Term

An old black ram is tupping your white ewe

Definition

Iago uses crude, animalistic imagery to infuriate Brabantio, and contrasts the races and ages of the two lovers to highlight Desdemona's purity and innocence, compared to Othello, who seems like a lascivious old man. The verb tupping almost seems violent, and so is perhaps used to give the audience a prejudiced view of Othello before they have even seen him on stage.

Term

But that I love the gentle Desdemona

Definition

Othello's soft language contrasts with his image painted by the other characters. He juxtaposes love with war to highlight the two different parts of his life: battle and his wife. As he describes Desdemona as 'gentle' this could be Shakespeare presenting Othello as aware of their many differences.

Term

She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them

Definition

It could be argued that their relationship is based on pity, rather than genuine love. She is young, particularly compared to Othello, but in addition to this, Shakespeare presents her as naive, and so when Othello showed her attention, she became enamoured by him. She came to pity him and thus began their romantic relationship. However, it could also be argued that their marriage is based on genuine and lasting love, as the language they use towards one another is affectionate and faithful. But, as inevitably their marriage breaks down because of Othello's jealousy, perhaps it is only based on pity.