Othello

Act 1 scene 2

Table of Contents

1. I hold it very stuff o' th' conscience to do no contrived murder.
2. But I pray you, sir, are you fast married?
3. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly
4. thou hast enchanted her
5. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter

I hold it very stuff o' th' conscience to do no contrived murder

Iago professes to be such a moral character that he wouldn't murder anyone.  Here he is telling Othello that Roderigo spoke against him.  He is "warning" Othello that Roderigo may try to get his marriage annulled, or get him divorced, perhaps what iago really wanted.

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But I pray you , sir, are you fast married?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly

Othello thinks highly of himself.  In fact, he thinks he is the equal to the nobles in Venice, despite his calling them his "masters."  He believes he is in control, and his later control of the confrontation with Brabantio confirms this.   Othello stands fast and is prepared to face up to anyone who confronts him.   It also suggests that he trusts that others will understand him.  If Cassio had been able to stand pat and expect Othello to understand him in 3.3, Iago might not have been able to make Cassio seem guilty. 

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thou hast enchanted her

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter

[This is the answer to the question.]

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