“Her honor is an essence that’s not seen, they have it very oft that have it not.”
Iago – Act 4, Scene 1
Iago blurs the line between real and false reputation, feeding Othello’s confusion.
“I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello.”
Othello – Act 4, Scene 2
Othello publicly shames Desdemona, convinced she is deceitful and corrupt.
“If any wretch have put this in your head, let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse.”
Emilia – Act 4, Scene 2
Emilia suspects someone has poisoned Othello’s mind against Desdemona.
“His unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love.”
Desdemona – Act 4, Scene 2
Desdemona remains loyal to Othello even as his cruelty threatens her life.
“They are all but stomachs, and we all but food. To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, they belch us.”
Emilia – Act 4, Scene 3
Emilia offers a bitter image of men using and discarding women.
“But I do think it is their husbands’ faults if wives do fall.”
Emilia – Act 4, Scene 3
She argues that men share responsibility when women are unfaithful.