Othello Quotes

“Were I the Moor I would not be Iago./In following him I follow but myself;/Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,/But seeming so for my peculiar end./For when my outward action doth demonstrate/The native act and figure of my heart/In compliment extern, ’tis not long after/But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.” (Act I Scene 1)

–Iago

Analysis

Iago explains his strategies to deal with Othello to Roderigo. He explains that he doesn’t really favor or love Othello; even his duties to Othello are superseded by his desire to bring about Othello’s downfall. In other words, he prefers to be at Othello’s service solely because he feels that’s the best way to destroy Othello.

The last line reflects Iago’s relationship with Roderigo. Roderigo thinks that Iago is working for him, whereas, in reality, Iago is only working for himself.

“Tis the curse of service./Preferment goes by letter and affection,/And not by old gradation, where each second/Stood heir to th’ first.” (Act I Scene 1)

–Iago

Analysis

Iago utters these words after being passed over for the position of Lieutenant. The audience must recall that Cassio was promoted instead, and Iago not only feels unappreciated but also thinks Cassio, being close to Othello, had an unfair advantage. Iago thus finds it apt to believe that the natural order of things is often vetoed by love and personal affection toward a person.

“Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband.” (Act II Scene 1)

–Desdemona

Analysis

Desdemona speaks these lines to Emilia in response to Iago’s thoughts on women. Iago admits that he is a cynic and prone to being overly critical. Desdemona playfully advises Emilia to disregard this aspect of Iago’s personhood, although it would turn out to be useful advice.

“If it were now to die,/’Twere now to be most happy…” (Act II Scene 1)

–Othello

“I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this,/Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” (Act IV Scene 2)

–Othello

“I am your own forever.” (Act III Scene 3)

-Iago

“It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

–Iago

“My noble father,/I do perceive here a divided duty./To you I am bound for life and education./My life and education both do learn me/How to respect you. You are the lord of my duty,/I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband,/And so much duty as my mother showed/To you, preferring you before her father,/So much I challenge that I may profess/Due to the Moor my lord.” (Act 1 Scene 3)

–Desdemona

“Yet ’tis the plague of great ones;/Prerogatived are they less than the base./’Tis destiny unshunnable, like death.” (Act III Scene 3)

–Othello