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Othello Hate Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Norton edition.

Quote #1

IAGO
Though I do hate him as I do hell pains,
Yet, for necessity of present life,
I must show out a flag and sign of love—
Which is indeed but sign. (1.1.171-174)

IAGO
I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets
'Has done my office. I know not if 't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. (1.3.429-433)

Iago says his hatred of Othello is based on jealousy.

Quote #2

IAGO
Now, I do love her too,
Not out of absolute lust (though peradventure
I stand accountant for as great a sin)
But partly led to diet my revenge
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,
Or, failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do,
If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trace
For his quick hunting, stand the putting on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip,
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb
(For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too), (2.1.313-329)

Yet here, Iago's hatred is rooted in his suspicion that Othello was sleeping with his wife.

Quote #3

MONTANO
And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor
Should hazard such a place as his own second
With one of an engraffed infirmity.
It were an honest action to say so
To the Moor.
IAGO
                   Not I, for this fair island.
I do love Cassio well and would do much
To cure him of this evil—                "Help, Help!" within.
                                           But, hark! what noise? (2.3.144-152)

Iago speaks of loving Cassio in the same terms with which he often speaks of loving Othello. We suspect, then, that he hates Cassio, since he also hates Othello.