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Othello Passage Analysis

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Othello Commentary This passage takes place after Iago and Othello have seen Cassio speaking to Desdemona. Although Cassio was just asking Desdemona to help him get his job as lieutenant back, Iago attempts to raise suspicion about Cassio and Desdemona having an affair by remarking that Cassio left awfully quickly when Othello approached as if he was guilty. In this passage, Iago fools Othello and demonstrates his trustworthiness and that his motives are honest. Next, Iago warns Othello about jealousy and angers him, causing him to deny that he is jealous. From what Iago has said, Othello becomes doubtful and makes jealous inferences, but decides that he is not jealous and needs proof. Iago talks about how reputation is extremely valuable, …show more content…

However, Othello does not know how to resolve his doubts about Desdemona. Instead, he tells Iago that he will not worry himself about “such exsufflicate and blowed surmises, matching thy inference.” Othello thinks that Iago has made accusations against his wife, however Iago has only implied that Desdemona has not been loyal; it is actually Othello who is making inferences out of jealousy, even though he claims that he is not a jealous person. For example, Iago says “good name in man and women” when talking about reputation. By using ‘man and women’ he could be implying Cassio and Desdemona. Furthermore, he tries to reassure himself by saying “Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, is free of speech, sings, plays, and dances. Where virtue is, these are more virtuous.” He reminds himself that just because Desdemona is sociable, it does not mean that she is unfaithful. As well, he says, “Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear of doubt or her revolt” as he recalls that “she had eyes and chose me.” Othello is comforted by the fact that Desdemona “had eyes” including her father and a crowd of people when chose him. Clearly, she wanted to be with him. Evidently, if Othello was not jealous, he would not have had to reassure himself that Desdemona was virtuous and that she chose

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