Othello 5.1-5.2 "Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars." (5.2, 2)

I chose this quote because I think it is a form of dramatic irony. In the play, the readers have known for a long time as to why Othello wants to kill Desdemona, but Othello still will not say it aloud in Desdemona's presence. It strikes me as odd because I do not know why Othello does not say the reason out loud until he kills her. I think this follows a strong theme of dramatic irony throughout the play, and I think it is good because we know something the characters do not and we can sometimes know what will happen before it happens.

Alabaster- a finely granular variety of gypsum, often white and translucent, used for ornamental objects or work, such as lamp bases, figurines, etc.

forfend- to fend off, avert, or prevent.

Othello 4.2-4.3 "...You have told me she hath received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance; but I find none." (4.2 101)

Roderigo has finally challenged Iago's authority. He has realized his losses that he has acquired as a result of Iago's guidance. Roderigo's empty threats have not even phased Iago. In fact, Iago reacts to this threat by, yet again offering more tainted advice. Roderigo, being the fool that he is, follows Iago blindly after previously stating that he would not. This quote plays into one of the most major themes of the play, which is Iago's ability to change himself in the eyes of others.

solicitation- The act of (dishonest) allurement

intendment- The true or correct meaning of something

(Othello 4.1) "Do ye triumph, Roman? Do you triumph?" (4.1 120)

I chose this quote because I believe that it displays how twisted Othello has become. Othello is just listening in on a conversation between Iago and Cassio. Also, Othello thinks that everything that Cassio says is evil and becomes enraged every time Cassio speaks. At the beginning of the story, Othello seemed like a trusting and understanding leader, but he has changed into someone who does not believe anyone except himself and will not listen to anyone otherwise.

censure- an expression of strong disapproval
entreat- to ask earnestly

Othello 3.4 "...but if she lost it or made a gift of it, my father's eye should hold her loathed, and his spirits should haunt after new fancies." (3.4 60-63)

I chose this quote because I think that this story started to come true when Othello found out Desdemona did not have the hankercheif. Othello seemed to be madder at Desdemona than he had ever been and this may forshadow to Desdemona and Othello growing apart. I think Othello will become furious if he finds out that Cassio had the hankercheif since it was so special to him and he had given it to Desdemona as a sacred gift. Also, Othello would be mad because he had banished Cassio and he was trying to get back into Othello's good graces.

perdition- a state of final spiritual ruin
sibyl- a female prophet or witch

3.1-3.3 "Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, Chaos will come again." (3.3 90-92)

I chose this quote because I believe that it shows how Othello knows Iago's plan. I say this because when Cassio fought Montano, chaos has returned. Othello may not trust Iago because he seems to be the only person with a level head and not surprised by what has happened. He is not surprised because he is the one who planned for it to happen. I think that Othello is more clever than Iago gives him credit for. I bet that Othello thought that Iago must be sour over not being selected as Othello's second in command. I think that Iago's plan is not as perfect as he thought.

knave- an un principled, untrustworthy, or dishonest person
cuckold- a man married to an unfaithful wife

Othello 2.2-2.3 "I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Michael Cassio." (2.3 220-221)

I chose this quote because I think it shows Iago's cleverness in executing his plan. Iago was able to cover his tracks and make sure he could not look like he was against Cassio by sticking up for him. That is the smartest thing he could do in my mind because no one would have any reason to believe Iago was doing anything wrong if he acted loyal to his "friends."

mince- to soften or weaken one's words, especially for the sake of courtesy
dilatory- tending to delay or procrastinate

Othello 2.1 "When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be a game to inflame it and to give satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favor, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in." (2.1 225-229)

I chose this quote because I think it further explains Iago's plot to ruin Othello. Iago wants to take revenge upon Othello and this tells us that he will build the strengths of his attacks based on Othello's weaknesses. He can now take advantage of Cassio's good looks and his attractive personality to lure Desdemona away from Othello and closer to Cassio. Even if Iago is affective and Cassio starts arguing with Othello, Iago can only be left blameless because he did nothing wrong so it is almost a no lose situation for Iago.

Why would Iago think Desdemona would be attracted to Cassio when it is clear that she is so in love with Othello that she would disobey her father?