Quotes
Iago is most honest (II.iii.7) Othello, unaware of Iago's evil plans, comments on his honesty. This is most ironic, of course, since Iago is the furthest thing from it. Shakespeare is able to increase the tension of the plot with short, simple statements like this one.
Who steals my purse steals trash (III.iii.157) Iago has gotten Cassio drunk, and Cassio has gotten himself fired as Othello's lieutenant. He mourns the loss of his reputation, which, if compared to the theft of a purse, is more valuable than gold.
green-eyed monster (III.iii.166) Iago gives Othello very true advice in a sarcastic vein. Jealousy is compared to a "green-eyed monster." In the modern sense, the phrase is "green with envy."
vale of years (III.iii.266) Some critics believe this to be a reference to the 23rd Psalm: "Yea though I walk through the of the shadow of death." In the modern sense, it has been corrupted to vale of tears," meaning a painful experience.
Men should be what they seem; / Or those that be not, would they might seem none (III.iii.126-127) Probably the most bitingly ironic words in the play, Iago plants the idea in Othello's mind that Cassio might be cavorting with Desdemona, and is not "what he seems." Of course, it is plainly Iago who is not what he seems. Shakespeare adroitly uses this technique of having his villians describe what is in reality their own treachery, even when they are apparently referring to someone else. This only adds to the chilling, calculating nature of Iago.
foregone conclusion (III.iii.428) To Shakespeare, this phrase meant "a previous experiment." In the modern sense, it refers to something that has already been decided.
pomp and circumstance (III.iii.354) These are the celebrations that would be held in Cyprus for the victory over the Turks. In the modern sense, it is frequently used to describe a very formal event, such as an inauguration or graduation.
so sweet was never so fatal (V.ii.20) Othello is contemplating murdering Desdemona to save other men from her "deceit." Knowing how sweet Desdemona actually is means the real or spiritual death of a man.
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame (V.ii.44) In the play's final scene, Othello, broken and defeated by his complete submittal to Iago's plan, prepares to kill Desdemona and demands she admit her unfaithfulness. Of course, she has no idea what he is talking about, and says as much in this quote—hoping in vain that his rage is not to be imminently directed at her.
loved not wisely but too well (V.ii.345) Othello realizes too late that he was wrong about Desdemona's infidelity, but the only fault he admits is that he listened to Iago.
'tis the curse of service, / Preferment goes by letter and affection (I.i.35-36) In the first scene of Othello, we learn that Iago has been passed over in favor of Cassio for the position of Othello's lieutenant. This slight provides the motive for Iago's diabolical plan to wreak revenge on Othello. Here Iago complains that Cassio's elevation was based on favoritism, rather than traditional values of service and succession.
And will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are (I.iii.403-404) At the close of Act I, Iago hatches his plan against Othello. The theme of appearance and reality figures prominently throughout the play; here Iago notes that Othello is not adept at distinguishing between the two—making him more likely to fall victim to Iago's scheme.
Expert Q&A
What is the meaning of this quote from Shakespeare's Othello?
"Tis not a year or two shows us a man. / They are all but stomachs, and we all but food. / They eat us hungrily, and when they are full, / They belch us."
This line, spoken by Emilia, is a metaphor which expresses her resentment at men. Emilia views men as abusers, and it is from this view that her metaphor arises, one in which women are chewed up and devoured and belched back up again.
What is the significance of this quote from Othello: "Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon."
The quote from Othello, "Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon" is significant as it reflects Iago's derogatory views towards both women and Othello. The term 'guinea hen' is a euphemism for a prostitute, indicating Iago's contempt for Desdemona, while the 'baboon' reference is a racial insult towards Othello, portraying him as hyper-sexual and subhuman.
What is the significance of Iago's quote "All seals and symbols of redeemed sin" in Othello?
Iago's quote, "All seals and symbols of redeemed sin," signifies Othello's baptism, which represents his forgiveness and faith. Iago suggests that Desdemona's influence over Othello is so profound that he would renounce his baptism if she asked, highlighting her strong hold on him. However, Desdemona would never request such a thing, as it would entail denying his faith.
What are some quotes about war from Othello?
In Othello, war is a central theme, particularly in Act 3, Scene 3, where Othello laments the loss of his occupation and life's meaning, equating it with losing Desdemona. He uses war imagery to express his turmoil, saying, "Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars." In Act 1, Scene 3, Othello discusses how war has shaped his identity and influenced Desdemona's love for him, highlighting his soldier's background.
What quotes from Othello reflect images of sight/blindness, animals, and hell/demons?
In Othello, Shakespeare uses imagery related to sight, blindness, animals, and hell. Sight imagery includes lines like "I saw Othello's visage in his mind" and "Make it a darling like your precious eye." Animal imagery is evident in Iago's lines: "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is topping your white ewe." Hell imagery appears in Iago's "Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light." These themes enhance the play's exploration of perception and deception.
What is the significance of this quote from Shakespeare's Othello, and what literary device does it use?
Othello: Maybe, because I am black,
And don’t have those soft parts of conversation
That gentlemen have; or because I am getting
Much older, still that's not much,
She's already unfaithful; I am abused, and my relief
Must be to hate her. O curses on marriage,...
This quote from Shakespeare's "Othello" reveals Othello's internal conflict and jealousy as he grapples with suspicions of Desdemona's infidelity. He attributes potential reasons for her unfaithfulness to his race and age, showcasing his insecurities. The passage uses idioms and metaphor, notably comparing aging to entering a "vale of years." This moment highlights Othello's increasing vulnerability to Iago's manipulations and foreshadows his tragic descent into jealousy and violence.
Analysis of the meaning and figure of speech in Othello's line "Put out the light, and then put out the light."
Othello's line "Put out the light, and then put out the light" uses a metaphor. The first "light" refers to extinguishing a candle, symbolizing the literal act. The second "light" signifies taking Desdemona's life, implying extinguishing her existence. This line highlights Othello's internal conflict and the gravity of his impending action.
What does Othello mean by "To die upon a kiss"?
Othello's phrase "to die upon a kiss" signifies both his literal final act and the symbolic end of his marriage to Desdemona. After realizing that his jealousy, not Desdemona's infidelity, led to her murder, Othello is overcome with regret. He acknowledges his enduring love for her and, unable to live without her, decides to commit suicide. This phrase encapsulates his remorse and the tragic culmination of his misguided actions.
What does Iago's quote "Oh, you are in harmony now, but I will loosen the pegs that tune your instruments" refer to in Othello?
Iago: to himself - "Oh, you are in harmony now, but I will loosen the pegs that tune your instruments."
Iago's quote uses a metaphor comparing harmony in relationships to a tuned string instrument. By saying he will "loosen the pegs," Iago implies he will disrupt the harmony between Othello and others, much like untuning an instrument. This reflects Iago's intention to create chaos and discord through manipulation, undermining Othello's peace and stability.
Can you provide a quote from Othello that illustrates redemption?
A quote that shows redemption in Othello is the following:
I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Significant Quotes in Each Act of Othello and Their Importance
In Othello, significant quotes include "I am not what I am" in Act 1, revealing Iago's deceitful nature. In Act 2, "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy" foreshadows Othello's downfall. Act 3’s "O, now, forever farewell the tranquil mind" marks Othello's descent into jealousy. In Act 4, "This is a subtle whore" shows Othello's complete mistrust. Finally, Act 5's "I kissed thee ere I killed thee" signifies tragic remorse.
Quotes Illustrating Tragedy in Othello
In Shakespeare's Othello, the tragedy of the protagonist is illustrated through his insecurities and manipulation by Iago. Othello's belief that Desdemona's love is unattainable leads to his downfall. Quotes such as "Farewell the tranquil mind" and "Iago is most honest" highlight his tragic misjudgments. His realization comes too late, as seen in "Oh Fool! Fool! Fool!", and he acknowledges his flaws with "Of one that loved not wisely but too well." These elements underscore Othello's tragic arc.
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