“I am not what I am”

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

“An old black ram is tupping your white ewe”

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

“I love the gentle Desdemona”

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

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

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

“Ha! I like not that”

“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

“I am black”

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

“My lord is not my lord”

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

“The moor already changes with my poison”

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

“O blood, blood, blood”

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

“The handkerchief!l

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

“Honest Iago”

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

“To abuse Othello’s ears”

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

“I’ll tear her tk pieces”

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

“[he strikes her]”

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

“Killing myself, to die upon a kiss”

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