Othell Act 5-end

"Soft you, a word or two before you g./I have done the state some service, and they know't./ No more of that I pray you in your letters,/ When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,/ Nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak/ Of one that loved not wisely, bu too well;/ Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought,/ perplexed in the extreme;of one whose hand,/ Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away." (5.2 127)

Othello’s honor was the basis for all of his actions. His valor as a soldier and prestige as a leader all proceed from his honor. Othello killed Desdemona because he believed she committed adultery and ultimately stained his honor. When Othello was blinded to the truth by Iago he was guarded by his ignorance and could not be dissatisfied with his dishonor. When Othello learned of the truth he learned that he was defeated by the very occurrence he was trying to prevent, being dishonored. Othello’s honor was so precious to him that he would rather be cleansed be death than to live in a world where he was fundamentally defeated.

extenuate (5.2 127)- to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious

impediment (5.2 124)- obstruction; hindrance; obstacle.

Othello Act 4 scene 2-3

Good night, good night. Heaven me such/ uses send,/ Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend. Exeunt.(4.3 107)

This quote demonstrates the fundamental differences between Emilia and Desdemona and between Otehllo and and Iago. Othello and Desdemona are similar in thte way that they share the belief that being unfaithful is replusive. Iago and Emilia not only find the idea inviting, but also they plan on sleeping with others. This idea is extreme for Othello and Desdemona so perahps it would not differ from their actions on it.


dispatch (4.3 104)- to be sent off or away wth speed.

garland (4.3 105)- a wreath or festoon of flowers, leaves, or other material.

Othello Act 4 scene 1

I will not stay to offend you. (4.1 92)

Desdemona's genuine desire to please her husband is out of love. Othello imagines that she flees out of fear and he feels no sympathy. Earlier he claims, "If the earth could teem with woman's tears Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile." He claims that her utter sadness is but a trick that he will not fall for. Rather than confront his wife and listen to her argument he hits her, crossing over to the point of no return. Once he struck her Lodovico deemed him unworthy of his position and was in disbelief , As did Emilia and even Iago. Othello's rage has blinded him and set him on a destructive path blind to those who love him and blind to the imminent consequences.

mandate (4.1 93)- a command from a superior court of office to a lower one.

beseech (4.1 92) - to implore urgently.

Othello Act 3 scene 4

Fetch me the handkerchief! My mind misgives. (3.4 78)

This quote shows how Othello's romantic insecurity has led him to have a single track mind. At this point in the novel Othello is irate with his wife because she had potentially been dishonest. Othello's incessant demands to see the handkerchief shows that he is so furious and convinced that he wants Desdemona to be guilty in order to justify his plan for condemning her and Cassio.


indicted (3.4 79)- to accuse of wrong doing

perdition (3.4 77)- a state of final spiritual ruin; loss of the soul; damnation

Othello Act 3 scene 1-3

Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore!/ Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof;/ Or by the worth of mine eternal soul,. thou hadst been better have been born a dog/ Than answer my waked wrath! (3.3 70)

This quote marks the first instance where Othello has put Iago to the test, whereas before Othello would blindly follow anything Iago said. He addresses Iago as a villain and accuses him of lying. Othello says this out of the insecurity that has driven him to what seems like enraged insanity. In actuality this is the opposite. Othello finally suspects Iago of being false without fully believing it and is correct. Othello's ironic statements pertaining to Iago seem ludicrous when they are in fact spot on. When he suspects them to be true, such as Iago being an honest and true friend, Othello could not be further from the truth.

ocular (3.3 70)- pertaining to or, for the eyes.

chide (3.3 68) - to express the disapproval of.

Othello Act 2 scene 2-3

And what's he then that says I play the villain/ when this advice is free I give, and honest, (2.3 53)

This quote exhibits Iago's sinister mind to be so evil and cunning that it amazes even himself. He tells himself that he would not suspect himself to be a villain because of his seemingly sincere advice. Iago is aware of Othello's power and realizes that he is not in a position to confront Othello. Instead Iago is relying on Othello's own power to destroy himself. Iago is allowing Othello's power to be released and is merely directing it at Othello and his closest companions.This is a theme and the main strategy of Iago's plan to bring about Othello's downfall, self-destruction.

Definitions of two words:

enmesh (2.3 53) - to catch, as in a net; entangle: He was enmeshed by financial difficulties.

swagger (2.3 50) - manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.