What is "the beast with two backs"? I'm studying the play "Othello" (by Shakespeare) in English Literature class & I need to know what this means?
2007-01-27 12:59:51 · 13 answers · asked by Hotel♥Heiress 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
It's another phrase for two people (presumably male and female) engaging in sexual intercourse. This is a 16th century (or so) term phrase. Basically, when two people have sex (front to front) they are making the two backs (their backside). The beast is an analogy to humans.
2007-01-27 13:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Student_007 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is just the kind of thing that makes reading Shakespeare difficult but so much fun when you know what it means.
If you want a modern translation with some explanations of expressions like this, try this:
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/othello/page_2.epl
I really like this site because you may read Shakespeare's original side-by-side with a modern translation. Read "No Fear Shakespeare" before, during, or after your reading of the original play. BUT READ THE ORIGINAL!!!
My students have had success reading "Romeo and Juliet," "Julius Caesar," and "Macbeth" on their own using this source at home. The students find that they can read Shakespeare much more easily by checking with NFS when they're stuck.
Good luck, and thanks for asking this interesting question.
2007-01-27 13:24:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means having sex, and it is one of the few things I remember from Othello when I was in high school. If you want to be *really* specific, you can say it is the missionary position, because that would be the position where both people are facing each other.
2007-01-27 13:38:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iago:
"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." Iago is informing Desdemona;s father that she is having sex with Othello. he uses this analogy to be foul and to make it sound savage being that Othello is a more (black).
2007-01-27 13:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by J.B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A couple making love.
Even Shakespeare had to work with the censors of his day so he used a euphemism instead of a phrase that would be considered objectionable.
2007-01-27 13:03:16 · answer #5 · answered by Dan S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh sure. How would I find them though? Oh well, at least I get two points for this. I like pink easter eggs. And there better be candy inside. XD
2016-03-29 05:38:43 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Euphemism for Sex.
Iago says Desdemona and Cassio are shagging...yeah, Baby!!!
2007-01-27 13:14:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the problem with shakespeare is that the language is old and the humor is from there current time
so having sex was what he ment.
2007-01-27 13:45:40 · answer #8 · answered by Wicked 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"The beast with two backs" is another phrase for two people having sex.
2007-01-27 13:02:36 · answer #9 · answered by w00t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol, just imagine two people in a position where there is a back on each side...
2007-01-27 13:03:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋