Flashcards
Appearance VS Reality Quotes
Cards in this deck (6)
- 1Iago's most famous words (Act 1, Scene 1)"I am not what I am."
- 2What is the deeper meaning behind Iago's words "I am not what I am"? [hint: Exodus 3:14]The phrase "I am not what I am" serves as a parodic allusion to a well known biblical quote from Exodus 3:14, where Moses askes God his name and God offers a enigmatic response: "I am that I am." By transforming God's words into a negative formulation, Iago indicates his identity as a diabolical figure.
"I am not what I am" is the opposite of God's words. Indicating an opposite to God, the devil or the evil one. - 3Iago's words at the end of Act 1. "The Moor is of a free and open nature..." (Act 1, Scene 3)"... That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are." - 4What is the importance of the quote, "The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are."?Much like Roderigo, who believes too readily in Iago’s friendship, Othello “thinks men honest that but seem to be so.” Thus, Iago intends to use Othello by exploiting the man’s naïve belief in the reality of appearances to lead him (like a trusting donkey) to his own destruction.
- 5(Act 3, Scene 3) "Men should be what they seem..." - Iago"...Or those that be not, would they might seem none!"
- 6What is the significance of Iago's words, "Men should be what they seem, Or those that be not, would they might seem none!"?These words have an ironic ring. Iago’s words are doubly ironic since he supports the truism not just to cover up his own treachery, but also to cause Othello to doubt Cassio’s honesty. The kind of deceitfulness Iago demonstrates here points to his deep-seated cynicism about the world. It also serves as a warning to the audience to remain wary of appearances.