A paradox, shows how Iago manipulates other characters on stage, reminds the audience that Iago is duplicitous in nature

Vulgar animalistic imagery, colours are symbolic and reminds us of the difference in race between Othello and Desdemona, white symbolises innocence and pyrite whereas black symbolises evil, the word “old” refers to the age difference between the couple

“An old black ram is tupping your white ewe”

Shows Othello’s sincerity and deep love for her, the word “gentle” implies that he see’s her as a fragile person and someone he must protect

The hero Othello calms an angry crowd with carefully chosen words, he is responding to the threat of violence with measured calm

“Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them”

“that” being Cassio leaving Desdemona’s chamber, Iago is insinuating there’s something going on between Cassio and Desdemona, planting seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind

Othello starts questioning his marriage and starts blaming himself, he starts to doubt Desdemona and assumes she’s interested in Cassio rather than him because he’s black and older 

Desdemona is noticing a change in Othello, he isn’t behaving like himself, this statement is a paradox and echoes Iago’s “I am not what I am” in the opening act 

Imagery, metaphor, just as poison kills you, Iago’s manipulation is destroying Othello

“The moor already changes with my poison”

He’s no longer speaking in verse, he’s now speaking in monosyllables, this change in language signifies his break down, he’s deteriorating physically and mentally

He repeats the phrase 3 times to emphasise his obsession, he has become fixated on it 

An oxymoron, Iago is the most dishonest character in the play, this creates dramatic irony as only the audience is aware of Iago’s duplicity 

A metaphor, this imagery shows that Iago is devious and will slowly try poison Othello against Desdemona with rumours and whisperings

Othello believes everything Iago is saying, Othello has turned against his wife and now wants her dead

The audience is shocked by Othello’s violent behaviour towards Desdemona, Iago has succeeded in turning Othello against his wife

Othello sacrifices himself for the crimes he’s committed, the fact he kisses Desdemona’s dead body before he dies shows he still loves her and deeply regrets that he did not trust her, this refers to the conventions of a tragedy and the fate of the protagonist 

English (UK)

Quotes and analysis from Othello to use in your essays

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Josh Lambourne

United Kingdom

quotes and analysis from othello to use in your essays

Flashcards

English

othello quotes and analysis 

DEFAULT (Scotland)

Othello quotes and analysis 

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