Iago's Soliloquy

By definition, a soliloquy is an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers. It is usually a way for the audience to gain insight into a character's true thoughts and motives. The key word is true. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is the antagonist who represents falsehood and evil. His constant manipulation of all of the characters around him obscures his motives because it is never clear as to whether he is being honest or not. Accordingly, Iago allows the audience to have a deeper perspective during his second soliloquy in the third scene of the first act. During his monologue, he reveals his intent in regards to Rodrigo as he says, "If I would time expend with such (a) snipe but for my sport and profit" (I.ii.428-429). Iago only spends time with Roderigo because he finds amusement in his naive nature and because Roderigo sustains him financially. Iago also elaborates further about his hatred toward Othello. Although he explains various times, Iago's reasoning for hating Othello always changes and never has a common thread. There have been rumors that Othello slept with Iago's wife: "And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets 'Has done my office. I know not if't be true, But I [...] Will do as if for surety" (I.iii.430-433). His lack of logic and reason lead him to use this questionable piece of information as an excuse to justify his actions and  malevolent intentions. Throughout his soliloquy, Iago addresses events which the audience has already seen, and explains things that the audience already knows. While doing so, he uses many nonsequetors and pauses to act like he is conflicted: "Let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery - How? how? - Let's see" (435-437). Iago is deliberately acting like he is formulating his conclusions on the spot when in reality his motives have been set for a long time. His plan was concocted before the play commenced. In essence, Iago is manipulating the soliloquy itself which ultimately manipulates the audience. This allows him to tell the audience only what he wants them to know allowing him to extract any reaction he wants. Iago's use of manipulation during his soliloquy complements his actions during his interactions with the other characters while also obscuring his true character.