Choose one of the following quotations and respond to it. First, paraphrase what the quote is saying in your own words. Next, comment on the language that is used in the quote--consider connotations of words and how these connotations may have larger significance within the play.
Cassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
2.3.282-83
Cassio: O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! That we should with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause transform ourselves into beasts!
2.3.308-10
Iago: She holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested.
2.3.340-41
Iago: When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows.
2.3.371-72
In the second quote Cassio refers to alcohol. He talks of how men take pleasure in using the substance, but become beasts because of it. The context of the quote is also important to the language because of the fact that Michael Cassio had been persuaded into drinking and had done wrong because of it. The language used shows how he shares the love of alcohol as much as anyone and he uses words like pleasure to show this, but he also knows how the substance can make one a scoundrel or an enemy and calls himself a beast due to his drinking.
ReplyDeleteNick Pellechia
ReplyDeleteQuote #1
Cassio has lost his strength or immortality and what remains is beastly or of no intelligence. In this quote, the use of the word "bestial" shows how different Cassio feels. He feels weak, he feels mortal, and he seems to be losing his mental strength much like a beast.
Cassio: "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial."
ReplyDeleteIn my own words: "i've lost what makes me human, and all that's left is animal-like."
The line, once again, uses animalistic words to depict something greater about the characters. Cassio says this right after he gets drunk, and provokes a fight with Montano. The language "immortal part of myself" implies that the human spirit lasts forever, but Cassio just killed his own. Additionally, there's a sense of sad, unavoidable realization that Cassio was really, beneath the human exterior, a beast. This is what Iago wants, because he desires for Othello to view Cassio as a less-than-human, in order to make his plan more successful.As Iago knows, it's easier to take someone down if you dehumanize them
Cassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. 2.3.282-83
ReplyDeleteThis quote is Cassio admitting he has become someone else. He is saying he has lost the person he used to be and become someone with a more wild and uncontrollable personality. In the first part of the sentence Cassio uses the word "immortal" meaning forever which in this context means the person he is always supposed to be. In the second part of the sentence Cassio uses the word "bestial" meaning the ways of an animal or savage. These words may used later on throughout the play to describe that what seems to be forever may become something out of control and dangerous.
"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." 2.3.382-283. This quote represents Cassio's remorse for stabbing Montano. Cassio is saying that he lost control of his morals and all that makes him good, and all he is left with is a barbarian. Cassio is really hard on himself, although Cassio should not have stabbed Montano, he was being manipulated by Iago and not in his right state of mind. Cassio is speaking in such a way that he doesn't seem to know what came over him, and that he wasn't in control of his actions when he stabbed Montano. I think that this represents just how Iago can get into someone's head and make them do things they wouldn't normally do. This could be foreshadowing more brothels to come and more of Iago's manipulation and tricks.
ReplyDelete"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.". This quote is from Cassio and is saying how his god like or never dying part of himself is gone, while his animal part remains. This quote is explaining the scene where Cassio attacks Roderigo mostly because of his heavy drinking that was endorsed by Iago's manipulation. His calm and composed nature was rapidly transformed into a malicious and belligerent attitude which lost him his lieutenancy. In the quote, Cassio is explaining how with what happened, he has erased his greater part of himself, and filled the gap with his animal or hostile side. This could continue to bother Cassio throughout the story, and completely change how he acts. If he continues to feel this missing part of himself for the rest of the play, then our sweet and strong Cassio that was established at the beginning, may be no more.
ReplyDeleteCassio: O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! That we should with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause transform ourselves into beasts!
ReplyDelete2.3.308-10
Here Cassio is complaining about the effects of alcohol in the aftermath of his demotion. He doesn't understand why people drink when it only brings about anything from regret to tragedy. If Cassio viewed alcohol in such a way, then why did he agree so easily to drinking with lago and the others? This has puzzled me since I first read it and it makes me wonder, if lago got a man so against drinking drunk, then what else is he willing to do in order to separate Othello and Desdemona? Cassio also uses the word beast to describe a drunk man and that people should somehow enjoy that, but he does not. I guess all in all, I feel Cassio is sending conflicting messages when he says he hates drinking yet he gets so drunk he wounds another man.
Iago 2.3.340-41
ReplyDeleteDesdemona only needs to do what is necessary. The language in this quote is complex, but understandable. When it says, "it a vice" we can understand these lines without knowing exactly what this phrase means. There may be a negative connotation involved with these lines. It could be implying that Desdemona is inferior and not capable of doing much, so she should only do what is necessary. -Tim Brigham
"She holds it a vice in goodness not to do more than she is requested." This quote is saying that Desdemona is pure-hearted and that she will not do more for anyone, even her husband, than what is requested of her because she thinks that is the way things should be. Iago is saying that this trait of Desdemona to only do what is requested of her will eventually break the ties in her and Othello's relationship. The language that is used in this quote suggests the purity of Desdemona. For example, the word goodness has a positive connotation of someone being honest and kind. Also, the phrase "she holds it a vice" gives the connotation that Desdemona cherishes and always remains true to this belief. These connotations may have larger significance within the play, because if Desdemona holds true to all of her values, and Othello does not agree with them, this could cause conflict.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. 282-283
ReplyDeleteIn quote 1, Cassio is distraught over losing his position in the army, so he states that he has lost what is good about himself, and all that is left is the unintelligent, beast like side of himself. Good is often associated with being immortal, and bestial is associated with bad, and beast-like. This play explores the contrast between dark and light, good and bad, and this quote exploring the contrast between immortal and bestial is a good example of this idea.
Cassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. 2.3.282-83
ReplyDeleteWhat Cassio is saying is that he has lost his job and has become an animal.
When Cassio says that he has lost his 'immortal self' he is referring to his job and he had worked hard for it. Now that it was gone he feels like he has lost the immortal part of himself, as the job as the lieutenant. Since the job gave him some kind of power. Now that he has lost his job, he refers to himself as a ' bestial', otherwise known as the act of an animal. When Cassio says immortal, the connotations has the meaning that there will be something in the play that will be immortal.
I chose quote number 2 where Cassio is speaking about God putting someone in his mouth. I quite liked this quote because of its meaning. What I think it's truly saying here is that he had no control over what he was saying as if his brain simply shut off while speaking. The second part is saying that because of this momentary lapse, there would be dire consequences. It is quite interesting that he chooses to use the word beast in this sentence. Normally we would call someone who doesn't think before a fool, but here Cassio is using a much darker word. In my mind a beast is a terrible creature. Perhaps this is something that foreshadows a serious change in Cassio's nature
ReplyDeleteI chose quote number 2 where Cassio is speaking about God putting someone in his mouth. I quite liked this quote because of its meaning. What I think it's truly saying here is that he had no control over what he was saying as if his brain simply shut off while speaking. The second part is saying that because of this momentary lapse, there would be dire consequences. It is quite interesting that he chooses to use the word beast in this sentence. Normally we would call someone who doesn't think before a fool, but here Cassio is using a much darker word. In my mind a beast is a terrible creature. Perhaps this is something that foreshadows a serious change in Cassio's nature
ReplyDeleteIn the first quote, Cassio states that he has lost the immortal part of hisself. He is talking about his good reputation; reputations should last your whole life and sometimes extend beyond that, but with Cassio, his has been destroyed. The second part of the line, where Cassio says, "what remains is bestial." is referring to how not only was his favorable reputation lost, but now all he has is a reputation of being savage and brutal. The word bestial holds some significance in this play. Iago seems to portray Othello as being bestial and wishes to convince others in the town, including Desdemona's father, of this.
ReplyDeleteIn the second quote Cassio refers to alcohol. He talks of how men take pleasure in using the substance, but become beasts because of it. The context of the quote is also important to the language because of the fact that Michael Cassio had been persuaded into drinking and had done wrong because of it. The language used shows how he shares the love of alcohol as much as anyone and he uses words like pleasure to show this, but he also knows how the substance can make one a scoundrel or an enemy and calls himself a beast due to his drinking.
ReplyDelete"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.". This quote is from Cassio and is saying how his god like or never dying part of himself is gone, while his animal part remains. This quote is explaining the scene where Cassio attacks Roderigo mostly because of his heavy drinking that was endorsed by Iago's manipulation. His calm and composed nature was rapidly transformed into a malicious and belligerent attitude which lost him his lieutenancy. In the quote, Cassio is explaining how with what happened, he has erased his greater part of himself, and filled the gap with his animal or hostile side. This could continue to bother Cassio throughout the story, and completely change how he acts. If he continues to feel this missing part of himself for the rest of the play, then our sweet and strong Cassio that was established at the beginning, may be no more.
ReplyDeleteIn the first quote, Cassio states that he has lost the immortal part of hisself. He is talking about his good reputation; reputations should last your whole life and sometimes extend beyond that, but with Cassio, his has been destroyed. The second part of the line, where Cassio says, "what remains is bestial." is referring to how not only was his favorable reputation lost, but now all he has is a reputation of being savage and brutal. The word bestial holds some significance in this play. Iago seems to portray Othello as being bestial and wishes to convince others in the town, including Desdemona's father, of this.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. 2.3.282-83
ReplyDeleteThis quote is Cassio admitting he has become someone else. He is saying he has lost the person he used to be and become someone with a more wild and uncontrollable personality. In the first part of the sentence Cassio uses the word "immortal" meaning forever which in this context means the person he is always supposed to be. In the second part of the sentence Cassio uses the word "bestial" meaning the ways of an animal or savage. These words may used later on throughout the play to describe that what seems to be forever may become something out of control and dangerous.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
2.3.282-83
In act 2 scene 3 Cassio loses his reputation after being demoted by Othello. Cassio was demoted because he got into a fight with Rodrigo after Iago had tricked him into getting drunk. A short while later, Cassio tells Iago that he has lost his most important and impeccable attribute, which is his reputation. The way shakespeare uses the word immortal to describe Cassio's reputation illustrates that Cassio was a man who cared deeply what people thought of him. It was Cassio's only attribute that he was most proud of. Shakespeare also uses the word bestial to describe what replaces Cassio's intelligence. Bestial means subhuman or un-normal. Cassio's once clean slate was marked with one drunken brawl with a comrade which ended up getting him demoted.
ReplyDeleteCassio: O God, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains! That we should with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause transform ourselves into beasts!
Here, Cassio is lamenting about how men knowingly get drunk. He is disgusted that he and other men would willingly turn themselves into blundering baboons. This is relevant because Cassio just lost his lieutenancy because of what he did while drunk.
The word choice in this quote mirrors the strong, negative emotion Cassio is feeling at the time. For instance, he uses the words enemy, steal, and beasts. Also, from the way Cassio is generally stating that we, men, willingly drink, I think this may be a successful trick Iago uses again in the play. Now, looking at the word beast. Up to this point int he play, Othello has been referred to as a beast many times. I think the use of this word to describe drunks is foreshadowing that Othello will become very drunk at some point in the play, and whenever Iago is involved, nothing good happens.
Cassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
ReplyDelete2.3.282-8
Cassio describes here that while he was drunk, he lost his morals and good character, and became animalistic and uncontrolled. This quote is ironic, as Cassio did not chose to lose his character, but was tricked into disguising it. The connotation of the word "immortal" is used as if he was strong and unbreakable, contrasting strongly with the word "bestial," which promotes the idea that he is now the opposite of what is good, what he was before he drank too much. This may have larger significance within the play in the sense that although this incident was not Cassio's fault, he believes it is, and it will cost him his job, as well as Othello's trust.
As i recall, the first line was after Cassio got demoted by Othello when he was drunk. Cassio is literally saying that he has lost his dignity and pride, the most obvious traits about him, and all that remained was his bestial instinct. Cassio, or shakesphere, specifically used bestial as the adjective due to Iago's plan of revenge. Cassio's fall into his bestial instincts has left Iago a great tool to destroy Othello using Desdemona. Also, Cassio strangely blame the issue on himself, instead of Iago who gave him the drink. So we can still say that Iago is still trusted by Cassio
ReplyDelete"She holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested."
ReplyDeleteThis line is explaining that Desdemona has a habit of never doing more than she is asked to do. Iago explains that she is so lovely and beautiful that she never has to go above and beyond to please someone. This line is conflicted, as vice is usually wicked behavior, and goodness is the opposite. This line relates to the play at large because Desdemkna is continually characterized as both good and bad, as objects of desire usually are. Desdemona is characterized as good in her looks and beauty, but described by Iago as one who would cheat, lie, and give in to her "temptations", these temptations being other men. This line evinces Iago's true thoughts about Desdemona, a woman who holds great power but exercises much evil.
In this quote, Cassio is explaining what has happened to him, regarding his inner behaviors and essence. He says that he has lost the immortal, or human part of himself. This is the part of Cassio that is proud and honorable, lost due to the ruining of his reputation. The only part of Cassio that remains intact is the bestial, or savage portion of his character. Cassio connects this bestiality with his drinking and the negative effects it had on his reputation and career. I found it interesting how Cassio used the word "bestial". Throughout the play, Iago in particular has drawn connections between Othello and the beasts of the world, comparing him to a horse and other animals. These comments are always derogatory and meant to insult Othello. Cassio labels part of himself as bestial, which is clearly not something that he is appreciative of. This connects Othello and Cassio, as they are both made "bestial" by the actions and comparisons of Iago.
ReplyDeleteIago says, "when devils will the blackest sins put on, / they do suggest at first with heavenly shows (2.3.371-72). In other words, he says that when devils convince men to sin, they portray the sin as something heavenly at first. I thought some of the word choice in this quote was very interesting. Iago, to describe sins, says "...the blackest sins...", which is interesting because of the connotation at the time of anything "black", especially skin color. The connotation was one of evil, just like sins and devils. It almost implies that Othello himself is a devil. I thought this word choice to be very implicit of Desdemona being "bewitched" by Othello: the devils suggested to Desdemona something heavenly (her love for Othello, and his travels). But Iago believes she will discover that Othello is evil, with his black skin and other characteristics.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
ReplyDelete2.3.282-83
Cassio says this after he gets into a fight and loses his position as an officer. He is distraught and angry with himself for losing his reputation. The word "bestial" is what really stands out to me in this quote. It leaves a much greater impression on the reader than if other words such as "bad" or "unpleasant" had been used. It gets the image of Cassio actually turning into a beast when he is stripped of his position and loses his reputation. This may hold a further significance in the play by showing how good people can turn into terrible beasts after Iago is done manipulating and tricking them. This could predict what might happen to Othello's personality and his actions after Iago finishes with him.
"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." Cassio is saying that because he has lost his reputation, his brighter side is gone and all that remains is his lackluster life. The word "bestial" has a very dark connotation, and shows that Cassio thinks of himself as deprived. This type of language runs parallel with that of Roderigo when he discusses suicide, and it is interesting to see two different characters use the same type of dark dialogue in alternate situations. It is also strange that Cassio uses the word "bestial" to describe himself, because it seems like a word that Iago would use to classify Othello. It will be interesting to follow the progression of these characters to see if they will break out of the dark and "bestial" side that has been eluded to.
ReplyDeleteIago: "When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows." This quote means that the people in this world that appear to be the nicest are quite often the most terrible. Bad people don't outwardly appear to be evil. It is hidden on the inside. These people are the most evil because you usually don't know that he or she has bad intentions. The connotation of these words Is that they are clever and intelligent. The words "when devils will" and "heavenly shows", they are very contrasting. It is comparing heaven to hell. This quote is abiut Iago, because he hides his evils with "heavenly shows", which is him covering his vendetta with a false caring front. Iago is the devil, covering his plans with heavenly shows. This shows the intelligence and thought that Iago had to use when plotting the takedown of Othello, and his true level of intelligence.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
ReplyDeleteIn my own words: " I have ruined my good reputation and well natured personality, what is left is brutality and lack of intelligence."
I believe that the language and words used in this quote display an underlying theme in Othello. It is an example of how the characters in Othello can easily lose their identity or beliefs by being negatively manipulated by others. Iago has ruined Cassio's reputation and position as Othello's lieutenant. Iago sabotaged Cassio when he fell into IAgo's trap. I believe this theme of sabotage will continue to reappear throughout the play.
This line is Cassio speaking about himself after the fight that resulted in him losing his position as lieutenant. Him saying that he lost the immortal part of himself essentially means that he lost all of his confidence and self respect. He states that all that remains is the bestial. The way I inteterperate this is that all that remains is his body, and he has lost all he had once had when he was Iagos lieutenant.
ReplyDeleteCassio: I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
ReplyDeleteIn my own words: " I have ruined my good reputation and well natured personality, what is left is brutality and lack of intelligence."
I believe that the language and words used in this quote display an underlying theme in Othello. It is an example of how the characters in Othello can easily lose their identity or beliefs by being negatively manipulated by others. Iago has ruined Cassio's reputation and position as Othello's lieutenant. Iago sabotaged Cassio when he fell into IAgo's trap. I believe this theme of sabotage will continue to reappear throughout the play.
The quotation that jumped out at me the most out of all of these was when Cassio was explaining that men should put an enemy in their mouths and let it capture their brains. What this was saying to me, was that a man says things without thinking that would be worse than our own enemies speaking for us. Men are beasts and they are classified by what they say. Men should graciously hand over their brains to this enemy. The language used in this quote seems to be very contradicting, much like other parts within this play. This connotation might have greater significance in later parts in the play by showing that someone might let this enemy speak for them and this may turn out to be a devastating part of the play. The contradiction within this quote has to do specifically with the wording. Words like joy or pleasance as apposed to enemy and beast.
ReplyDeleteIago: When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows.
ReplyDeleteIago is saying that terrible wrongdoings are at first disguised as innocent. Oddly enough, Iago is referring to himself as a devil, considering the context of the quote. He had just persuaded Cassio to drink heavily, leading to Montano being wounded. This foreshadows Iago's tactics throughout the play as well, as seemingly harmless actions quickly lead to discord. He also uses a contrast with light and dark, with "blackest sins" being masked as "heavenly shows".
ReplyDeleteIago: When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows.
2.3.371-72
When someone commits a dark sin, it is often disguised with a heavenly appearance. The original quote was spoken by Iago, and the connection is to the fact that Iago is sinning and scheming to make Othello suffer, but is doing it in a way that seems to be in Cassio's best interest. The text translates 'suggest', from the original text, to mean 'tempt'. The use of this word shows that the heavenly appearance of ones sins is tempting to others. This reference is to the show that Iago is putting on, making him seem like he is looking out for Cassio and his job.
"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial."
ReplyDeleteThe immortal part of himself that Cassio refers to is his reputation, with consideration that a reputation lives on forever, even when that person has passed away. Therefore, this quote is basically saying that Cassio has ruined the only part of him that will live on after he is deceased, tarnishing his name forever.
When Iago declares, "When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows" (2.3.371-72), he foreshadows the approaching downfalls of Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in an ominous, eerie manner. Here, Iago is comparing himself to the devil, the epitome of evil, and expressing how even the most maniacal beings can lure their prey in a seemingly pleasant, unanticipated fashion. Iago is confident in his ability to execute this plan of destroying Othello with his devious and cunning strategies.
ReplyDelete"When devils will the blackest sins put on, / they do suggest at first with heavenly shows." This is what Iago said to Cassio when he was trying to comvince Casso that it wouldn't be hard to win Desdemona over. What Cassio is saying in this quote is that when she recognizes how horrible her lover, Othello, is then she will be able to easily recognize what is good and desire it. In other words, Iago is trying to convince Cassio that by making Othello look bad, Cassio can make himself look better. These lines foreshadow something may interfere with the love between Fesdemona and Ithello.
ReplyDeleteAfter Othello revokes Cassio's title as officer, Cassio laments, "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." He refers to his damaged reputation when he says "immortal part". Cassio feels that a reputation is immortal, since it creates a legacy that lives on after a person's death, whereas a person who has no reputation ora dishonorable reputation is "bestial", no more noteworthy than an animal. Literally, Cassio is talking about having tarnished his good name, but his statement can also be interpreted as applying to his drunkenness. Talking to Iago earlier, he expressed the opinion that drinking can easily corrupt and degrade him. The immortal part in this sense means Cassio's ability to think clearly, for that is the basis of his humanity; without his basic rational sense, he feels he is akin to an animal, acting blindly and instinctively.
ReplyDelete"I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" What Cassio is saying is that he has lost his honor and that he doesn't like what remains. Cassio holds his honor close to him but when he got in the fight he lost it. Now he will be remembered as a drunkard instead of as an honored lieutenant. I think this foreshadows what will happen to Othello and instead of being remembered as a valiant general he will be remembered for some lesser deed that won't be so honorable.
ReplyDelete