Othello Passage ID
Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!
Speaker: Cassio Context: • Cassio to Iago • Before: Cassio gets fired for being in a fight (against Roderigo when drunk) • Claims that he let his animal instincts get the best of him
"That I did love the Moor to live with him, My downright violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued Even to the very quality of my lord: I saw Othello's visage in his mind, And to his honour and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate."
Speaker: Desdemona Context: • Desdemona speaks to Duke and Brabantino. Othello and other senators there as well. • Before: Othello wants Desdemona to come with her to Cyprus. • Desdemona is saying why she loves Othello. • She wants to go to the war, but her father does not want her to. • Line 287: Personality means more than appearance and race to her
"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 duty; I am hitherto your daughter: but here's my husband, And so much duty as my mother show'd To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord."
Speaker: Desdemona Context: • Desdemona to Brabantino. Othello, Duke and other senators are also there. • Before: Brabantino wants to know if Desdemona truly loves him or if he forced her (or magic). • Desdemona explains how she respects and loves her father, but still loves her husband and therefore will live with him. • Desdemona compares this to how her mom left her father (whom she loved and respected deeply) to go live with her husband (Brabantino).
As I am an honest man, I thought you had received some bodily wound; there is more sense in that than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false imposition: oft got without merit, and lost without deserving: you have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute yourself such a loser.
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago to Cassio • Before: Cassio fired and is explaining how his animal instincts got the best of him. • Iago says that reputation is pointless and doesn't matter. No one really cares.
"If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love, Either in discourse of thought or actual deed, Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense, Delighted them in any other form; Or that I do not yet, and ever did. And ever will--though he do shake me off To beggarly divorcement--love him dearly, Comfort forswear me! Unkindness may do much; And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love. I cannot say '*****:' It does abhor me now I speak the word; To do the act that might the addition earn Not the world's mass of vanity could make me."
Speaker: Desdemona Context: • Desdemona to Iago. Emilia is there. • Before: Asking hoe she can get Othello back • Professing her love to Othello. Saying that she would give up anything for him • "uncomfortable for the rest of my life if I can't be with you" • This speech is similar to when Othello was speaking about her (Jove speech 4.2.57-74) • "No matter what happens I'll still/always love you"
"The world's a huge thing: it is a great price. For a small vice. (character) In troth, I think thou wouldst not. (speaker) In troth, I think I should; and undo't when I had done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, nor for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats, nor caps, nor any petty exhibition; but for the whole world,--why, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for't."
Speaker: Emilia Context: • Emilia to Desdemona • Before: Othello has accused Desdemona of cheating and Desdemona is saying how she never would. • Would sleep with someone else if it would somehow help her husband • If you rule the world or are in charge than its your world to decide what's right/wrong
"I will be hang'd, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised this slander; I'll be hang'd else. (Character) Fie, there is no such man; it is impossible. (Character) If any such there be, heaven pardon him! (Speaker) A halter pardon him! and hell gnaw his bones! Why should he call her *****? who keeps her company? What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? The Moor's abused by some most villanous knave, Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. O heaven, that such companions thou'ldst unfold, And put in every honest hand a whip To lash the rascals naked through the world Even from the east to the west!"
Speaker: Emilia Context: • Emilia to Desdemona, Iago • Before: Desdemona crying because Othello calls her a *****. Emilia "foil"/good friend • "who would make this up" • Iago goes along (unsure who did it) • Says about the rumor of Emilia and Othello and it's not true
"O mistress, villany hath made mocks with love,"
Speaker: Emilia Context: • Emilia to Othello • They are finally realizing Iago's plan
"This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite."
Speaker: Iago Context:
"O, you are well tuned now! But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am."
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago (aside) • Before: All arrive in Cyprus • You're doing well now, but just wait for what I have planned. Everyones on stage (Iago, Roderigo, Cassio, Desdemona, and attendents)
"That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it; That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit: The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too; Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin, But partly led to diet my revenge, For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards; And nothing can or shall content my soul Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife, Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do, If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip, Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb-- For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too-- Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me. For making him egregiously an ass And practising upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused: Knavery's plain face is never seen tin used."
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago (soliloquy) • Before: discusses the plan to get Cassio drunk with Roderigo • "Cassio loves Desdemona out of respect, not romantically." So does Iago because he knows that she can help with his plan • 323: hypocritical because he tells Roderigo to not let emotions get the best of him, but he admits how he lets his emotions affect him.
"How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now: for whiles this honest fool Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I'll pour this pestilence into his ear, That she repeals him for her body's lust; And by how much she strives to do him good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So will I turn her virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all."
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago soliloquy • Before: Iago comforts Cassio and tells him to ask Desdemona for his job back • "Is what I'm doing wrong?" He appears innocent • PLAN: the more Desdemona speaks on Cassio's behalf, the more Othello believes in the affair.
"Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands: But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed."
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago speaking to Othello • Before: talking about Iago's honesty and if he is holding something back • ***Opposite of the reputation speech earlier with Cassio when he is fired • Having a good name and a good reputation means everything
"Virtue! a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners: so that if we will plant nettles, or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one gender of herbs, or distract it with many, either to have it sterile with idleness, or manured with industry, why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: but we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago speaks to Rodrigo • Before: Rodrigo is sad about Othello getting the girl he loves • Iago is telling Rodrigo "don't let emotions get the best of you" • Iago also tells Rodrigo that we have the power to cool and control our emotions, unlike animals (we can turn off our "animal instincts" IS THIS IMPLYING THAT BECAUSE OTHELLO IS BLACK (ANIMAL) HE CANNOT CONTROL HIS? • Passion v. Reason
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on; that cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!"
Speaker: Iago Context: • Iago to Othello • Before: same^^ • 196: "green eyed monster" (jealousy) • "Cuckold" lives happily unless if still in love, so it effects Othello because Othello loves Desdemona.
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe. But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man: let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery--How, how? Let's see:-- After some time, to abuse Othello's ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light."
Speaker: Iago Context: • This is a soliloquy • Before: Rodrigo leaves once they plan to meet in the morning. • He says that he is playing with Rodrigo • 430-433: saying that it's rumored that Othello got with his (Iago's) wife (not sure if this is true), hatred because of a profession because very honest. • Discussed the plan more: to get Cassio's job, and to tell Othello that Cassio got with his wife, Desdemona. And to make Cassio and Desdemona flirt in front of Othello. Iago will take advantage of Othello's trusting nature. • 447: "monstrous" when this is mentioned we know that Iago is discussing his plot/plan.
"I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison: Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons. Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood. Burn like the mines of Sulphur. I did say so: Look, where he comes! Re-enter OTHELLO Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday."
Speaker: Iago Context: • ago soliloquy • Before: gets handkerchief from Emilia • Iago is going to plant Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's room • He must make Cassio have the napkin in front of Othello.
"I follow him to serve my turn upon him: We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly follow'd. 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, For nought but provender, and when he's old, cashier'd: Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, And, throwing but shows of service on their lords, Do well thrive by them and when they have lined their coats Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul; And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, It is as sure as you are Roderigo, 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."
Speaker: Iago Context:• Iago speaks to Roderigo. • Iago discusses how he plans to stick around and pretend to be faithful in order to get revenge (on Othello) for not being selected to go with him to Cyprus. • Some men would stay around to kiss up to Othello with the hope to be selected in the future, others would leave out of hatred, but Iago refuses to do either and wants his revenge. • We know that Iago is being honest because Roderigo is very gullible and easily persuaded. • Line 71: "I am not what I am." This is Iago showing false emotions/a disguise over his true intentions and motives. (similar to Macbeth's paradox)
"Rude am I in my speech, And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace: For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith, Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used Their dearest action in the tented field, And little of this great world can I speak, More than pertains to feats of broil and battle"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello is speaking to Brabantino, the Duke, other Senators, • Before: a meeting of the senators to discuss when Othello should depart for Cyprus as well as the current situation with Othello and Desmonda. • Othello is explaining how much he is needed in Cyprus • Lines 96 and 101: Othello proves/states that he is not a good speaker, but what he is saying is very true.
"This fellow's of exceeding honesty, And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind, To pray at fortune. Haply, for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have, or for I am declined Into the vale of years,--yet that's not much-- She's gone. I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her. 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 vapour of a dungeon, Than keep a corner in the thing I love For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones; Prerogatived are they less than the base; 'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death: Even then this forked plague is fated to us When we do quicken. Desdemona comes: Re-enter DESDEMONA and EMILIA If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself!"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello soliloquy • Before: finds out about Desdemona from Iago, Iago tells him to not be sad and wait to talk to Cassio • "Iago is so honest" • "If Desdemona is cheating I will get rid of her in a second" • He pities himself because he is black, not a great speaker, an old man and an outsider of society • 311: would rather be ugly than keep her where she doesn't want to be • 314: "great ones will fall harder"
I think thou dost; And, for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty, And weigh'st thy words before thou givest them breath, Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more: For such things in a false disloyal knave Are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just They are close delations, working from the heart That passion cannot rule.
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello talking to Iago • Before: talking about Cassio and Desdemona and if Iago loves Othello then why is he holding something back (Othello thinks that he is) • 139: These hesitancies Iago has scare him • "In my heart I think you're good," but thinks the niceness might be too fake or that Othello is trying to hurt him • 143: thinks that Iago isn't ruled by passion or emotion • (Plan) Othello thinks Iago is real/nice/honesty so the things he says about Desdemona and Cassio scare him because of Iago's pure honesty.
My story being done, 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 wish'd That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd me, And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, I should but teach him how to tell my story. And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake: She loved me for the dangers I had pass'd, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used:
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Brabantino, the Duke, other Senators • Before: He is explaining how he shares his previous adventures with curious civilians. • Othello is describing how he fell in love with Desdemona • He used to think that she would never love him because of the racial barrier. Des wanted a white man as a husband, but fell for Othello.
"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 but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought Perplex'd in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away Richer than all his tribe"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Cassio, Iago, Lodovico , Montano, Gratiano • Before: realizes Iago's plan from his letters • Saying that he did SOME favors to Venice in his time alive. Therefore, his life is not totally useless • 404/5: thinking of love but not its consequences. He did this because he is a sensitive guy and went in with his heart, but not his head.
"Give me your hand: this hand is moist, my lady. (Character) It yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrow. (Character) This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart: Hot, hot, and moist: this hand of yours requires A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer, Much castigation, exercise devout; For here's a young and sweating devil here, That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, A frank one."
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Desdemona • Before: Othello finds out about her missing handkerchief • Othello is talking to her as if in love. Wants to see the handkerchief but she gives a different one.
"O perjured woman! thou dost stone my heart, And makest me call what I intend to do A murder, which I thought a sacrifice:"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Desdemona • Before: Othello is deciding whether or not to kill Desdemona • Killing her would be good and benefit other men and future victims of her betrayal
"Had it pleased heaven To try me with affliction; had they rain'd All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head. Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips, Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, I should have found in some place of my soul A drop of patience: but, alas, to make me A fixed figure for the time of scorn To point his slow unmoving finger at! Yet could I bear that too; well, very well: But there, where I have garner'd up my heart, Where either I must live, or bear no life; The fountain from the which my current runs, Or else dries up; to be discarded thence! Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there, Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin,-- Ay, there, look grim as hell!"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Desdemona • Before: Othello is sad and Desdemona does not know why • 57-63 Othello is saying that he could handle disease, pain, or anything else, but not this • "I could be laughed at forever, but not handle this" He loves Desdemona, could handle anything besides effecting where his heart
"O insupportable! O heavy hour! Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe Should yawn at alteration."
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Desdemona. Emilia outside of door waiting to tell Othello about the sword fight. • Before: trying to kill Desdemona. Emilia comes and knocks, he finally realizes he has no wife once she is basically dead. (thinks Cassio is dead) • "when she's not around chaos is happening" (from earlier in play and now)
"I have seen the day, That, with this little arm and this good sword, I have made my way through more impediments Than twenty times your stop: but, O vain boast! Who can control his fate? 'tis not so now. Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd; Here is my journey's end, here is my butt, And very sea-mark of my utmost sail. Do you go back dismay'd? 'tis a lost fear; Man but a rush against Othello's breast, And he retires. Where should Othello go? Now, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr'd wench! Pale as thy smock! when we shall meet at compt, This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven, And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl! Even like thy chastity. O cursed slave! Whip me, ye devils, From the possession of this heavenly sight! Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur! Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire! O Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! Oh! Oh! Oh!"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Gratiano • Before: Des and Emilia both dead • "no one can control his own fate" • "this is what my life has resulted in" • In the end of the speech he realizes what he has done. And how he is wifeless.
"I had been happy, if the general camp, Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known. O, now, for ever Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content! Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars, That make ambition virtue! O, farewell! Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, The royal banner, and all quality, Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war! And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dead clamours counterfeit, Farewell! Othello's occupation's gone!"
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Iago • Before: still sad about Desdemona and Cassio (crying) • "I would be happy with all of the army getting with Desdemona if he did not know about it" He wishes that he didn't know about Cassio and Desdemona but is still glad that Iago told him. • "My career is gone" he's a fighter and cannot fight without a clear mind. • 412: Othello is saying he wants proof of the affair
My blood begins my safer guides to rule; And passion, having my best judgment collied, Assays to lead the way: if I once stir, Or do but lift this arm, the best of you Shall sink in my rebuke. Give me to know How this foul rout began, who set it on; And he that is approved in this offence, Though he had twinn'd with me, both at a birth, Shall lose me. What! in a town of war, Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear, To manage private and domestic quarrel, In night, and on the court and guard of safety! 'Tis monstrous. Iago, who began't?
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to Roderigo, Montano and Cassio • Before: Cassio and Roderigo were fighting when drunk and nobody wants to be the one who has to tell Othello about the incident. • We have heard a similar speech when Iago tells Roderigo to not let his emotions get the best of them, Othello is trying to calm himself down, but regardless wants to know what started the fight. • Line 231: "monstrous" dramatic irony, because we know the plot and this is part of it
"It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,-- Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!-- It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood; Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, And smooth as monumental alabaster. Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light: If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can again thy former light restore, Should I repent me: but once put out thy light, Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature, I know not where is that Promethean heat That can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd the rose, I cannot give it vital growth again. It must needs wither: I'll smell it on the tree. Kissing her Ah balmy breath, that dost almost persuade Justice to break her sword! One more, one more. Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, And love thee after. One more, and this the last: So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly; It strikes where it doth love."
Speaker: Othello Context: • Othello to sleeping Desdemona • Othello is fighting with himself in his head. Ready to kill his wife to end the conflict. • She must die, otherwise she will continue to betray others • 8: he can relight the candle, but is unable to "relight" Desdemona's life • Hasn't killed anyone, only others in battle