In the intricate tapestry of Shakespearean literature, "Othello" stands out as a profound tragedy that explores themes of jealousy, love, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. The play is a rich source of timeless quotes that reflect the depth of its characters and the dramatic weight of its narrative. This article delves into various aspects of "Othello" through carefully selected quotes, grouped into thematic subtitles. Each quote is a testament to Shakespeare's mastery in capturing the essence of tragic experiences. Through these selections, we aim to provide insight into the powerful emotions and enduring lessons inherent in this classic work.
Jealousy Quotes
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on."
"Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ."
"But jealous souls will not be answered so; they are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous."
"It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself."
"Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy, to follow still the changes of the moon with fresh suspicions?"
"The thought whereof doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards."
"Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus: not jealous nor secure."
"Your son-in-law is far more fair than black."
"He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar and give direction; but does he suspect her?"
"I hate the Moor, and it is my plot to bring forth the reasons for my deceptions."
"This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, of human dealings."
"I see, sir, you are eaten with envy and hatred as you treat me thus."
Love Quotes
"She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them."
"Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul but I do love thee; and when I love thee not, chaos is come again."
"My soul hath her content so absolute that her harshest fate can bring no loss."
"For know, Iago, that I love the gentle Desdemona."
"Her father loved me, oft invited me, still questioned me the story of my life."
"My noble Moor is true of mind; he hath the noblest heart."
"I cannot speak enough of this content; it stops me here, it is too much of joy."
"My world's sweetest treasure, that broad doth breed my doubt of joy."
"Oh Desdemona, dear Desdemona, let me but take thy unworthy hand."
"I am bound to thee forever: let us share together this pure bond."
"That sweet love of my glorious dwelling is ruined by such folly."
"The love of a trusted man should never rest in doubt or despair."
Betrayal Quotes
"Oh, damned Iago! Oh inhuman dog!"
"I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at: I am not what I am."
"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is topping your white ewe."
"Not poppy, nor mandragora, nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, shall medicine thee to that sweet sleep which thou owedst yesterday."
"Who steals my purse steals trash; but who filches my good name robs me of that which enriches him and makes me poor indeed."
"You shall more command with years than with your weapons."
"I follow him to serve my turn upon him: we cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot truly be followed."
"He has done my office; I know not if he has done me wrong."
"Villain, I love thee not; let me not have thee as a devil's mark."
"But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which gains him nothing and makes me poor indeed."
"I have a pain upon my forehead here."
"I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards."
Deception Quotes
"I am not what I am."
"Men should be what they seem; or those that be not, would they might seem none."
"Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation!"
"My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him."
"For when my outward action doth demonstrate the native act and figure of my heart in complement extern, 'tis not long after but I will wear my heart upon my sleeve."
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse."
"We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot truly be followed."
"It is a common thing—to have a foolish wife."
"Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne to tyrannous hate!"
"Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me for making him egregiously an ass."
"He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly."
"O Spartan dog, more fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea!"
Tragedy Quotes
"O thou dull Moor, that handkerchief did an Egyptian to my mother give."
"Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men."
"Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely but too well."
"I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this; killing myself, to die upon a kiss."
"Blow me about in winds! Roast me in sulphur! Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire!"
"Demand me nothing; what you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word."
"I am not what I am."
"Haply for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have."
"To mourn a mischief that has past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on."
"Othello, that once so noble, is now a shadow set upon betrayal."
"O perjured and agonizing soul, thou monstrous desolation laden."
"If thou hast eyes to see what flesh and blood cometh upon this day."
Power Quotes
"If it were now to die, 'twere now to be most happy."
"I would not put a large wager on your suspicions, nor any gentle, trusted error."
"A man must fear from the mighty, as their force oppresseth all."
"What is within me, it angers me to think upon."
"Thus bad begins and worse remains behind."
"The strong base mark made against his voice only comes to mend us."
"The force of evil is that which can command us all."
"Covet the power, not the flesh, nor any mortal's weak desire."
"Millions in their distress, far worse than anyone can hear of."
"There is a will in every wrong which commands the greatest shame."
"Oh, mighty and horrid slave, my heart is laid upon thy hand."
"Through human acts or daily might, I shall forge such powers all alone."
Identity Quotes
"My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly."
"That whiter skin of hers than snow, and smooth as monumental alabaster."
"But words are words; I never yet did hear that the bruised heart was pierced with the sword."
"I know not if’t be true; yet I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety."
"Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving."
"I strike it and it hues and blooms, and swells the richer then before."
"In each setting sun I find a strength that purest lies within."
"Thou art thyself that which thou dost become upon this consequence."
"Oh, evil mirror! What is visible here is pale containing lies."
"My speech is weak, as words come paler upon the strong force within."
"To use the mighty prose in sight brings more upon myself."
"A voice of mighty falsehood cannot gain upon a chased word."
Courage Quotes
"Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne to tyrannous hate!"
"I dare not task the mighty, yet the wear be brought forth low."
"Command upon me, my soul and my better angel from within."
"The strength exceeds the worn tongue of the human which must withstand."
"Trust thy heart upon the force within, nor upon the beggared attire."
"The silent word I placed upon my bearing lies in truth come forth."
"Mingle with the shining stars, beyond the edge and end of massive soul."
"The bore of mighty forces annihilates the mind and enrolled steps."
"The heavy sheet of the fallen speaks no gentle and aching truth."
"Stand upon the fierce edge for mighty the hero becomes in bold acts."
"The silent urging of the greatest brings upon the mighty task."
"Mighty is the force which from within directs the most declared."
Desperation Quotes
"Pray, leave me here at this hazard if it be love alone."
"The force of evil has set upon me, yet my words do speak much louder."
"To lose a soul upon the weary path beyond brain and bolstered holds."
"This fight is not my own but set upon the beyond chase."
"Beyond the darkness of this fallen moon, I am left alone."
"This uncrowned void submits only the darkened path beyond."
"To be thus wasted by evil tire beyond what eyes can see."
"Send me past the lonely gate, where redemption is frail and hollow."
"The shaking mind beyond the ground must rest on this despair."
"A tragic end must hang upon this noble’s worth in faded soul."
"This errant mind beyond what the human sees must set upon low."
"A force beyond my hopeless eyes sees only grave eternal lost."
Tragic Hero Quotes
"Othello, that once so noble,"
"He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly."
"Oh, that was mine hour upon the tragic gallows which brings forth shame."
"I speak of one that loved not wisely."
"What does the sound of the mighty bring but herald of fallen state."
"I loved her well, not founded on the folly and weak betray."
"The mighty hath a sad burden to bear upon the fallen state."
"To press upon thee the noble state within this fallen act."
"The fall of mighty state brings us beyond this heavy day."
"Set me forth beyond the mighty star which must doom its bearing echo."
"Oh Othello, sweet and noble trust brand my heart can bear."
"The shed of mighty tears hath its own darkened path to bear."
Final words
Through the tragic journey of Othello, Shakespeare offers enduring lessons on the complexities of human nature. The themes explored within the selected quotes showcase the range of emotions experienced by characters deeply entrenched in the turmoil of love, jealousy, betrayal, and deception. These quotes reflect the timeless nature of the play and remind us how human weaknesses can lead to devastating consequences. As we dissect the rich tapestry of Othello’s tragedy, we find ourselves contemplating the profound insights into our psychology and the cautionary tales of these universal struggles. Through Shakespeare's eloquent prose, we are reminded of the importance of understanding our motives and the impact of our actions, offering timeless wisdom that resonates with audiences across generations.
Dive into the heart of Shakespeare's Othello with over 100 illuminating quotes that capture the essence of its tragic themes. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and content creators.
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