Although Othello centers around the rather serious themes of hatred, jealousy, love, and loyalty, Shakespeare balances the serious subject matter with occasional jokes and sexual innuendos. He aims to keep his audience not only enthralled with the play at hand, but thoroughly entertained as well. For example, the first time Iago converses with Brabantio in Act I, he comes to tell him his daughter has run off and married an unworthy man, Othello. While such information has a serious nature, Iago conveys it by saying, "I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs," (Shakespeare 1365). No doubt the phrase "beast with two backs", a reference to the act of sex, elicited violent laughter from the lesser of Shakespeare's audience and hushed chuckles from the most civilized of audience members (Shakespeare 1365). Furthermore, in Act II, Iago's conversation with Cassio about Desdemona is both sexually suggestive and humorous. Speaking of Desdemona, Cassio states, "She's a most exquisite lady," to which Iago replies, "And, I'll warrant her, full of game," (Shakespeare 1392). The two men are musing over how attractive Desdemona is and Iago goes so far as to say she's probably great in bed! After additional statements of Desdemona's beauty, Iago changes the topic of conversation by saying, "Well, happiness to their sheets!" (Shakespeare 1392). He is saying that he and Cassio will never have Desdemona, so he wishes Othello well in consummating his marriage. Again, Shakespeare utilizes humor to bring comedy into the otherwise serious situation of Iago beginning his manipulation of Cassio.
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