Iago:
"I do beseech you, though I perchance am vicious in my guess as I confess it is my nature's plague to spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy shapes faults that are not-that your wisdom then, from one that so imperfectly conceits, would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble out of his scattering and unsure observance. If were not for your quiet nor your good, nor for mu manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know mu thoughts.
Othello:
What dost thou mean?
Iago:
Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.
This exchange takes place shortly after Othello enters the room and sees Cassio leaving Desdemona's presents. Othello becomes interested in why Cassio was visiting with Desdemona and his suspicions are born. Desdemona desperately wants to put this idea to rest and begs Othello to meet with Cassio and discuss his loyalty and return him to favor. OThello is not interested in doing this anytime soon and suggest that if something made him stop loving her the result would be chaos.
Iago takes this opportunity to manipulate Othello and using reverse psychology appears to hook Othello's interest. Once Iago catches Othello's attention he draws him into his web of deceit. He suggests that a man can steal his money (purse) and that is not disheartening; but rather a man steals your good name then you are left poor and he is none the richer. This statement seems to invoke Othello's pride and puts him in a defensive and suspicious frame of mind.
I believe this passage represents the central conflict in the play. Iago is determined to destroy Othello and is going to use wit and deceit to do so. The story is a tragedy because two people that love each other are torn apart by senseless jealousy. But if Othello had possessed a stronger presence he could have dismissed Iago's suggestions and could have believed in Cassio's friendship and Desdemona's love. I believe this quote best represents what is at the heart of this story.
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