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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Othello: 2.1

Original Monologue (Iago):
"He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, whisper! With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as  Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do, I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, 'Tis so, indeed.
If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good, well kissed, and excellent courtesy! ’tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? Would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! The Moor! I know his trumpet."
 
My Interpretation: 
He holds her by the hand. Real smooth! I hardly have to work at all now to catch up to Cassio. Go ahead and smile at her, I will leave you two be. If you say it is true, then it must be. If your actions cost you your job, it would've been better to not be so conceited, it's too bad you are so. Very much so! Yes. You're going to continue the behavior? Would they were clyster-pipes for your sake! The Moor! I know his call. 

Sparknotes' Interpretation:
He’s taking her hand. That’s right, go ahead and whisper together. This is all I need to get Cassio. Yes, keep smiling at her, Cassio. Your fine manners around women will be your downfall. Oh, I’m sure you’re saying something very clever. If you lose your job because of little flirtations like this, you’ll wish you hadn’t been so courteous with her. Oh, how nice, you’re kissing your own hand, one finger at a time? I wish those fingers were enema tubes! That’s the Moor! I recognize his trumpet.

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