It is important to always look at the context of
particular phrases if you are attempting to understand them. In this scene the phrase
you have identified clearly reflects the way that Othello is becoming overwhelmed with
the jealousy that Iago is creating between both Othello and Cassio and Othello and
Desdemona. Thus when Lodovico enters, Othello leaves him with this final line which is
rather puzzling because of the way that the first half seems to have nothing to do with
the second half:
You are welcome, sir, to Cyrpus. Goats and
monkeys!
This apparent non
sequitur seems to indicate the imagery of bestiality and lust, but also indicate the way
that such imagery that Iago has taunted him with still clearly rings in his ears and how
he is becoming "unmanned" by his jealousy.
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