Drama Primary Posting:
What is the significance of Othello’s expletive— “Goats and monkeys!” -at 263.
Othello uses this expletive at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 when he finally believes that his wife is
cheating on him. He denotes Desdemona and Cassio as "Goats and monkeys!” (4.1.263) because
of their sexual urges for each other. Also, he sees these animals as lustful and shameless.
That is why he compares Desdemona and Cassio to them. At the beginning of this scene, Iago
tells Othello that they both have kissed and was naked in bed.
What is the significance of Othello’s expletive— “Goats and monkeys!” -at 263.
Othello uses this expletive at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 when he finally believes that his wife is
cheating on him. He denotes Desdemona and Cassio as "Goats and monkeys!” (4.1.263) because
of their sexual urges for each other. Also, he sees these animals as lustful and shameless.
That is why he compares Desdemona and Cassio to them. At the beginning of this scene, Iago
tells Othello that they both have kissed and was naked in bed.
