Iago’s first soliloquy I.iii.365-386
Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;
Iago plays on the “put money in thy purse” line, ensuring that Roderigo is his ‘insurance’ or, rather, his ‘fall guy’. In
this instance, Roderigo is the ‘purse’ into which Iago puts his manipulations and treachery, which will help to ensure
Othello’s downfall.
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane,
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit.
Here he says that he would bring shame to his reputation if he was interacting with Roderigo (a “snipe”) for anything
other than fun and advantage.
I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
H'as done my office.
Very plainly spoken – his hate for Othello is motivated by gossip that Othello has slept with Emilia. ‘My office’
suggests that Iago sees marital sex as a necessary job.
I know not if't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do, as if for surety.
He admits that he doesn’t know it for a fact, but will act as if it is.
He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.
Because Othello trusts Iago (“holds me well” in his esteem) the plan will work even better.
Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now:
To get his place, and to plume up my will
In double knavery. How? How? Let's see.
Iago is musing on Cassio’s attractiveness and how he could use it in his plan. The “double knavery” involves first
getting to be Othello’s lieutenant (which Iago believes is his right) and second for a bit of entertaining trickery, or fun.
After some time, to abuse Othello's ears
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected--framed to make women false.
Iago will suggest to Othello that Cassio has had sex with Desdemona. Because he is young and handsome, the story
will be easier to believe.
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 th' nose
As asses are.
Othello’s nature makes him an easy target, after all (it is implied), he believes that Iago is ‘honest’ when he only
‘seems’ to be. Iago compares him to a stupid, trusting donkey (derogatory)
I have't! It is engendered! Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.
[Exit.]
The imagery in this final couplet is very interesting. Two references to childbirth (‘engendered’ means ‘conceived’) are
used, although this will be a ‘monstrous birth’ – Iago is subverting one of the most holy and sacred human functions.
Also note the use of ‘hell and night’ – dark, supernatural powers will be the ‘midwife’ for this birth, bringing it into the
world’s “light”. His plan will bring private conflict and pain to a more public awareness. This also contributes to the
ongoing contrasts between light and dark, or black and white, throughout the play (and of course referring to Othello
and Desdemona’s skin colours).