Analysis: Othello soliloquizes the curse of marriage when one marries an unfaithful woman. Quote: “O curse of marriage, / That we can call these delicate creatures ours, / And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad, / And live upon the vapors of a dungeon, / Than keep a corner of the thing I love / For others’ uses.” (Act III, Scene 4). Picture a green-eyed monster gnawing your spleen as it calls you names. Calling jealousy a “green-eyed monster” is a metaphor full of imagery. Not only does Iago goad Othello to jealousy, he himself is jealous and resentful of the success of others. He’s one of Shakespeare’s many characters who gives sound advice, yet goes against it. Analysis: The ironic thing about Iago’s advice to Othello is its soundness. Quote: “O, beware, my lord of jealousy / It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” (Act III, Scene 3). Here are some additional examples of jealousy in Othello. Why then does Emilia steal Desdemona’s handkerchief–without which, Iago’s plans fail–and give it to her husband? Is it possible that Iago’s suspicions that his wife has been with the Moor in the past are true? Does Emilia fancy Othello and want his wife out of the picture? Othello Quotes on Jealousy Quote: “Tis not a year or two shows us a man: / They are all but stomachs and we all but food: / They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, / They belch us.” Analysis: Emilia uses an extended metaphor to voice her disgust toward men, comparing men to stomachs and women to belched food. Othello referring to Iago as an “honest creature” is also ironic. Iago knows human nature and how to manipulate it. Othello thinks he knows more about Desdemona and Cassio’s affair, but what he really knows is there is no affair. Iago does know much more than he unfolds. Analysis: Yet another example of irony, this time dramatic. Quote: “This honest creature doubtless / Sees and knows more, much more than he unfolds.” (Act III, Scene 3). Othello believes Iago speaks of Michael Cassio of not being what he seems. Quote: “Men should be what they seem / Or those that be not, would they might seem none!” (Act III, Scene 3) Analysis: Iago warns Othello about men who are not what they appear. Feel free to share your favorite quotes from Othello in the comments section below. William Shakespeare 1610 There are so many Othello jealousy quotes to choose from. The paradoxical use of “wondrous pitiful” and she “wished not yet wished” also contributes to the dreamlike mood established by the Moor. It’s as though Othello cannot believe he has successfully wooed the much sought after nobleman’s daughter. The repetition of ’twas combined with Desdemona’s “world of sighs” establishes a dreamlike mood. Analysis: Othello recounts to the court his wooing of Desdemona. Quote: “She gave me for my pains a world of sighs: / She swore,–in faith, ’twas strange, ’twas passing strange / ‘Twas pitiful, ’twas wondrous pitiful: / She wish’d she had not heard it, yet she wished / That heaven made her such a man” (Act I, Scene 3). His crude euphemistic metaphor highlights Iago’s crassness and his desire to harm those above him in society. Analysis: Iago stirs up trouble between Brabantio and Othello. Quote: “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter / and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” (Act I, Scene 1). Iago uses a simile comparing servants to donkeys to emphasize the mistreatment of those without power. This resentment of those above him may explain his villainy toward Othello, the respected military leader of Venice Cassio, a lieutenant promoted over Iago and Roderigo, a rich, but stupid nobleman. He defends his actions by stating in the end, his “masters” will discard him if he fails to get the upper hand now. He resents those above him, following them simply to harm them. Analysis: Iago explains his strategy to Roderigo and justifies his treachery. You shall mark / Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave / That doting on his own obsequious bondage, / Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass…” (Act I, Scene 1). Quote: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him: / We cannot all be masters, nor all masters / cannot be truly follow’d. Thomas Keene production of Othello - 1884 Dangers of Jealousy The following outlines several instances of jealousy in Othello by William Shakespeare.
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