Shakespeare's Othello is packed with powerful quotes that reveal the... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
82
โข
1 Dec 2025
โข
Essential AQA A-Level English Literature: Key Quotes from Othello
jem๐
@jemelia
1 / 4
Significant Character Quotes
Iago's quotes reveal his deep-seated hatred and manipulative nature. When he admits "in following him, I follow lost myself," we see his resentment brewing. His jealousy becomes explicit with "He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly," showing how Cassio's goodness highlights Iago's own corruption.
Cassio's famous line "Reputation, reputation, reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" demonstrates how highly valued honour was in Venetian society. His anguish at losing his reputation creates the perfect opportunity for Iago to manipulate him.
Othello's passionate demand for proof shows his growing suspicion: "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, be sure of it." This marks the turning point where Iago's poison begins working effectively.
Remember: Desdemona's final words - "a guiltless death I die" - highlight the tragic injustice of her murder and emphasize her innocence throughout the play.
Love and War
The connection between love and warfare runs throughout Othello. When Othello says "She loved me for the dangers I had passed / And I loved her that she did pity them," we see how their relationship was built on his military identity.
As jealousy takes hold, Othello laments "Othello's occupation gone," showing how his professional identity collapses alongside his personal happiness. His declaration "I do love thee! And when I love thee not/ Chaos is come again" reveals how Desdemona has become his emotional anchor.
The tragedy reaches its peak with Othello's final words: "I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss." This powerful moment shows how love and violence have become tragically intertwined in his mind.
Think about: Brabantio's comment that "she was half the wooer" challenges Venetian gender norms and suggests Desdemona's active role in her relationship with Othello.
Honesty and Deception
Iago masterfully exploits Othello's trusting nature, as shown when he observes "The Moor is of a free and open nature / that thinks men honest but seem to be so." His disturbing confession "I am not what I am" serves as a warning to audiences about his duplicitous character.
Othello's deteriorating trust is evident when he says "I think my wife be honest, and think she is not," revealing how Iago has successfully planted seeds of doubt. The tragic irony reaches its peak when Othello calls his destroyer "My friend thy husband, honest, honest Iago."
Even minor characters like Bianca assert their honour, declaring "I am no strumpet, but of life as honest as you." This highlights how reputation and honesty were valued across Venetian society, regardless of social standing.
Important insight: The repetition of "honest" throughout the play creates dramatic irony, as the audience knows Iago is anything but honest while characters repeatedly praise this quality in him.
Jealousy
Jealousy drives the tragic plot forward, with Emilia offering the insightful observation that some people are "not ever jealous for the cause; / But jealous for they're jealous." This suggests jealousy can exist without evidenceโan important insight into Othello's character.
Iago's famous description of jealousy as "the green-eyed monster which doth mock / the meat it feeds on" is brilliantly calculated to inflame Othello's suspicions while appearing to calm them. His cunning is further displayed when he plants images of infidelity, saying "I fear Cassio with my night-cap too."
Othello himself recognizes his fatal flaw in his final speech, describing himself as "one not easily jealous; but, being wrought, / perplexed in the extreme." This self-awareness comes too late to save himself or Desdemona from tragedy.
Exam tip: Notice how jealousy transforms from an abstract concept to a destructive force that consumes Othello's reasoning and leads to the play's tragic conclusion.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Rhetorical Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Essential AQA A-Level English Literature: Key Quotes from Othello
jem๐
@jemelia
Shakespeare's Othello is packed with powerful quotes that reveal the play's central themes of jealousy, deception, love, and reputation. Understanding these key quotes will help you analyse character motivations and track the tragic development of the play's conflicts.
Significant Character Quotes
Iago's quotes reveal his deep-seated hatred and manipulative nature. When he admits "in following him, I follow lost myself," we see his resentment brewing. His jealousy becomes explicit with "He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly," showing how Cassio's goodness highlights Iago's own corruption.
Cassio's famous line "Reputation, reputation, reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" demonstrates how highly valued honour was in Venetian society. His anguish at losing his reputation creates the perfect opportunity for Iago to manipulate him.
Othello's passionate demand for proof shows his growing suspicion: "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, be sure of it." This marks the turning point where Iago's poison begins working effectively.
Remember: Desdemona's final words - "a guiltless death I die" - highlight the tragic injustice of her murder and emphasize her innocence throughout the play.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Love and War
The connection between love and warfare runs throughout Othello. When Othello says "She loved me for the dangers I had passed / And I loved her that she did pity them," we see how their relationship was built on his military identity.
As jealousy takes hold, Othello laments "Othello's occupation gone," showing how his professional identity collapses alongside his personal happiness. His declaration "I do love thee! And when I love thee not/ Chaos is come again" reveals how Desdemona has become his emotional anchor.
The tragedy reaches its peak with Othello's final words: "I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, killing myself, to die upon a kiss." This powerful moment shows how love and violence have become tragically intertwined in his mind.
Think about: Brabantio's comment that "she was half the wooer" challenges Venetian gender norms and suggests Desdemona's active role in her relationship with Othello.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Honesty and Deception
Iago masterfully exploits Othello's trusting nature, as shown when he observes "The Moor is of a free and open nature / that thinks men honest but seem to be so." His disturbing confession "I am not what I am" serves as a warning to audiences about his duplicitous character.
Othello's deteriorating trust is evident when he says "I think my wife be honest, and think she is not," revealing how Iago has successfully planted seeds of doubt. The tragic irony reaches its peak when Othello calls his destroyer "My friend thy husband, honest, honest Iago."
Even minor characters like Bianca assert their honour, declaring "I am no strumpet, but of life as honest as you." This highlights how reputation and honesty were valued across Venetian society, regardless of social standing.
Important insight: The repetition of "honest" throughout the play creates dramatic irony, as the audience knows Iago is anything but honest while characters repeatedly praise this quality in him.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Jealousy
Jealousy drives the tragic plot forward, with Emilia offering the insightful observation that some people are "not ever jealous for the cause; / But jealous for they're jealous." This suggests jealousy can exist without evidenceโan important insight into Othello's character.
Iago's famous description of jealousy as "the green-eyed monster which doth mock / the meat it feeds on" is brilliantly calculated to inflame Othello's suspicions while appearing to calm them. His cunning is further displayed when he plants images of infidelity, saying "I fear Cassio with my night-cap too."
Othello himself recognizes his fatal flaw in his final speech, describing himself as "one not easily jealous; but, being wrought, / perplexed in the extreme." This self-awareness comes too late to save himself or Desdemona from tragedy.
Exam tip: Notice how jealousy transforms from an abstract concept to a destructive force that consumes Othello's reasoning and leads to the play's tragic conclusion.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Rhetorical Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user