Hope Fletcher Greg McGrath Acting 3 2 October 2012

Monologue Analysis

In my monologue Iago is trying to decide the manner that he will use to destroy Othello's life. He has already decided that he wishes to do this but now he must decide how. He wants the absolute perfect way. At the beginning of the monologue he has just manipulated the character Roderigo into selling all his land by giving him insincere compliments and a false hope that Desdemona will someday love him. He addresses the audience as soon as Roderigo leaves in a tone that actually reminds me greatly of a gossipy schoolgirl, Thus do I ever make my fool, my purse.. He is speaking of taking advantage of Rodrigo's dim wittedness in order to put money in his purse. For mine own gain'd knowledge should I profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe. But for my own sport and profit. Iago returns to the gossipy schoolgirl here. He is saying that he would never bother even talking to someone as stupid as Roderigo unless he could get something useful out of him. In this case money and what Iago sees as added entertainment. Iago then turns his attention to Othello, the man that he hates. I hate the Moor. This line is straightforward enough. He wishes to express his undying animosity towards Othello. And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets, he's done my office. I know not if't it be true, but I for mere suspicion in that kind will do as for surety. There has been a rumor going around that Othello has slept with Iago's wife. Iago is saying that he has no idea or proof that Othello has done this, but since he already hates Othello he will take it as absolute proof. He holds me well, the better shall my purpose work on him. Iago believes that Othello thinks

highly of him and believes that this will make his plan of ruining his life a lot easier. Cassio's a proper man, let me see now. Iago has made the discovery that Cassio might be able to help him with his plan. I imagine that he either notices Cassio in the distance or maybe an item that reminds him of Cassio and this brings his attention to him. To get his place and plume up my will in double knavery, how how? Let's see. Iago is deeply jealous of Cassio because Othello gave him a position that Iago wanted. He is now seeing an opportunity to both take Cassio's position which he believes his rightfully his and also hurt Othello. He is just trying to figure out how. After some time, to abuse Othello's ear that he is too familiar with his wife. Iago has finally come up with a evil and brilliant plan. He has decided to convince Othello that Cassio has been sleeping with Desdemona. He hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected, framed to make women false. He is saying in this line that is would be easy to suspect Cassio of something of this nature since he is very suave and handsome. People would think a guy like Cassio would seduce women. The moor is of a free and open nature. This could be seen as a positive quality, but Iago sees this as a weakness so he is mocking with this line. That thinks men honest but they seem so. Othello thinks men are honest when they seem honest. Iago has already stated that Othello trusts him. And will be as tenderly led by th' nose as asses are. Iago is saying here that Othello will be very easy to manipulate since he is so trusting. His plan will surely work. I have't. It is engendered! Iago is celebrating the fact that he has worked out his plan. Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. Iago is acknowledging in his final line that he knows his plan is very wicked. He is basically saying that he will need a little help from the devil in order to bring his evil plan into fruition.

Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe. But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets He 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. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man: let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knaveryHow, how? Let's see: After some time, to abuse Othello's ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.