Why, I will fight with him upon this theme until my eyelids will no longer wag

Why, I will fight with him upon this theme until my eyelids will no longer wag

In William Shakespeare's works, characters often engage in passionate debates and arguments, showcasing their strong convictions and beliefs. The line "Why, I will fight with him upon this theme until my eyelids will no longer wag" exemplifies this fervent determination to defend one's position and engage in intellectual combat.

This line is from the play "Othello," specifically in Act 2, Scene 1, where Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello's marriage to Desdemona. Iago, the cunning and manipulative villain of the play, is known for his ability to sow seeds of doubt and discord among the other characters. In this scene, Iago is convincing Roderigo to join him in his plot to undermine Othello's reputation and relationship with Desdemona.

When Iago declares that he will "fight with him upon this theme," he is expressing his determination to continue manipulating and deceiving those around him. His use of the word "fight" suggests a willingness to engage in verbal sparring and psychological warfare to achieve his goals. The phrase "until my eyelids will no longer wag" conveys Iago's unwavering commitment to his cause, even to the point of exhaustion.

This line also highlights the power of language and rhetoric in Shakespeare's plays. Characters often use persuasive speech and clever arguments to sway others to their point of view. Iago's ability to manipulate language and manipulate those around him is a key aspect of his character, making him a formidable adversary for Othello and the other characters in the play.

Overall, the line "Why, I will fight with him upon this theme until my eyelids will no longer wag" encapsulates the intense and dramatic nature of Shakespeare's works. It showcases the characters' passion, determination, and willingness to engage in intellectual battles to defend their beliefs and achieve their goals.