Beast with Two Backs

Beast with Two Backs

We have all read the the play/book titled 'Othello' by Shakespeare, one time or prior.  I remember reading this play in High School for my English 30 class.  I remember that I rather enjoyed reading and afterwards, writing an essay about this famous play.  I wish I would have kept my old document/essay, as I could remind myself today, what I 'focused' in the writing about in my youth, about this play.  

Over the years, I have watched 'Othello' in a live-play once, and in a movie a couple of times.  

The other evening, I was enjoying the company of a few friends, when I heard the expression 'Beast with two backs' lipped by one of friends, who was half-intoxicated.  I made a mental note of this expression, as I had heard and/or read it before, but could not remember when/where, I had heard this. 

(Do you know what the expression 'Beast with two backs' means? I would like to explain what this means, but let me do this at the tale-end of my writing today). 

A few weeks went by and I remembered the 'expression' again and decided to 'google' it.  I was truly fascinated to see that the expression had originated from a play/book, which I enjoyed reading, however, never comprehended the expression when I read the play in 'High School', or watched the play 'Live', and finally watched the movie of the 'Play'. 

I finally read the play again and wanted to bring to the attention of everyone the 'confrontational' conversation between Roderigo and Iago, where the expression was authored.  Below, is the lead-up to the expression:

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Roderigo:

Most grave Brabantio, In simple and pure soul I come to you.

Iago: 

Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you.  Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans.

Brabantio:

What profane wretch art thou?

Iago: 

I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.

Brabantio: 

Thou art a villain.

Iago: 

You are a senator.

Brabantio:

This thou shalt answer; I know thee,

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Fascinating scene, I thought. 

Now, let me explain briefly, what 'Beast with two backs' mean, even though I imagine you know what this means. 

'Beast with two backs' is a metaphor used to describe two lovers, who are in the act of 'love making'.  

I confess, I did not 'catch' this expression in High School, I wish I would have. 

Hope you enjoyed today's topic, try another of my writings, 

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