“The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, is of a constant, loving, noble nature.”
Iago – Act 2, Scene 1
Iago reluctantly admits Othello is loyal, loving and naturally noble, making his betrayal more vicious.
“O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.”
Iago – Act 2, Scene 1
He sees Othello and Desdemona’s harmony as something he can deliberately throw out of tune.
“For that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat. The thought whereof doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards, and nothing can or shall content my soul till I am evened with him, wife for wife.”
Iago – Act 2, Scene 1
The suspicion that Othello has slept with Emilia eats away at him and fuels his need for revenge.
“Oh that men should put an enemy in their mouths, to steal away their brains!”
Cassio – Act 2, Scene 3
Cassio bitterly regrets drinking, calling alcohol an enemy that robs men of reason.
“She is of so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested.”
Iago – Act 2, Scene 3
Desdemona’s generosity and eagerness to help are praised but also shown as traits Iago can exploit.