Important Scenes:

"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss, Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronged; But, O, what dammed minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!" 3.3.169 - 174 Language and Diction: Iago uses metaphor (“green-eyed monster”) to describe jealousy, suggesting how destructive and insidious this emotion is. The use of “mock” implies jealousy not only destroys its victim but also makes a fool of them. The irony here is that Iago, who speaks of jealousy, is actively causing it in Othello. This is a pivotal moment where Iago's manipulation begins to unfold. He deliberately exploits Othello’s insecurities in order to get what he wants. This shows how jealousy is a key tool for manipulation.

"Put out the light, and then put out the light. If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can again thy former light restore, Should I repent me but once put out thy light, Thou cunningest pattern of excelling nature." 5.2.7 - 11 Othello’s soliloquy is filled with dramatic irony. The audience knows that Desdemona is innocent, yet Othello is so consumed by his jealousy that Iago implanted and his insecurities about his race and status that he believes she has betrayed him. His uncertainty about whether to kill her is built on his deep-seated fears of being wronged, which he cannot overcome. The scene illustrates how marginalized groups, particularly people of color, can be manipulated into doubting themselves, their worth, and their relationships, leading to tragic consequences. 

Symbols/Motifs

1. The color white is a symbol for purity and innocence. Desdemona’s association with white symbolizes purity, virtue, and innocence. Throughout the play, her whiteness is a contrast to Othello’s Blackness. 

2. The handkerchief is a powerful symbol of manipulation and trust. The handkerchief is directly connected to the theme of alienation by showing Othello’s insecurities about his race and status amplify his reaction to the handkerchief’s supposed betrayal between Desdemona and Cassio.

3. Dark and Light Motif.  The comparison of dark and light represents the tension between Othello’s desire for acceptance and the societal forces that other him. It exemplifies how Othello’s race plays a critical role in his internal conflict and how he is alienated within a society that sees him as “other.”