Othello Act 2 scene 2-3

And what's he then that says I play the villain/ when this advice is free I give, and honest, (2.3 53)

This quote exhibits Iago's sinister mind to be so evil and cunning that it amazes even himself. He tells himself that he would not suspect himself to be a villain because of his seemingly sincere advice. Iago is aware of Othello's power and realizes that he is not in a position to confront Othello. Instead Iago is relying on Othello's own power to destroy himself. Iago is allowing Othello's power to be released and is merely directing it at Othello and his closest companions.This is a theme and the main strategy of Iago's plan to bring about Othello's downfall, self-destruction.

Definitions of two words:

enmesh (2.3 53) - to catch, as in a net; entangle: He was enmeshed by financial difficulties.

swagger (2.3 50) - manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.