Iago's Second Soliloquy Analysis

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📖 Context & Quotation

Iago's Second Soliloquy (Act 1, Scene 3, lines 386-407):

"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. I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
He's done my office. I know not if't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety..."

1. What does Iago reveal about his attitude towards Roderigo in this speech?

He genuinely cares for Roderigo as a friend

He sees Roderigo as a useful tool for money

He respects Roderigo's intelligence

He fears Roderigo's influence

2. Which themes are most prominent in this soliloquy? (Select all that apply)

Manipulation and deception

Jealousy and suspicion

Love and romance

Revenge and hatred

Honour and loyalty

✍️ Analysis Task

3. Main Question: How does Shakespeare present Iago's character through his language and imagery in this soliloquy? Write approximately 5 sentences analysing his presentation.

Helpful Sentence Starters:

Shakespeare presents Iago as manipulative through...
The metaphor of "make my fool my purse" suggests...
Iago's language reveals his calculating nature when he...
The theme of jealousy is evident in...
Shakespeare uses imagery of _______ to show...

4. Support Task: Find and copy three key words or phrases that show Iago's villainous nature:

a) _____________________ b) _____________________ c) _____________________

5. Extension Activity: Compare this soliloquy to Iago's first soliloquy. How has his character developed?

📝 Model Answer & Success Criteria

Model Answer Example:

Shakespeare presents Iago as a calculating manipulator through his mercenary language and dehumanising imagery. The metaphor "make my fool my purse" reduces Roderigo to a mere financial resource, revealing Iago's cold exploitation of others for "sport and profit." His hatred for Othello is presented as both racial ("I hate the Moor") and sexual, with the crude imagery of "twixt my sheets" showing his obsession with suspected adultery. Shakespeare demonstrates Iago's dangerous logic through the phrase "mere suspicion," highlighting how he will act on unproven jealousy "as if for surety." The soliloquy establishes Iago as a master of deception who views relationships purely as opportunities for personal gain.

Success Criteria - Your answer should include:

Specific quotations from the text

Analysis of language techniques (metaphor, imagery)

Discussion of character presentation

Reference to themes (jealousy, manipulation)

Clear, analytical sentences