Iago’s soliloquy is such an important passage because this is where we see what Iago’s intentions are. At this pivotal scene in Act I, you see how Iago plans on getting revenge on Othello. His first part is that he is convincing Roderigo to go after the love of his life Desdemona. Iago says that even though she married Othello she will get sick of him because he is much older than her. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane. If I would time expend with such a snipe. But for my sport and profit.”(page 55, lines 426-429) Iago is planning on taking Roderigo’s money and will profit off of his plan. He calls Roderigo a fool and believes that he is superior over him. He is such a great manipulator and Roderigo is lesser of a man than Iago that he feels he is obligated to profit off of this plan.

Next, Iago talks about how much he despises the Moor. It was interesting to see the reasons behind his hatred. You would think that he would hate Othello more because he has been rumored to have slept with his wife, Emilia, but he is more upset that Othello passed up on him for lieutenant. He feels that because of these reasons he is allowed to seek revenge on Othello with this plan. He felt that Cassio was not experienced enough in battle to gain that position. He feels it would be perfect to convince Othello that Cassio is sleeping with his wife because it destroys Othello and Cassio at the same time. He is able to convince Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio because he is very sweet and handsome. Othello trusts what a lot of people tell him. I believe that this has to do with him being an outsider and is not used to how people act in the Venetian society. He can tell Othello that his wife is sleeping with Cassio with little evidence because of this.

Shakespeare uses soliloquies very frequently throughout this play so we can view the thoughts of the characters. Through these soliloquies we are able to hear information that tells us a lot about the play as a whole and really helps develop the plot. This soliloquy is so important to the story because the whole play is based on this plan of Iago to seek revenge on the moor. You are able to see Iago’s true intentions through this passage and it guides us and thickens us to the climax of the play.

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