Quote Response

Iago: "Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me for making him egregiously an ass and practicing upon his peace and quiet even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused. Knavery's plain face is never seen till used" (Shakespeare 968).

This seems like the moment where Iago is outlining his plans against Desdemona and Othello. He is alone during this monologue and appears to be planning it all out loud for himself, perhaps before he involves the other characters. I'm assuming that the play will go similarly to the movie, which is why I believe that this is the moment where Iago defines his future actions for himself and then manipulates and coerces the others into his plan, as the characters in the movie did.

The words that stand out for me are in the last sentence. I take knavery to mean trickery or dishonest, and Iago is saying that dishonesty is never seen till used which I understand as his way of saying that none of the other characters will ever see it (Iago's scheme) coming until it is too late.

This is probably a very profound moment in the play since it is giving the audience or reader an insight into the upcoming events. It also makes the reader feel uneasy and afraid for Desdemona and Othello, as they become aware of Iago's plan and know that those two characters are in danger, and they have no idea. They trust Iago and see him as a friend, which is what makes his plan so compelling for the reader.