A list of all useful quotes and stage directions in the play 'Othello' by William Shakespeare, and analysis for each one. Each quote can be used for multiple exam questions, and there are quotes from all characters including Othello, Iago and Desdemona, as well as minor characters such as Roderigo,...
Quote Analysis
Iago “despise me if I do not” Hates Othello for not promoting him to lieutenant
Iago “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” Iago shows jealousy and misunderstanding here. He also
exhibits positive self-outlook on himself, but is this
warranted?
Iago “Michael Cassio (…) A fellow almost damned in a fair Iago feels Cassio has lack of control so does not deserve
wife” lieutenancy
Iago “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” Iago is petty and wants revenge; he is falsely loyal
Iago “these fellows have some soul; and such a one do I Iago doesn’t understand why people would be loyal to
profess myself” masters like Othello. Ironic as Iago serves Othello, but
only to benefit himself and not out of true loyalty.
Iago “when my outward action doth demonstrate (…) my Iago thinks showing emotion is a weakness as people can
heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at” take advantage. It is significant that the audience hears
Iago say this as it helps visualise how Iago can easily
manipulate Othello.
Iago “I am not what I am” Foreshadows
Iago describes Othello as “thick lips” and a “Barbary horse” Racism due to jealousy over Desdemona falling for
Othello instead of Roderigo.
Iago “old black ram is tupping your white ewe” Racist animal imagery used for impact here as Othello
and Desdemona having sex is taboo due to mixed-races.
Brabantio “My daughter is not for thee” Strong, firm opinions. No chance of changing his mind in
favour of Roderigo.
Brabantio “My spirit and my place have in their power to He is a powerful man with lots of resources and
make this bitter to thee” connections, and is quite formidable. This serves as a
warning to not mess with him or Desdemona.
Brabantio describes Iago as a “profane wretch”
Iago “they have none to lead their business” Othello is so good at fighting due to his bravery and
violence, that nobody else could lead an army
successfully. This could link to Black stereotypes of the
time portraying Black people as violent and animalistic.
Iago “I do hate him” Iago hates Othello.
Iago “I must show out a flag and sign of love, which is Iago is falsely loyal to bring down Othello.
indeed but sign”
Brabantio “trust not your daughters minds by what you Brabantio saw Desdemona as innocent until she married
see them act” Othello; shows how racist stereotypes have impacted his
opinion of his own daughter.
Brabantio “At every house I’ll call; I may command at Shows Brabantio is respected and noble as people will do
most” what he says
Brabantio “I’ll deserve your pains” Brabantio rewards those who are loyal.
Iago “spoke such scurvy and provoking terms against your Killed someone who was against Othello; shows extent
honour” of Iago’s false loyalty
Othello “Let him do his spite. My services which I have Othello is confident in himself and his ability to be a
done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints” brave and helpful man. His calm composure reverses the
unflattering impressions that were created about him in
Act 1.1
Othello “My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall Believes in fate and the mantra of what should be will
manifest me rightly” be.
Othello “you shall more command with years than with Othello’s maturity shown here as he feels wisdom is
your weapons” more valuable than fighting/violence.
Brabantio “Damn’d as thou art, thou hast enchanted her” Brabantio accuses Othello of using witchcraft to seduce
“Abus’d her delicate youth with drugs and minerals” Desdemona. Uses stereotypes to come to this
conclusion, by assuming Desdemona couldn’t possibly
love Othello due to his race, but also implying that
Othello is dangerous due to his race/coming from a
faraway place.
Othello is measured, calm and authoritative in contrast;
he doesn’t react to Brabantio’s casual racism.
Brabantio describes Desdemona as “tender, fair and
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller frankiesaputo05. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £6.46. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
