Shakespeare

Out of all the examples of Shakespeare’s animal imagery, it is perhaps that of "making the beast with two backs" that engenders the feelings of most disgust on a character, or indeed, an audience. The reference comes from Othello, where Iago tries to think of the very worst scenario he can possibly paint to a man considering his wifes fidelity, or otherwise. Iago refers also to a "black ram tupping" earlier in the play, and to a "white ewe" when referring to the Othello's own relationship to his wife. With these images in mind already, the human mind transposes the one image upon the other, rams, ewes, mating, beasts with two backs to paint what would be a loathsome and ugly scene for any newly-married man afraid for his wife's loyalty.

Arguably, it is this very image which first fires Othello up with disgust, jealousy and rage and gives impetus to his murderous thoughts. He has only to think of Cassio in that situation with his wife, Desdemona, who he formerly perceived to be pure as the driven snow, and he cannot see or think clearly due to blind rage. Iago has