https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fItEfJhf0oc

This is from the Larry Fishburne version of “Othello” in 1995. I came across this scene and thought it would make for an excellent topic to discuss on this blog. This is the first time that Iago openly admits his distaste for Othello and where his coup to ruin Desdemona’s and Othello’s relationship began.

Iago: 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.

This is the text from the scene that we watched, where Iago first admits how he deeply despises Othello. In this monologue Iago talks about how he plans on using Roderigo to help him get what he wants. He then says, “But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor”. To me this means that for amusement and personal gain he has a disliking for Othello. The next two lines is Iago referring to the rumor that has made its way around that Othello has been sleeping with Desdemona, who Iago is psychotically referring to as his wife already. He than goes on to say that despite this not being proving and only a suspicion, he plans on finding out more information just to be sure. “He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him.” To me I interpreted this as Othello think highly of Iago and this will only help make it easier for Iago to formulate a plot to bring him down.

Honestly after knowing how this play unfolds and reading/watching the tragedy unfold, re-reading this speech by Iago makes me pretty sick. He is an absolutely dreadful human being and completely rotten through and through. It was cool though to read this and than watch the clip from the movie. The acting was really good and it helps us as a viewer to show just how sinister Iago truly is. To me this is where Iago’s evil plot, and Othello’s downfall actually begins.

What did you guys think of the acting? Does anyone side with Iago and his quest for Desdemona?