Othello Character Analysis Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering major character quotes and analytical interpretations from the play Othello, based on lecture notes.

"My parts, my title, and my perfect soul"

Othello's initial self-description, conveying his sense of worth and internal integrity early in the play.

"Prehthian heat"

A phrase used by Othello in his character analysis quotes, seemingly referring to the vital fire or life force within a person.

Dian's visage

The face of the goddess of chastity; Othello compares Desdemona's previously fresh reputation to this before claiming it is now "begrimed and black" as his own face.

"O, my fair warrior!"

Othello's affectionate greeting to Desdemona, suggesting a sense of equality and shared strength in their love.

"I do perceive here a divided duty"

Desdemona's statement illustrating her confidence and assertiveness as she balances her loyalty between her father and her husband.

"A moth of peace"

Religious imagery used by Desdemona to portray her own purity and innocence.

"I am not what i am"

Iago's statement that mimics biblical phrases in reverse, suggesting a satanic nature and a lack of a stable moral core.

Janus

A two-faced Roman god Iago invokes, symbolizing his own duplicitous nature.

"Put money in thy purse"

An imperative repeated several times by Iago to Roderigo, illustrating Iago's power to control others.

Pestilence

The "poison" Iago describes pouring into Othello's ear, representing how his words will infect Othello's mind like a disease.

"They are all but stomachs, and we all but food"

Emilia's metaphor for the relationship between men and women, depicting women as consumable objects for men.

Emilia's sexual politics speech

A progressive speech expressing discontentment at social inequality and the hypocrisy surrounding male and female sexuality.

"O the more angel she, and you the blackest devil"

Emilia's use of dramatic imagery and light/dark juxtaposition to emphasize the tragedy and the loss of Othello's innocence.

The "immortal part" of myself

The term Cassio uses to describe his reputation after he loses it in Act 2, Scene 3.

Roderigo's psychoanalytical function

His role as a victim of his own insecurities, which mirrors Othello’s sexual and social insecurities.

Brabantio's accusations

The claim that Othello used "chains of magic," "foul charms," and "drugs or minerals" to enchant Desdemona.

"A maiden never bold, Of spirit so still and quiet"

Brabantio's description of Desdemona, highlighting her perceived innocence and submission before the marriage.