Iago Quotes

Question 1

I know my price

Answer 1

Iago has overweening self confidence and is full of arrogance and pride. In the figure of Iago, Shakespeare comes close to personifying outright malice- the play shows how easy it is for someone to be malicious, ruthless and clever to manipulate others. It offers the audience a disturbing view of human character as changing and unstable: we are all more vulnerable to manipulation than we like to think.

Question 2

Horribly stuffed with epithets of war

Answer 2

Iago believes Othello is full of violence and hatred

Question 3

I follow him to serve my turn upon him

Answer 3

Iago language is menacing as he openly admits he is a self serving deceiver

Question 4

In following him I follow but myself

Answer 4

Iago only follows othello for his own benefit. Othello is presented as a pompous and conceited man who has shown nepotism in appointing Cassio as his lieutenant, gravely misjudged Iago’s “worth”.

Question 5

I am not what I am

Answer 5

Self confessed deceiver- he is selfish and reveals himself to us early on in the play. The audience watch on in fascination as Iago cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.

Question 6

Poison his delight… plague him with flies

Answer 6

Suggests Iago has a darker purpose. Shakespeare uses the image of poison and its debilating and deadly effects effects of it. Iago is metaphorically poison and its destruction. He is a self confessed deceiver, revealing himself to us early on in the play. The audience recognise his selfish intentions and watch as he cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.

Question 7

An old black ram is tupping your white ewe

Answer 7

Racial differences are evident here as Iago reduces sexual intimacy between a married couple to animal copulation

Question 8

Barbary horse

Answer 8

Again reduces Othello to an animal like status. Animalistic imagery presents Othello as different and uncivilised. Iago suggests Othello has strong atavistic instincts.

Question 9

Lascivious moor

Answer 9

Shows how Othello is defined by his race, unlike any other (white) characters

Question 10

These moors are changeable in their wills

Answer 10

Iago believes Othello will change his mind soon

Question 11

Sport and profit

Answer 11

Ruthless- exploits people for entertainment. In this soliloquy, Shakespeare develops the character