Othello Themes Quotes

Othello Themes Quotes

1. jelousy

   • For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too, (Act 2 Scene 1)
     • Iago
       • "Indeed?"
       • "‘Honest, my lord?’
         • These small innocent-sounding questions serve to casually arouse suspicion in Othello that things are not all they seem
       • O beware, jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on. (Act 3 Scene 3) Iago tells Othello not to be Jelous, his words have the exact opposite effect, as intended
       • ‘observe her well with Cassio.’
         • Definite in casting doubt with desdemona, as women from Venice were considered to be unfailful
   • Emilia
     • Act 3 Scene 4
       • But jealous souls will not be answered so; They are not ever jealous for the cause But jealous for they are jealous: ’tis a monster, Born on itself.
         • Jelousy inevitable
     • ‘For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, There’s no man happy; the purest of her sex Is foul as slander.’ Act 4 Scene 2
       • Shows how Othello is Blinded by Jelousy
   • Othello
     • Damn her, lewd minx! O damn her! (Act 3 Scene 3)
       • Jelousy has lost all self control
     • one that loved not wisely, but too well: .. one not easily jealous, but being wrought, (Act 5 Scene 2)
       • The drama of his downfall shows only too clearly the insidious and evil power of jealousy over a naive individual who has been too blind and, ironically, too trusting, to see the truth prior to this point.

2. Honesty and Duplicy

   • Honesty
     • Othello
       • "So please your grace, my ensign. A man he is of honesty and trust." Act 1 Scene 3
       • "My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago. " Act 5 Scence 2
         • Even after he has killed Desdemona and when Emilia stoutly defends Desdemona’s innocence, Othello still maintains he is right because Iago said so
     • Epithet
       • "Honest Iago"
     • Emilia
       • "I do warrant it grieves my husband" Act 3 Scene 3
     • Desdemona
       • "O, that's an honest fellow" Act 3 Scene 3
         • Dramatic irony
   • Duplicy
     • Iago
       • "When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now;" (Act 2 Scene 3)
         • Iago’s duplicity is like that of Lucifer, the fallen angel whose dazzling brightness concealed evil intentions
       • 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." Act 1 Scene 3
         • Closing speech, summarises Othello's niavity, And so Othello is led on exactly as Iago plans, and the tragedy occurs because an honest couple (Desdemona is equally trusting) cannot appreciate that they are served by a consummate liar, motivated by hatred and revenge.

3. Apperance and Deception

   • Apperance
   • Deception
     • iago
       • ".. I am not what I am. " Act 1 Scene 1
         • Shows Iago intends to hide his true character and to manipulate situations to his own advantage (and Othello’s disadvantage).

4. Prejudice

5. Passion and Self control

6. Honour and Reputation

7. Gender