, Scene 1 (p. 4): “Thou art a villain”./ “You are – a senator.” I love the comic relief that Shakespeare puts into this part of the play. Stating that as evil as Iago may be, a senator’s corrupt wickedness will trump over his deeds.
2. Othello, Act 2, Scene 1 (p. 8): “Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them./ Good signior, you shall more command with years/ Than with your weapons.” Othello is basically telling Brabantio that if he fights him he will die and his weapon will lay in the grass to be damaged by dew. He lets him know that he is a better commander with years of tactical experience rather than weapon experience.
3. Duke, Act 1, Scene 3 (p. 18):”… If virtue no delighted beauty lack,/ Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” The Duke is telling Brabantio that his daughter could do a lot worse, and that Othello has proved his a good man and shouldn’t be judged by the color of his skin.
4. Brabantio, Act 1, Scene 3 (p. 18):“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:/ She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Shakespeare is foreshadowing here a bit by saying that if she tricked me, her own father, what make you think she will not do it to you.
5. Iago, Act 2, Scene 1 (p. 26): “O, you are well tuned now!/ But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music,/ As honest as I am.” Iago is letting the audience know in this Aside that as happy as they seem now he will be the happiest when his plan takes to action.
6. Cassio, Act 2, Scene 3 (p. 36):”Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!/ I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is/ bestial.” After getting his rank stripped from him Cassio believes the world is ending for him and that all he had to live for is gone.
7. Roderigo, Act 1 Scene 3 (p. 18): “I will incontinently drown myself.” I thought that this quote was a bit humorous do to the fact that he wants to drown himself because of he cannot have the girl he wants. I think that he had a bit of an overreaction.
8. Iago, Act 1, Scene 1 (p. 3): “I am not what I am.” Shakespeare uses Iago’s voice and influence in many ways throughout the play, playing an evil villain to the trusty servant, or to a helpful friend. He is shown as deceitful and plays all of the major characters in this play.
9. Iago, Act 2, Scene 3 (p. 35): “But men are men; the best sometimes forget.” I love this line. It explains that everyone is more closely related than they are different, but there are those who believe they are better than others just because they won the genetic lottery.
10. Othello, Act 5, Scene 2 (p.81): ”Put out the light, and then put out the light.” He is foreshadowing Desdemona’s death. She being the light, one of the best things that has ever happened to him. Therefor he is extinguishing the light in his life by making the decision to kill her.
Poppenga 1
I must admit, Shakespeare’s Othello contains a beautifully written script. I am not a huge fan of poetry but like Mr. Christensen said, “Give everything a chance.” So I did. I will attempt to rank my favorite quotes throughout the play in order from least to greatest (10 being least).
10) Act I, Scene 1, “"I am one, sir, who comes to tell you your daughter
and the Moor are making the beast with
two backs."
9) Act I, Scene 2:
“Othello does not hide but his life on his reputation in regards to his marriage to Desdemona
Not I. I must be found.
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul
Shall manifest me rightly.”
8) Act I, Scene 3:
“And so much duty that my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord.”
7) “He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected, framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest but that seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.”
6) “'Twere now to be most happy, for I fear
My soul hath her content so absolute
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.”
5) Act III, Scene 3:
“O beware, my lord, of Jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;
But O, what damned minutes tells he o'er
Who dotes, yet doubts; suspects, yet strongly loves!”
4) Act IV, Scene 1:
“O, devil, devil!
If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
Out of my sight!”
3) Act V, Scene 2:
“It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, the stars.
It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.”
2) “I am not sorry neither. I'd have thee live,
For in my sense 'tis happiness to die.”
1) “I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
Westcott, 5
While watching and studying Othello, the following ten quotes (in no particular order) are listed with brief descriptions.
1. “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” Iago, Act 1 Scene 1—This line shows the difference in vulgar language from today. To say these words about a woman and a man in Shakespeare’s day would have been extraordinarily offensive, but today many other more offensive terms could have been used.
2. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio, Act 1 Scene 3—Brabantio is attempting to tell Othello that Desdemona will betray him, just as she has her father. This line is the beginning of Othello’s doubt in Desdemona, and only adds to the doubt put in his mind by Iago later in the play.
3. “Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship.” Iago, Act 2 Scene 1—During this section, Iago is first plotting how to make it seem as if Cassio is courting Desdemona. He speaks in asides often, and has a very poetic tongue in them.
4. “Our general’s wife is now the general.” Iago, Act 2 Scene 3—Iago is putting his plan into motion by telling Cassio that the way to become good in Othello’s eyes again and to gain his reputation is through Desdemona. Cassio believes Iago and begins flirting with her unknowingly.
5. “For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning,” Iago, Act 3 Scene 3—Iago is laying the base for his plot to ruin Othello. He is speaking lies about Cassio in order to build Othello’s hatred and distrust towards him.
6. “If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I’ll not believe ‘t.” Othello, Act 3 Scene 3—Othello is not able to believe the lie Iago is telling him by this point. He has much trust in Desdemona, but is beginning to look into the truth.
7. “The Moor already changes with my poison:” Iago, Act 3 Scene 3—This is the first point in which Iago states that Othello is falling into his trap, and he is excited by it. He knows that with the handkerchief, he can completely convince Othello of the wrongdoings of Desdemona.
8. "I am your own forever." Iago, Act 3 Scene 3—I found it ironic that Iago is claiming to be loyal to Othello even though he does not plan to. However, he dies alongside the Moor.
9. “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” Othello, Act 5 Scene 2—Othello finally realized that he was wrong in so quickly blaming his wife. He would rather kiss her one last time and die beside her than live another day with the guilt he would hold.
10. “This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago, Act 5 Scene 1—Iago makes it very clear to his audience with this line that the climax of his plot is about to occur.
Voigt 7
The following are my top ten quotes found in Othello (They are listed in no particular order as I find the beauty of Shakespeare’s literature to be fairly consistent.)
10. Act I Scene III
“If it were now to die,
Twere now to be most happy, for I fear
My soul hath her content so absolute
That not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate.”
In this passage, Othello is expressing his absolute, all-compassing pleasure with his current state. He is content with life completely all because of his love and adoration for his Desdemona. As long as Othello knows that Desdemona loves him, he feels as though nothing else matters and he can accomplish anything.
9. Act V Scene II
“It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul.
Let me not name it to you, the stars.
It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood,
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.
Put out the light, and then put out the light.”
This passage of one of a passionate rage. Othello is consumed with his jealousy to a point of no return. It is here, that Othello decides he will kill Desdemona. Her love for her is so strong that his jealousy will push him to take her life. He feels that this is his only option and is his last resort. It is a sick passion; a passion that loves enough to kill.
8. Act V Scene II
“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
After discovering the truth of Iago’s treachery and falsehood, as well as realizing his many mistakes, Othello takes his life. Othello finds no reason or right to life anymore, so he takes his life just as he took away Desdemona’s.
7. Act I Scene I
“Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am”
It is here that we began to catch a glimpse of Iago’s falsehood. He explains that he appears to wear his heart or who he is on his sleeve. Yet, this is a false persona. Rather, Iago is a much different individual with much different motives in mind-- motives that he is not wearing on his sleeve.
6. Act I Scene III
“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:
She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
Here, Brabantio, Desdemona’s father is warning Othello against her. Brabantio has been very hurt by her decision to go behind his back and marry Othello, so in this time he is disowning her. He wants Othello to be aware and see that if she would do that to her very own father, she may as well do it someday to her husband.
(To be continued...)
Voigt 7 (Part 2)
5. Act II Scene I
“If after every tempest come such calms,
May the winds blow till they have waken'd death!”
This quote occurs as Othello and Desdemona are reunited in Cyprus after a long journey and battle. Othello is speaking of his love of Desdemona and how if she were the reward for making it through such disastrous journeys, he would be willing to go through storm after storm.
4. Act III Scene III
“Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt,
Is once to be resolved.”
In Scene III of Act III, Iago is starting to plant suspicion and jealousy in the back of Othello’s mind. When Iago questions Othello on if he trusts Desdemona, he exclaims that he surely does, and that he would never see cause to even wrestle with jealousy.
3. Act V Scene II
“O balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword. One more, one more!
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,
And love thee after. One more, and that's the last!
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow's heavenly;
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.”
These lines are very shortly prior to Othello killing Desdemona. They are spoken in the moments of emotional wrestling Othello has as he observes his beautiful, sleeping wife. He does not want to say goodbye or force the one he loves to leave, but jealousy has caused a pain so deep in him that he believes can only be soothed by punishing her supposed “sins” with death.
2. Act V Scene II
“I hold my peace, sir? no;
No, I will speak as liberal as the north;
Let heaven and men and devils, let them all,
All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak.”
Emilia is Desdemona’s servant as well as her friend, and she is incredibly distraught upon the sight of her dead mistress. Yet, she is even more upset when she discovers this tragedy has been brought about by her own husband- Iago. Upon discovering this, Emilia realizes all the horrible things that Iago has concocted and she refuses to let him escape his wrongdoings. Pushing away the pressure to be silent (especially expected of women in this time period) Emilia explains of the horrendous things Iago has committed.
1. Act V Scene II
“I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice: then, must you speak
Of one that lov'd not wisely but too well;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought,
Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdu'd eyes
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their med'cinable gum. Set you down this;
And say besides, that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduc'd the state,
I took by the throat the circumcised dog,
And smote him thus.”
It is here when Othello has discovered that he has been tricked and what this trickery has pushed him to do. He is explaining to those that have come to see the situation that he hopes they speak of what has happened correctly. Othello wants them to know that it was because he loved Desdemona too much that he did unwise things. He threw her life away because of fear of losing her. He lost her because of the fear of losing her, and he knows this is a tragedy.
Peltier 5
After reading Shakespeare’s Othello, I have picked ten quotes that I find the most beautiful. I did my best to put these ten quotes into an order from least to greatest (10 being the worst, 1 being the best) but I found it much more difficult than originally planned. I think it is simply impossible to rate Shakespeare’s writing on a level of which line is most beautiful. So my top ten are as follows:
10) Othello speaking to Desdemona in Act IV, Scene I; “O devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile” (14-15). Othello said this after he has become highly jealous of Desdemona and her “so called” love affair with Cassio.
9) In Act V, Scene II Emilia is talking with Iago and Othello (88), “By heaven, I do not, I do not gentlemen. O murderous coxcomb what should such a food do with so good a wife?” Here, Emilia is basically blaming Othello.
8) Emilia is speaking with Iago in Act IV, Scene II (72), “A halter pardon him! And hell gnaw his bones!” Here, Emilia is speaking of what will become of Othello.
7) On the same page as the last quote, Desdemona talks with Iago (72) about advice. “O good Iago,” (by the way he is not good) “What shall I do to win my lord again?” This almost angers me. Why does everyone run to Iago for advice? He never helps solve a problem!
6) In Act IV, Scene II, Desdemona tells Othello (69), “Your wife, my lord; your true and loyal wife.” I find this so cute. For me, a girl who is such a sucker for sappy love stories, this quote is so perfect!
5) Adding to the sweet talk, Desdemona tells Othello in Act II, Scene I on page 26, “The heavens forbid but that our loves and comforts should increase, even as our days do grow!” I find this ironic and foreshadowing that actually, as their days grow, their loves and comforts will decrease.
4) In Act V, Scene I, Othello on page 78 says, “O brave Iago, honest and just…” I also find this ironic because again, Iago is NOT honest.
3) In Act V, Scene II, Othello says, “Yes she must die, else she’ll betray more men” (81). This is sad to think that Othello is going to kill his wife because he does not want her to betray more men, when she did not even betray anyone in the first place.
2) One quote I found almost humorous was a quote from Cassio in Act V, Scene I on page 79 after he had been stabbed, he tells Iago who asks, “How is ‘t brother?” Cassio replies with an obvious answer, “My leg is in two.” Here, Cassio is basically saying, are you an idiot? How do you think I am? My leg is in two…
1) My favorite quote out of the entire Othello play is by Othello. His dying words in Act V, Scene II on page 91. He says, “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” No matter how angry Othello was with Desdemona, he died loving her. So cute…
Callahan 7
The distinct style of language that Shakespeare uses has mystified me since the day we began reading Romeo and Juliet freshman year. Though difficult to understand, I appreciate the work put into every line. The fact that he can make a simple, every day sentence sound magical is truly remarkable. Though I am only part-way into the third act, here is a list of some of the quotes that struck me (in no particular order):
1. Act I, Scene II "Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight." This line is spoken by Brabantio, who is referring to the eccentric relationship of Othello and Desdemona. I find it interesting how different racism seems to be during Shakespeare's era and the racism of ours. In his time, blacks were feared because of exotic background and appearance—not for supposed "inferiority" as we are familiar with today. Brabantio does not know how Desdemona could love a man associated with the devil and black magic.
2. Act I, Scene III "To fall in love with what she feared to look on?" Again, Brabantio emphasizes the strangeness of their relationship. Shakespeare is very good at finding specific dramas that interest humans, whether it be forbidden love, jealousy, or murder. I particularly enjoy Shakespeare's penchant for star-crossed lovers; Othello is truly a timeless play, as jealously will plague mankind until the end of time.
3. Act I, Scene III "My heart's subdued/Even to the very quality of my lord./I saw Othello's visage in his mind,/And to his honors and his valiant parts/Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate." This line spoken by Desdemona, in explanation of her affection towards Othello. She is saying that she is a part of him now, and loves him for his mind, not appearance, and because of his honor and bravery.
4. Act I, Scene III "I never yet did hear/That the bruised hear was pierced through the ears." Apparently I really like what Brabantio has to say, because the former line is also from this character. He is basically saying that sometimes words do not make a situation better, actions do.
Callahan 7 continued:
5. Act I, Scene III "If thou wilt needs damn thyself/ do it a more delicate way than drowning." This line honestly gives me the chills. I am amazed at just how villainous Iago is. He is saying that if Roderigo wants to go to Hell, he should stay alive and sin instead of killing himself. The only emotions Iago seems to have been born with appear to jealousy and hate.
6. Act II, Scene I "There's none so foul and foolish thereunto/But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do." This quote is also by Iago. He is saying that all women, whether they be pretty/ugly or smart/stupid, commit to the same lies and foul play. I find this hypocritical, because the pure Desdemona is the one being spoken to by the man whose dirty actions are the reason behind her murder.
7. Act II, Scene II "Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!” I find this line of Cassio's very interesting, because it refers to the tendency of humans to care too much about what others think of ourselves. Our appearance is everything, which interestingly enough, is something that Desdemona does not seem to care about.
8. Act III, Scene III "I will deny thee nothing!" This line interests me because Othello says he loves Desdemona so much that there is nothing he wouldn't give her, but in the end he denies her life.
9. "O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on."
Obviously, this is probably the most iconic line of the play.
10. "And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty/And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath/Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more." Othello speaks these words to Iago, that of which show how Othello believes Iago to be a good and honest man and suspects nothing.
Bender 7
10. “She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used: Here comes the lady; let her witness it.”-Othello, act one, scene three. In this quote we see Othello explain his land Desdemona’s love. We realize that she is the first person to ever show compassion towards him and also that she loves him for his many amazing feats and interesting life.
9. “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe.”-Iago, act one, scene one. This is one of Iago’s more humorous quotes in the play. He is of course making a reference to Othello and Desdemona consummating their very recent marriage. He is directing this quote towards Desdemona’s father, Brabantio.
8. “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving.”-Iago, act two, scene three. Iago is commenting on the fickle nature of the constantly evolving opinions made about people. He also comments on the incredible inaccuracy and skewed views some people use while forming opinions of others.
7. “Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be well used.”-Iago, act two, scene three. Iago is trying to console a very drunk Cassio. He is also rebuking Cassio for blaming the wine instead of taking responsibility. This quote is also a bit of social commentary on alcohol being intrinsically good just frequently abused.
6. “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on.”- Iago, act three, scene three. Iago is warning Othello of the awful dangers of jealousy. Not only does jealousy kill one from the inside, it makes one to feel like an idiot and of lesser value.
5. “Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; ’Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.”- Iago, act three, scene three. This passage is merely stating the value to which people hold to their reputation. This novel has many themes about reputation and seems to be telling us to care less about it.
4. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.”-Brabantio, act one, scene three. As we have already stated in class, this statement is the first seed of distrust in Othello’s head. He already knows she is capable of lying to and hurting those she loves and who love her. This statement makes him realize how she has hurt her father and could possibly do the same to him one day.
3. “Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!”-Iago, act three, scene three. Again this passage deals with reputation. We see Iago telling the Moor that many people are not what they appear. He is saying this in reference to Cassio of course. The irony is that he in fact is the only character who is not what he seems.
2. “The robb'd that smiles, steals something from the thief; He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.”-Duke of Venice, act one, scene three. The Duke in this quote talks about the idea of stealing itself. For it to be stealing one party needs to lack consent. If given consent then the act is no longer stealing. If the act is not stealing then much of the joy of thievery is lost. He tells this to Brabantio in the hopes that he can eventually heal from the loss of his daughter.
1. “Our bodies are gardens; to which our wills are gardeners.”-Iago, act one, scene three. This is in fact the most beautiful section of the novel to me. Iago is telling Roderigo that we are capable of being whatever we want. Ilove the idea of a slef made man. This in an essence is what he is telling Roderigo to be whatever he wants and nothing less.
N. Peterson 7
10. Act I Scene I "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago states he is not an honest man at the very beginning of the play, foreshadowing future events.
9. Act IV Scene III “No, by this heavenly light! Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do ‘t as well I’ the dark” This quote shows Shakespeare’s humor by having Emilia say that she wouldn’t cheat on her husband in the light/day but in the dark/night she might.
8. Act V, Scene II “I am not sorry neither. I'd have thee live, for in my sense 'tis happiness to die.” I thought it was interesting that to Othello death is happiness.
7. Act V, Scene II “Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” This quotes shows that Othello had to talk himself into killing Desdemona because he really does love her.
6. Act III, Scene III “It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock.” The green-eyed monster is jealousy, which is basically what the whole play is based on. Iago’s manipulation causes Othello to because a jealous monster and kill Desdemona and himself at the end of the play.
5. Act IV, Scene II “I have none. Do not talk to me, Emilia. I cannot weep, nor answers have I none, but what should go by water.” This quote shows the pain Desdemona is feeling and how true her feelings are towards Othello.
4. Act II, Scene III “Iago is most honest” I chose this quote because it is extremely ironic and reoccurring throughout the play.
3. Act V, Scene II "I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss." These are Othello’s last words before he killed himself. I thought it was interesting that he kissed her before he murdered her and kissed her again before he killed himself.
2. Act I, Scene III "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black." This shows racial exception even in Shakespeare’s time, which I didn’t think existed.
1. Act I, Scene III "She has deceived her father, and may thee." This is a major quote because we are led to believe that Desdemona will cheat on Othello and this leads to Othello’s paranoia.
Petersen 7
I actually found myself liking Othello a lot more than I would have thought. I understood it and was captivated by the story. The following quotes are the top ten quotes from the play I find the most beautiful.
1. Duke, Act I Scene III: "The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief."
The Duke is speaking with Brabantio. He is trying to convince Brabantio that he needs to get over his daughter getting married behind his back. In other words, Brabantio just needs to smile about having his daughter stolen from him otherwise he will be lower than the thief who stole her.
2. Iago, Act I Scene I: "But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/ For daws to peck at: I am not what I am."
Iago is trying to convince Roderigo that he is on his side. He tells him that if you could see his feelings they would be true. But then he admits he is not who he appears to be. Which seems like the only truth he tells during the whole play: "I am not what I am".
3. Iago, Act III Scene III: "I should be wise, for honesty's a fool/ And loses that it works for."
Othello and Iago are having a conversation about Desdemona. Before this quote Othello is telling Iago to always be honest. Iago said he will always be wise. He is saying honesty is foolish and it makes him lose friends. I think this applies to life even now. Some people are not honest in order to keep a reputation or to stay on some ones good side.
4. Desdemona, Act IV Scene III: "So would not I. My love doth so approve him/ That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns—/ Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor."
Desdemona is saying even if Othello is harsh with her she still loves him.
5. Iago, Act II Scene III: "If consequence do but approve my dream/ My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream."
Iago is talking to the audience at this point. He is hoping his plans turn out and that they will bring him success.
6. Brabantio, Act I Scene II: "O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter."
Brabantio is accusing Othello of stealing his daughter away from him like she is a piece of property as which girls where pretty much considered in that time period.
7. Othello, Act II Scene III: "O curse of marriage, /That we can call these delicate creatures ours, / And not their appetites!"
Othello is upset because he believes Desdemona is cheating on him because she is not satisfied with him.
8. Emilia, Act V scene II: "This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven/ Than thou wast worthy her."
Emilia is talking to Othello who has just drawn his sword after killing Desdemona. She is saying that killing her will not send him to heaven and he was not worthy enough for Desdemona anyways.
9. Iago, Act III, Scene III: "It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock."
Iago is speaking with Othello about jealousy. This quote is even used in present day English when talking about jealousy.
10. Othello, Act V Scene II: "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light."
Othello is convincing himself the reason he must kill Desdemona is so she will not betray any more men.
Rise pd2
“She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd,
And I loved her that she did pity them”
“But for a satisfaction of my thought” iago; act 3 scene 2
this quote is important, it is when iago is planting the seed for his deceitful plan in Othello’s mind. When he says “But for a satisfaction of my thought.” He is trying to sound innocent, that his intentions are fully pure. I like the way it is phrased.
“I have a pain upon my forehead here.” Act 3 scene 3
Othello is saying he has a forehead, the audience knows it is because of Iago’s plan. This comment tells us that Othello is bothered and it is festering within him. I read that Shakespeare writes his characters as having a headache to compare them to growing horns when cuckolded.
“To you I am bound for life and education;
My life and education both do learn me
How to respect you; you are the lord of duty;” Act 1 scene 3
Desdemona tries to calm her father by expressing her love and debt to him—very respectfully.
“I therefore vouch again
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood,” Ac 1 scene 3
Brabantio truly does not think it possible that Desdemona could possible wish to marry Othello, he is in denial of her disobedience. Vidid.
“There are a kind of men so loose of soul,
That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs” act 3 scene 3
Iago is tricking Othello at this point, he is making Cassio seem as guilty as possible. Using Cassio’s soul to show how immoral he really is, was a great idea on Iago’s part. Your soul is your true inner core—Cassio is evil to the core, Iago hopes to instill upon Othello.
“The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.” Act 4 scene 3
Emilia is speaking with Desdemona about women and men cheating. She notices there is a double standard for women, and she does not agree with it. She says men and women both have desires but sometimes peoples’ actions reflect on their partner. I think it is very true,
“Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy,
Yet throw such changes of vexation on't,” Act 1 scene 1
Iago speaks to Roderigo about informing Desdemona’s marriage to her father. Shakespeare uses such strong, intensified words to describe Iago’s thought and plans—it is a taste for what is to come.
“Our bodies are our gardens, to the which
our wills are gardeners” Act 1 scene 3
Iago compares everyone to be his plants, his pawns, he shows how little he thinks of them. Iago is the true gardener of the story: planting, planning and manipulating.
“Good, good: the justice of it pleases: very good” Act 4 scene 1
Othello has been thoroughly contaminated with jealously by this point; Iago has suggested Othello strangle his wife in bed for her “adultery.”
I am not what I am” Act 1 scene 1
Iago is telling us and Roderigo immediately in the play, he is not what anyone will think he is. Iago is and remains a mystery, his motives, wants and needs are never shown. It is also an inversion of God’s “I am who I am,” meaning… Iago is God’s counterpart, the devil?
K Peterson Pd. 7
As Dr. Hicks lectured to us, Shakespeare’s quotes can be very relevant to every day life. So, my count down not only depicts the importance to the play but also to importance to life today.
10. ACT 3 Scene 3 She’s gone. I am abused, and my relief
Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
I found this quote beautiful because Othello loves Desdemona so much it hurts. His love is driving him crazy. He compares her to a creature and something that steals from him. He wants to be a small worthless animal than stay with his love with Desdemona.
9. Act 5 Scene 3 Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely but too well,
Of one not easily jealous but, being wrought,
This quote is saying that you can love but sometimes love takes over and you can do foolish things. Jealous then takes over because of the love that you can potentially have.
8. Act 5 Scene 2“I told him what I thought, and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.”
Iago is trying to defend himself and his actions. He is pretty much saying, “hey, that is what I thought was really going on,” and was Othello thought was what he came up with not me. Iago ultimately cannot make himself sound good though.
7. Act 4 Scene 1 “Her honor is an essence that’s not seen;
They have it very oft that have it not.”
Honor is a big word. Especially a woman’s honor is something to cherish. I picked this quote because it is very relatable to today. Men should be honoring women.
6. Act 2 Scene 3 – Cassio: Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!.
I have no idea why but this quote just sticks with me. Throughout high school I have learned that reputation is something and ultimately you want to build it up in a good manner and not in a bad one because it can decide how your adventure goes.
5. Act 3 scene 3 And give’t Iago. What he will do with it,
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing, but to please his fantasy.
This quote is just saying, well I didn’t do this. He built his own fantasy and made it worse than it actually is.
6. Act 1 Scene 3 Desdemona: My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you I am bound for life and education.
My life and education both do learn me
How to respect you. You are the lord of my duty,
K Peterson Pd. 7 part 2.
I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband,
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord.
Wow, they are getting deep. Desdemona is pouring out her heart to her father and for her love of Othello. She has to have a lot of dignity to be able to say this to her father and true love for Othello. I respect her.
3.Act 5 Scene 2“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
Othello’s guilt has gotten to him. He was completely wrong in his jealousy with Desdemona and love turned to jealousy then to murder. This quote hits hard because it shows Othello’s transition throughout the play and his guilt.
2. Act 2 Scene 3 “How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees
Patience is a great quality to have and I think this quote portrays it well. I enjoyed this quote because I can relate this to my life. Patience is a great part and we should have it in our life.
1. Act 3 Scene 3 “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.”
Jealousy! Wow, this quote is one of the best ways you can explain jealousy. Not only do we still use this saying today but we also know that green associates with jealousy. Another aspect I like about this quote is that it explains that this monster tore apart Othello’s life and ultimately killed him.
Pham 7
10. Act I, Scene I. Iago. "Were I the Moor I would not be Iago./In following him I follow but myself;"
In this quotation, Iago is essentially tellling Roderigo that he is not following Othello out of love and duty but rather his own selfish ends. By following Othello, Iago seeks to fulfill his own selfish needs.
9. Act I, Scene III. Brabantio. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see./She has deceived her father, and may thee."
Brabantio is giving Othello a warning seen throughout the entire play. He feels betrayed by his daughter because she eloped with Othello and believes that she will do the same to the Moor.
8. Act II, Scene III. Othello. "Honest Iago, that look'st dead with grieving,/Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charge thee."
For the majority of the play, all significant characters refer to Iago as honest Iago. They listen to his advice on every order without questioning it. An example lies in this very quote. Othello, Cassio, and Montano believe Iago will not only tell the truth, but tell the truth to benefit them. However, he is not honest, and lies only to benefit himself. Shakespeare expresses the relativity of the truth here.
7. Act I, Scene III. Iago. “Hell and night/ Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.”
In this aside, Iago reveals his plan to the audience. He confirms that he wants to bring the monstrous lies he has fathomed into the light; thus, destroying the reputations of the his military superiors.
6. Act III, Scene III. Iago. "It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on."
Here, Iago is addressing the green-eyed monster—Othello's jealousy. He is essentially saying that jealousy—with its lack of control—will devour anything it encounters. Othello must not let this jealousy thrive or it will destroy his reputation; therefore mocking its prey.
5. Act II, Scene III. Cassio. "Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!"
As easily seen in this quote, reputation is important to Cassio. He cares not about any battle wounds he has incurred but rather the stability of his reputation. However, it was his reputation that destroyed him. If he would have admitted to being drunk, he could have been stopped sooner and conflict would have never arisen.
4. Act V, Scene I. Roderigo. "O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!"
Roderigo exclaims this after being stabbed by Iago. He damns him for his devilish motives and calls him an inhuman dog—insinuating that he knows of human law but pays no acknowledgement to it.
3. Act V, Scene I. Iago. “This is the night / That either makes me or fordoes me quite.”
Iago remarks that this is the night that will either fulfill his plan or spoil it indefinitely. It is beautiful because of the misplaced modifier.
2. Act I, Scene I. Iago. “Your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.”
I particularly liked this quote because it is both a metaphorical representation of the events happening as well as a great euphemism for sexual relations. The way the line is delivered is also quite humorous.
1. Act II, Scene III. Iago. “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving.”
Another quote from Iago, I believe that this is the only heartfelt truth Iago speaks in the play. He says this to calm Cassio from moping about his lost reputation. However, the truth of the matter is that reputation is born of the populace that briefly examines our existence and does not meticulously study our behavior. This reputation is the impression of our behavior on the general populace—not the reality of our actions.
Rasmussen pd5
“But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.” ACT I Scene I- Wearing your heart on your heart on your sleeve is like saying that you can remove your heart whenever it is “necessary”.
“Not I I must be found:
My parts, my title and my perfect soul
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?” ACT I Scene II-This shows that Iago is concerned about his reputation but later he says to Cassio that reputation is not as important as physical reputation. He is contradicting what he says later in the play.
“My life upon her faith! Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leave to thee:” ACT I Scene III- Othello is claiming that his life will remain if her faith for him remains. This is foreshadowing to the events that will make the story.
“ He takes her by the palm: ay, well said,
whisper: with as little a web as this will I
ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” ACT II Scene I- I believe that this phrase brings out the worse in Iago. Although he is evil during the whole play, the film in particular brings out how villainous he can be.
“Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general.” ACT II Scene III-This is the one time in the entire play were Iago is telling the truth to help his plan go forward. The viewer might think that this was an act of kindness towards Othello because it is true that he is telling the truth but in reality he is just using this truth to push his plot further.
“Reputation is an idle and most false
imposition: oft got without merit, and lost without
deserving:” ACT II Scene III-Cassio is losing his reputation but never actually consults with Othello about it. I find it fascinating that no one actually confronts the people that they have problems with. They trust others to guide them with problems that they are not concerned over.
“'Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew
That stroke would prove the worst!” ACT IV Scene I-Faith is Othello’s undoing in the play. The strike towards his faith is his downfall.
“Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he come:
Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home:” ACT V Scene 1-Iago is describing how set Othello is in his goal to give Justice.
“Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by:
I would not kill thy unprepared spirit;” ACT V Scene II-This sentence is weird to me because he wants her to be prepared for him to kill her. I would think that he would want her to think of her positively in her last moments but apparently not.
“Of one entire and Perfect chrysolite,
I'ld not have sold her for it.” ACT V Scene II- This goes back to when Desdemona was talking to her maid and the maid was saying that it would be a tough decision if you were offered the world for your faith. We are shown that Othello values Desdemona more than the power over the world. It makes me think of how powerful the influence of Iago must have been in order to sway him from this woman.
Johnson 7
1) Act I, Scene 1:
"I am one, sir, who comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs."
This is what Iago says to Barbantio saying that Desdemona and Othello have eloped. The "beast" is the awful concept of eloping and the "two backs" are Othello and Desdemona.
2) Act I, Scene 2:
"Not I. I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly."
Here Othello completely says that despite his title and all of the perks to go with it, he still openly needs Desdemona in order to be "found".
3) Act I, Scene 3:
"And so much duty that my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord."
This is the point where Desdemona explains to her father that she loves Othello and like her mother "betrayed" her father, she is doing the same to him.
4) Act I, Scene 3:
"He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest but that seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by th' nose as asses are."
This is essentially Iago's plot to use Othello's false belief that Iago is honest against Othello.
5) Act I, Scene 3:
"If it were now to die, 'twere now to be most happy, for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate."
This is another point where Othello proudly proclaims his love to Eden and simply says he could die right now and be happy.
6) Act III, Scene 3:
"O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; but O, what damned minutes tells he o'er who dotes, yet doubts; suspects, yet strongly loves!"
Iago is using Othello's fears against him in this situation. It is essentially the main quote that begins to imply Desdemona cheating on Othello.
7) Act IV, Scene 1:
"O, devil, devil! If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my sight!"
This is what Othello tell Desdemona when he strikes her while Ludivico is there and simply has no idea what is going on.
8) Act V, Scene 2:
"It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. Let me not name it to you, the stars. It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood, nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, and smooth as monumental alabaster. Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light."
This is a critical set of few lines where Othello convinces himself to kill Desdemona once and for all so she does not "betray more men". He essentially thinks that they will meet together again in heaven.
9) Act V, Scene 2:
"I am not sorry neither. I'd have thee live, for in my sense 'tis happiness to die."
This line occurs after Othello nearly kills Iago, but doesn't because killing him would be the easy way out and Iago deserves to suffer.
10) Act V, Scene 2:
"I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss."
Mirroring Romeo and Juliet, Othello kills himself to be with his lover in the afterlife and kisses her upon his death.
Heisel 5
This play is considered one of the world-most-famous playwright’s best, so let see if we can’t come up with a top-ten list. Whilst reading the Shakespearian play, you obviously come across several beautiful lines, but choosing ten favorite presents a bit of a challenge. I ranked these quotes based upon no specific criteria, except which ones captured my attention.
10. "I am one, sir, who comes to tell you your daughter
and the Moor are making the beast with
two backs." (Act, scene i). Immature, but a little funny, this quote definitely catches your eye.
9. “We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly follow'd.” (Act 1, scene i). People aren’t loyal, ey?
8. “Heaven me such uses send,
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend.” (Act 4, scene iii).
7. “O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!” (Act 5, scene i). I was happy he finally realized how crappy Iago was.
6. “She did deceive her father, marrying you;
And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks
She lov'd them most.” (Act 3, scene iii). Iago’s plan is a brilliant one.
5. “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving.” (Act 2, scene iii).
4. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” (Act 1, scene iii).
3. “In following him, I follow but myself.” (Act 1, scene i). Iago’s selfish intents are displayed from the start.
2. “The robb'd that smiles, steals something from the thief;
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.” (Act 1, scene iii). The duke is one of my favorite characters. He is the most understanding of culture and is focused on doing his job. He is a respectable man.
1. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” (Act 1, scene ii). Just plain BA—best line in the play.
Clemenson 2
10. Act V Scene II“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss” Othello says this after he stabs himself when he realizes that Desdemona was not unfaithful and he killed her for no reason.
9. Act I Scene III “She has deceived her father, and may thee” Brabantio says this to Othello about Desdemona and this foreshadows Othello believing that Desdemona betraying him.
8. Act I Scene III “And so much duty as my mother show’d to you, preferring you before her father,” Desdemona gives a great example as to why she should now be loyal to Othello instead of her father.
7. Act V Scene II“Moor, she was chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor” Emilia is still defending Desdemona even after she is dead but Emilia is a faithful maid.
6. Act V Scene II “Look on the tragic loading of this bed” Lodovico says to Iago but Iago does not feel any remorse for the murders that he caused.
5. Act I Scene III “She is abused, stol’n from me and corrupted by spells and medicines brought of mountebanks” Brantico is in denial that his daughter could love Othello without him using any black magic to control her and make her love him.
4. Act I Scene III “Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” Iago is going to make Othello seem like a monster. All the murders and fighting happy at night so Iago foreshadows is here with this quote.
3. Act III Scene III “O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Iago is deceiving Othello by telling him not to be jealous when he is making Othello angry at Desdemona for supposedly being with Cassio.
2. Act V Scene II, “Put out the light, and then put out the light.” The double meaning of this quote describes the tragic death of Desdemona.
1. Act I Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am." Iago admits to the audience from the beginning that he is untruthful so the viewer knows to expect it.
Rollag 5
1. Act 1 scene 2 Othello to Brabantio “keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” In this line Othello sums up his superiority to Brabantio claiming that he can kill them all and leave their weapons to rust in the dew of the morning
2. Act 1 scene 3 Brabantio to Othello “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.” This line is good because it is such a major plot aspect and comes to foreshadow what does not happen and ultimately scares Othello to action.
3. Act 2 scene 1 Aside from Iago “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.” This line demestrates how evil and smart Iago is in as little words a possible. He is confident that with the touching of Desdemona’s hand by Cassio he can make Othello believe there is something a foot. Translation of the line would be something like I don’t have much to work with but it is enough for me to bring Cassio down.
4. Act 2 scene 3 Montano to Othello “Zounds, I bleed still; I am hurt to the death.” This is the scene where Cassio is demoted because Iago got him drunk and angry. I like this line because it seems to be overly dramatic and exaggerated. Maybe in the day when infections killed anyone with a scratch but I see this as a small cut and compare it to the black knight “tis only a flesh wound.”
5. Act 2 scene 3 Aside of Iago “And what’s he then that says I play the villain?” Iago is making his point of view that he is doing nothing wrong evident to the audience because in his mind he is not the villain. He is reinforcing his own illusion.
6. Act 3 scene 3 Desdemona to Othello “I have been talking with a suitor here.” This line has two completely separate meanings based upon the character view point it is thought through. From Desdemona’s view Cassio is a suitor of Othello’s trying to win his favor and the term is harmless. However from Othello’s view he is suspicious of all of Desdemona’s actions and when she talks of the suitor who he saw as Cassio is reinforces the idea the she is cheating on him.
7. Act 3 scene 3 Othello to Iago “I swear ‘t is better to be much abused than but to know ‘t a little.” Othello is upset with Iago because now all he thinks of is how his wife may not be faithful. The line is the Shakespeare way of saying that ignorance is bliss.
8. Act 4 scene 1 Aside by Iago “Work on, my medicine, work! Thus fools are caught;” At this point Iago’s plan is working perfectly and is reaching the point where it will run its course and he need not impute many more lies to complete his plan. This line is great because like most of Iago’s asides they are used to show how overconfident he is and makes people hate him more for succeeding.
9. Act 4 scene3 Emilia to Desdemona “The world ‘s a huge thing: it is a great price for a small vice.” She is answering Desdemona’s question on how faithful she is as a wife. It is to demonstrate just the absolute extent of Desdemona’s faith to Othello and make the story have even more irony and foreshadowing.
10. Act 5 scene 2 Othello to crowd “I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; for, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” At this point in the story Othello is at his saddest point where death is a better option than to live and the tragedy of Othello is almost complete.
Minihan 7
Throughout the literary canon, Othello, William Shakespeare uses the story to express his opinion and outlook on how society acts in situations. Shakespeare, a highly intelligent author, creates the lines in the play with much swiftness and beauty. Below, I have ranked ten quotes from this masterpiece from 10 down to my favorite, most-beautiful quote.
1. Act 1 Scene 2, Othello: “Hold your hands, Both you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter. Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?” In modern English, this means: “Just a minute. I don’t need anyone to tell me when to fight. You’ve accused me of some serious crimes. Where do you want me to go to respond to these charges?” Othello is upset because he does not think it is a crime to marry the one he loves; therefore, he wants to go figure it out. That is why he asks where to go.
2. Act 1 Scene 3, Duke: “Your saying this isn’t proof. There has to be clear evidence that he’s done this, not just these accusations.” The duke is telling Brabantio that he must prove that Othello has done wrong to his daughter. Because Othello seems innocent, and has power in this area, the duke is making sure he is treated fairly.
3. Act 1 Scene 3, Othello: “When I talked about all these things, Desdemona used to listen attentively. If she had to go do some household chores, I noticed that she’d always come back quickly to hear more of my stories. I find this quote “beautiful” because of the romance, and how Desdemona liked Othello so much.
4. Act 1 Scene 3, Brabantio: “I pray you, hear her speak. If she confess that she was half the wooer,…” This quote translates to: “Please let her speak. If she admists that she wanted this, then I won’t blame Othello.—Come here, my child. Who do you obey here?” In this passage, Brabantio is wanting Desdemona to speak for herself, and openly admit her love for Othello.
5. Act 1, Scene 3, Roderigo: “What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it.” Roderigo is saying how it’s foolish to be in love so much, but he can’t help it.
6. Act 1, Scene 3, Iago: “It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man.” Iago is telling Roderigo to man up, and quit lusting over Desdemona, because he looks very pitiful.
7. Act 1, Scene 3, Iago: “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” Iago is explaining how he always gets money from fools. This is just a clever, swift statement from Iago.
8. Act 4, Scene 1, Othello: “A horned man’s a monster and a beast.” Othello is saying that a man that’s been cheated on is a beast, not human.
9. Act 4, Scene 3, Emilia: “Nor I neither, by this heavenly light. I might do ‘t as well I’ th’ dark.” Emilia tells Desdemona that she would not cheat in the daylight because it’s easier in the dark. This is just another clever quote from Emilia.
10. Act 4, Scene 3, Desdemona: “Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong for the whole world.” Desdemona is saying that she would not commit such evil, even for the entire world. This quote is beautiful, because of the pure, honesty that it reveals.
Pederson 7
10. Duke, Act I Scene III, “The robb’d that smiles steals something from the thief; He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.” The Duke is telling Brabantio there is nothing that can be changed about the marriage. By acting happy, Brabantio would take satisfaction from Othello marrying his daughter in secret.
9. Iago, Act II Scene I, “O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.” While Iago sees that these people are happy, he is carefully setting the plans to create their downfall.
8. Iago, Act I Scene I, “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so, for my peculiar end.” Iago believes that only God can dictate his actions. His contempt for these people allows him to create misfortune throughout the play. Does he enjoy playing God with these peoples’ lives?
7. Iago, Act II Scene I, “Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: You rise to play, and go to bed to work.” In this statement, he shows hatred for Desdemona, and possibly all women. It also is ironic since this statement is false of Desdemona, proving that he is a villain.
6. Othello, Act V Scene II, “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” The clever phrasing of the words show a double meaning and we learn that Othello has committed to going through with Desdemona’s death. Othello believes he is doing the world a justice by saving other men of the heartbreak her “affair” has caused him.
5. Othello, Act V Scene II, “My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago.” I just found this statement humorous, as it points out how brainwashed Othello is. Iago controls him, despite what anyone else may say against Iago’s accusations of Desdemona’s affair.
4. Iago, Act I Scene I, “But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at: I am not what I am.” This gives a clear indication to the audience that Iago should not be trusted. He will create misfortune for those that think he loves them.
3. Othello, Act V Scene II, “I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; for, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.” Othello wants to leave Iago alive to live with the crimes he has committed. However, Othello would rather die than continue living with his guilt.
2. Othello, Act V Scene II, “I am not valiant neither, but every puny whipster gets my sword. But why should honour outlive honesty? Let it go all.” He laments over his mistake of murdering Desdemona, and feels he isn’t worthy to have any honor anymore. This phrase is significant as it shows he has lost all sense of purpose in life, and will also kill himself from his guilt.
1. Othello, Act V Scene III, “I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” This reflects his statement of “My life upon her faith.” By killing his innocent wife, he reflects on the idea that if he had never kissed her, she would still be alive. Now, his jealousy and greed has led to his downfall.
Stephens 1
1. “Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love” (Act I, Scene III)
In this passage, Othello is frustrated with Desdemona’s supposed infidelity. He calls her a creature that is wild and cannot be tamed even through marriage. He makes the assumption that all women sleep around and cannot be loyal. He would rather be a toad in a dungeon than to have to share Desdemona, or stay with a woman who cheats on him
2. “More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea,
Look on the tragic loading of this bed.
This is thy work. The object poisons sight,” (Act V, Scene II)
Lodovico is speaking in shock after witnessing two deaths and a pile of deceased people laying in a bed. His emotions toward Iago cannot be described with words other than complete and utter disgust and hatred. He tells Iago that he is crueler than anguish, hunger or thirst. He tells Iago to look at the bed full of dead people and that it is all his fault.
3. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss” (Act V, Scene III)
Othello has already stabbed himself and he is crawling into the bed with dead Desdemona and Emilia. He is talking about how he kissed Desdemona before he killed her and now he will kiss her before he dies/while he dies.
4. “I am not sorry neither. I’d have thee live,
For in my sense ’tis happiness to die” (Act V, Scene II)
Othello is not sorry that Iago is not dead. He says that death would be too easy and Iago should live forever in this guilt and punishment.
5. “Be thus when thou art dead and I will kill thee
And love thee after. One more, and that’s the last.” (Act V, Scene II)
Othello is speaking this as Desdemona sleeps and he intends to murder her. He says that once she is dead after he kills her, he will continue to love her afterwards. He then kisses her and kisses her once more and that’s the last.
6. “They are loves I bear to you.” (Act V, Scene II)
Desdemona is pleading for her life and says that her only sins are loving Othello too much.
7. “We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly followed. (Act I, Scene I)
Iago is telling Roderigo his reasoning behind following Othello, who he hates. The passage is saying that not everyone can be a master, yet not everyone can truly follow a master.
8. “How to respect you. You are the lord of duty.
I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband.
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,” (Act I, Scene III)
Desdemona is testifying in court that she is indeed married to Othello by her own decision and that her obedience is due to him as her mother’s was to her father.
9. “If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.” (Act I, Scene III)
The Duke is telling Brabantio that if virtue is beauty, then Othello is beautiful, not black
10. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see.
She has deceived her father, and may thee.” (Act I, Scene III)
Arguably the most important line in the play, Brabantio tells Othello that Desdemona has lied to her own father and she will mostly likely lie to her husband as well.
Miller 5
10)”O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.”
9)”If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, each drop would prove a crocodile.”
8)”Put out the light, and then put out the light.”
7)”My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty: To you I am bound for life and education; my life and education both do learn me how to respect you; you are the lord of duty, I am hitherto your daughter: but here ‘s my husband, and so much duty as my mother show ’d to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord.”
6)”She loved me for the dangers I had pass’d, and I loved her that she did pity them. This is the only witchcraft I have used.”
5)”I am not sorry neither: I ‘ld have thee live; for, in my sense, ‘t is happiness to die.”
4)”Thou hast not half that power to do me harm as I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! As ignorant as dirt!”
3)”I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
2)”Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father, and may thee.”
1)”If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black.”
Though I have numbers, they do not truly correspond. I love Shakespeare and these were just ten quotes which I thoroughly enjoyed the wording. It was almost impossible to just choose ten. All of these have a different significance to the story, and each represents a very pivotal part in the plot. Mostly, each was chosen for its ability to evoke and emotion or paint a visual of the scene.
Nifong 1
Suprisingly, I have enjoyed our study over Othello immensely. The language is beautiful and intriguing. Most of what Iago says is clever and deceitful. He tells Roderigo “Put money in thy purse…” There is more to the quote but he is asking for money in exchange for helping him win over Desdemona. Iago has Roderigo believing that he has his best interest in mind, when contrastingly; he couldn’t care less about Roderigo. At the very beginning, after the elopement of Othello and Desdemona, Othello is trying to tell everyone that he did not use witchcraft to lure Desdemona to marry him. He says “She loved me for the dangers I had pass’d. And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I had used.” When jealousy has overtaken Othello, Emilia warns him ““O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock. The meat it feeds on.” A common issue today, after Cassio is demoted he is concerned about his reputation. Iago says this…“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.” “Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.” Othello says this to Desdemona. He is upset about her alleged infidelity but still loves her truly. “Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies.” This quote makes me laugh every time I read it. Iago is making fun of Roderigo for being so depressed about Desdemona that he threatens suicide. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” This quote is beautiful in a dark sort of way. At the end when Othello realizes what has happened he kills himself and kisses Desdemona. “My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you I am bound for life and education.
My life and education both do learn me
How to respect you. You are the lord of my duty,
I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband,
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord.” This eloquent quote is spoken to Desdemona’s father by Desdemona. She is professing her love for the Moor to her father. “Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee.” This quote is an important one to the overall plot of the play. This quote serves as foreshadowing for the jealousy to come.
Boerhave 7
As much of Shakespeare’s work is beautifully written, there are specific lines that stay in the reader’s mind because they were written so brilliantly that they keep us thinking. Here are ten of my top favorite passages that continue to fill my mind with wonderment.
10. Act III, Scene IV, "Alas the day, I never gave him cause"-This makes me feel Desdemona’s heartbroken confusion. She doesn’t understand what she has done to upset Othello.
9. Act IV, Scene I, “Oh, devil, devil! If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.”-This is just a beautifully worded way of Othello accusing Desdemona of cheating on him and being unfaithful. The way it is written is just marvelous!
8. Act IV, Scene III, "Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?"-Emilia is discussing with Desdemona her feelings and personal opinions on spouses being unfaithful. This surprised Desdemona that people do such acts. This shows us(the readers) how pure and innocent Desdemona truly is.
7. Act I, Scene III, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty.”- Desdemona is caught between her father and her husband. Now that she is married to Othello, her duties are with Othello. She handles this conversation with her father lightly so he doesn’t feel beat. I admire Desdemona’s qualities throughout the play.
6. Act I, Scene I, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am."-Iago is basically telling Rodrigo that he is not who he says he is, which lets the audience in at the start that Iago is a mess maker.
5. Act I, Scene III, "She has deceived her father, and may thee."-This quote sets off the tone for the whole play in my perspective. This foreshadows the upcoming events and paranoia for Othello.
4. Act III, Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”-Iago is somewhat warning Othello of jealousy taking over him. I also found this quote interesting because I believe one of Iago’s motives for all of the wickedness he does is because he himself has been taken over by jealousy.
3. Act V, Scene I, "O damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!"-I found this quote ironic because Iago doesn’t seem human to me. His wickedness and lack of any kind of sympathy or lack of any feeling whatsoever portrays him to be inhuman.
2. Act V, Scene II, “Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.”-This is the moment when Othello decides once and for all that he needs to kill Desdemona even though he is majorly in love with her. He doesn’t want her to keep on betraying more men even though she has betrayed no man.
1. Act V, Scene II,"Killing myself, to do upon a kiss."-This moment is when Othello has killed Desdemona only to find out she was honest and pure all along. Othello had kissed Desdemona before he had suffocated her, and now he is going to kill himself. Before he kills himself he must have one last kiss.
Collin Livingston Pd.5
Shakespeare’s Othello holds within a great mystery as well as fascinating literary drama. I will abide by my asking and make a list of ten quotes throughout the play, but not in a particular order because the magnitude or prominence of every line proves to be just as vital as the ones before and after it.
1. Act III Scene III, “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” One of the most talked about quotes in class, Iago tries to – ironically – warn Othello of the powers of jealousy, despite how jealousy may have already provoked Iago’s impulse to corrupt the relationship of Othello and Desdemona.
2. Act I Scene II, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio states this after the Duke has granted Desdemona the right to be with Othello in Cyprus. He means that because she has deceived him by marrying Othello, she will deceive Othello too.
3. Act II Scene III, “Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!” Cassio cries this out after Othello de-ranks him for a skirmish in the middle of the night. I found this quote as interesting, as it shows how important someone’s reputation was held back then, as well as pivotal as it initiates the contact between Cassio and Desdemona that Iago seeks so he can frame him later on.
4. Act I Scene II, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signor, you shall more command with years, than with your weapons." From Othello to Brabantio, this signifies the confidence and swordsmanship skill Othello withholds as well as insults Brabantio slightly by poking fun at how old he is compared to himself.
5. Act I Scene I, “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.” Iago is saying that he will do what is necessary to accomplish his goals – revealing and confirming to the reader the true malevolence within himself.
6. Act VI Scene II, “Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” Othello convinces himself to kill Desdemona despite his ever so passionate love for her. He concludes he will not let her betray and sinfully hurt more men like him – even though she has not betrayed anyone to begin with.
7. Act III Scene III, “By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” This quote exemplifies how Iago’s trickery is taking a mental toll on Othello and is slowly but surely corroding away Othello’s sanity.
8. Act I Scene III, “My life upon her faith.” This quote shows just how much Othello trusts his newly wed wife as well as his principles before getting to the beef of this tragic play in which his mind is twisted and contorted by Iago’s malice.
9. Act II Scene III, “But men are men; the best sometimes forget.” Probably the first of its kind, Shakespeare says what came to be the ever more popular phrase of today – we all act stupid, sometimes it is best to forget and move on.
10. Act V Scene I, “This is the night / That either makes me or fordoes me quite.” Iago tells the audience how this is the night that will either make him or break him and his quest to ultimately separate Desdemona and Othello for good.
Guthmiller 2
Critics have lauded Shakespeare’s work since they had been written. They will forever go down in history as one of, if not the, most influential works of English/art. Othello, a play by Shakespeare, is no exception. It is beautifully written and beautifully performed.
1. “Men should be what they seem, or those that be not, would they might seem none!”
-Iago Act III Scene III
-It is an ironic quote because it comes from the king of all that is deceiving: Iago.
2. “Poor and content is rich, and rich enough, but riches fineless is as poor as winter to him that ever fears he shall be poor.”
-Iago Act III Scene III
-Iago speaks the truth when he says this. He says it is much better to be poor and happy than have all the riches in the world and fear losing it.
3. “I should be wise, for honesty’s a fool and loses that it works for.”
-Iago Act III Scene III
-Perhaps this is why Iago isn’t honest, he has been hurt in the past by his honesty? This quote could provide a clue for Iago’s thinking and his motion to dismiss all honesty from his life.
4. “I am your own forever”
-Iago Act III Scene III
-A beautiful promise from an imperfect individual. Although it’s tainted because it comes from Iago’s lips, I still find this line to be moving.
5. “Her honor is an essence that’s not seen, they have it very oft that have it not.”
-Iago Act IV Scene I
-Honor is more of an individual thing. Walking through the hallway it’s often hard to tell the morality of people at first glance, honor is held closer and is not always shown.
6. “The lethargy must have his quiet course.”
Iago Act IV Scene I
-I enjoy the wordplay and the thought.
7. “I kiss the instrument of their pleasures.”
-Othello Act IV Scene 1
-This is my first quote not by Iago. Othello is saying that he will do whatever he is ordered to do by his superiors.
8. “Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk. “
-Iago Act II Scene I
-I like how Iago tries to convince them of his honesty by also slandering the Turks.
9. “She never yet was folly that was fair, for even her folly helped her to an heir.”
-Iago Act II Scene I
- He says that no pretty woman is stupid because even stupidity will somehow attract men.
10. “To suckle fools and chronicle small beer.”
-Iago Act II Scene I
-I like this quote because I laugh trying to imagine saying it in a normal conversation.
Forster 2
10) Act I, Scene I “How didst thou know’t was she? O, she deceives me/Past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers./Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you?” -Brabantio
As Brabantio is ranting to Roderigo, we get a taste of his temper as well as the beautiful language that could be found in Shakespeare’s time. I found this quote to be beautiful for its brilliant progression of relaying Brabantio’s frustrations with his missing daughter and her uncertain whereabouts.
9) Act I, Scene I “Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,/But seeming so, for my peculiar end:/For when my outward action doth demonstrate/the native act and figure of my heart…” -Iago
I ranked this quote because I found it quite ironic for Iago to be ranting of judgment by Heaven and acting on motives of the heart, as he is the scoundrel of the play.
8) Act II, Scene I “She never yet was foolish that was fair,/For even her folly help’d her to earn an heir.” -Iago
I found this quote interesting as it is still relevant today—that attractiveness will gain things that should be found with knowledge and good morals, rather than being won with beauty.
7) Act I, Scene III
“My life upon her faith!” –Othello
There is such amazing foreshadowing found in these five words by Othello. It sets off the turn of events.
6) Act I, Scene III
“I will incontinently drown myself.” -Roderigo
This line could be read in a far more serious tone than I imagine. I picture a wailing, child-like Roderigo who is only being dramatic about a crush that didn’t like him back, in Shakespear-ean language, of course.
5) Act IV, Scene II
“Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom.” –Emilia
I thought this was an interesting way of saying, spit it out—it’s annoying you, surely. It also shows how wise Emilia has the capacity to be.
4) Act III, Scene IV
“To lose ‘t or give ‘t away were such perdition/As nothing else could match.” –Othello
This shows his desperation to receive Desdemona’s confession that simply has been fabricated by Iago. A real breaking point for Othello in the play.
3) Act V, Scene II
“It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul:/Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!” –Othello
A beautiful combination of lamenting and lonely language to describe Othello’s dilemma with Desdemona’s supposed infidelity.
2) Act V, Scene I
“Will you go on? I pray. This is the night/that either makes of fordoes me quite.” –Iago
One of my favorite lines of the play. It both rhymes and tells of Iago’s dangerous situation and risk in his plan.
1) Act V, Scene II
“Myself will straight aboard, and to the state/This heavy act with heavy heart relate.” -Lodovico
A beautiful way to phrase “I will go tell of this tragedy”. And a wonderful ending to a great tragedy by Shakespeare.
Johnke Pd. 5
10.“And so much duty my mother showed / To you, prefering you to her father, / So much I challenge that I may profess / Due to the Moor my Lord (Desdemona Act 1, Scene 3). This quote is Desdemona's way of defending Othello. She says that her mother once disobeyed her father to be with you so I am now doing the same to you.
9.“I had rather have this tonugue cut from my mouth / Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio” (Iago Act 2, Scene 3) Iago is acting as if he would do anything to avoid telling what happened when in reality he has planned it.
8.“Not this hour, lieutenant; its not yer ten o'clock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of he Desdemona.” (Cassio Act 2, Scene 3) Cassio is trying to resist drinking but soon begins to give in.
7.“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: / She has deceived her father, and may thee.” (Berbantio Act1, Scene 3) Her father is warning Othello that she is unfaithful
6.“O, beware my lord of jealosy / it is a green-eyed monster which doth mock / the meat it feeds on” (Iago Act 3, Scene 3) Iago is warning Othello that treachery is at hand.
5.“Keep your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” (Othello Act 1, Scene 2) this is a funny line in my opinion because Othello is warning them that he will destroy them in a fight.
4.“O' damn'd Iago! O inhuman dog!” (Roderigo Act 5, Scene 1) Roderigo has finally understood Iago's plot but it is too late.
3.“Do it not with poison, strangle her in bed” (Iago Act 4, Scene 1) Iago is telling Othello that he should strangle Desdemona. This is interesting because strangling someone is usually a much more personal way to murder someone than poison is.
2.“A guiltless death I die” (Desdemona Act 5, Scene 2) Desdemona is pleading with Othello insisting she has done nothing wrong.
1.And finally, the number one quote.. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, / Killing myself to die upon a kiss” (Othello Act 5, Scene 2) Othello has killed himself as punishment for his mistake.
Rogen5
“O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” This is stated by Iago to Othello in warning of the jealousy that will consume Othello. This foreshadowing states the impending envy that will consume Othello.
“Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.” Iago says this to Othello as our protagonist plots to kill his wife. His statement shows the true evil within Iago.
"Put out the light, and then put out the light." Othello paces and is trying to push himself to something terrible to a wonderful woman. I love this quote for I could see it happening on stage.
“…to abuse Othello's ear." Iago says this as he tells the audience how he plans to ruin Othello’s life and reputation.
“And so much duty that my mother showed. To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord” I like this quote for I may be able to use it one point with my parents if they do not approve of my girlfriend.
“It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will.” Iago says this to the stooge, Roderigo, so Iago can talk him into supplying money.
“Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.” Desdemona’s Father exclaims this to Othello. The combination of his foreboding statement with Iago’s lies pushes Othello to do the unthinkable.
“The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief.” The Duke says this to the scorned father after during the overnight meeting. I think it is great advice for any situation. Kill people with kindness.
“ By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” Othello is ranting over the fiction that Iago has placed in his mind. He is truly losing who he is as a person.
"Killing myself, to do upon a kiss." Othello says this as he kills himself. Without this line, the play does not stand as a tragedy. The sorrow in the actor’s voice would bring an audience to tears. It is truly the most powerful line in the play.
Dawn 2
As one reads Shakespeare it is easy to become confused by the intelligent words of such a great playwright. However, beneath the befuddlement of these words there are well written sentences with great meaning. Here are my top ten quotes—ten through two are in no particular order of being my favorites—from Shakespeare’s Othello.
10. "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see, She has deceived her father, and may thee." Act I, Scene III- Brabantio is telling Othello that Desdemona has betrayed her own father and will soon betray Othello.
9. "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black." Act I, Scene III- The Duke is telling Brabantio that Othello is far superior to the “common” black man.
8. "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall more command with years, Than with your weapons." Act I, Scene II- Othello is warning Brabantio that if he instigates a fight, Brabantio and all his men would soon be dead.
7. “O beware, my lord, of Jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Act III, Scene III- Iago is warning Othello of the dangers of jealousy.
6. "Killing myself, to do upon a kiss." Act V, Scene II- Othello has finally realized Desdemona was innocent he gives her a kiss before killing himself to atone for the murder.
5. "Put out the light, and then put out the light." Act V, Scene II- Othello is talking to himself. He plans to put out the light literally—the candlelight—and then move on to extinguish the light of Desdemona—her life.
4. “And so much duty that my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I many profess Due to the Moor my lord.” Act I, Scene III-Desdemona is telling her father that she is just like her mother by preferring her husband over her father.
3. “I am not what I am.” Act I, Scene I- Iago says this to Roderigo to explain to him that although he seems to be on Othello’s side, his true intentions are hidden.
2. “A guiltless death I die.” Act V, Scene II- Desdemona excepts her death but proclaims her innocence.
And last but definitely not least number one:
“Blessed pudding!” Act II, Scene I- I am not going to pretend to even have an inkling of knowing what Iago meant when he said this to Roderigo. All I know is that is the one quote Iago ever said that gained even a shred of respect from me. Iago could not have been more correct when he said this. Even though it may or may not have anything to do with his conversation, it is always a good time to say good things about pudding. So, to anyone reading this I would like you to stop for at least a minute and just think about the amazing deliciousness of pudding. Iago, you sir have great taste in dessert!
Post a Comment