(Act 1 scn. 1)
Othello begins at night in the streets of Venice; we see Roderigo is having a discussion with Iago. Iago is bitter that he was passed over by the Moor in spite of his service in battle and the recommendation of three great one Othello chose Cassio a man with no experience to lead men into battle.
Iago reveals his hatred for Othello and says that he only serves Othello to further himself and makes shows of his allegiance only for his own gain In following him I follow but myself (line 57).
Iago explains to Roderigo that he has no respect for Othello beyond what he has to show to further his own revenge I follow him to serve my turn upon him (line 41).
Iagos self-conscious faulsness is highly theatrical; he plays a two-faced villain and is also the driving force behind the plot.
We learn that Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him win over Desdemona, but he has just learned that she has married Othello a general whom Iago serves as an ensign.
The relationship between Roderigo and Iago is somewhat close; but even though Iago tells Roderigo the truth about his character.
It is ironic that Roderigo does not suspect him of double crossing or manipulation even tough he knows Iagos true self.
Iagos language is also revealing of his dark character, he uses the clich I will wear my heart upon my sleeve (line 63) to convey how his heart is false, and his shows of emotions are also falsified, he turns it into something more dark when he adds the image of birds tearing at the heart for daws to peck at he posses some sinister qualities that makes up his core. The key to Iagos character is in (line 64) I am not what I am meaning that he is false.
We see racial issues and themes when Roderigo refers to Othello as the thick lips (line 65), the singling out of one prominent characteristic that highlights Othellos foreignness and black heritage, displays a racial distrust of Othello based on color.
Desdemona is Brabontios daughter; he knows nothing of the marriage along with many others. Iago advises Roderigo to call upon her father, rouse him with screams that his daughter is gone.
The two men came to the street outside the house of Desdemonas father Brabontio they cry out Signior Brabontio youve been robbed by thieves
Brabontio at first doesnt believe what he hears since he told Roderigo to stay away from his daughter before, and thinks Roderigo is merely schemely once again in order to see Desdemona.
Iago speaks in inflammatory terms telling the senator that his daughter and Othello are having sex by saying your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs, Iago speaks in riddles, uses a lot of sexual imagery and also animal imagery.
Brabontio begins to take what he hears seriously and decides to go in search of his daughter.
Iago seems to be giving people what he wants them to know so that he can control them (e.g. Roderigo, Iago is only interested in him for his money. And Brabontio, Iago is only interested in him in order to get revenge on Othello.
Iagos language is duplicitous he says one thing and means another.
Brabontio realizes that Roderigo was telling the truth and decides to go after her, as Iago leaves to go to Othello, Brabontio comes out of his house along with him men and they followed Roderigo to Othello.
Iago is the type of character known in Shakespeares time as a Machiavel- a villain who adhering all too literally to the teachings of the political philosopher Machiavelli, lets nothing stand in his way on his quest for power. He is also reminiscent of the stock character of Vice from medieval morality plays, who also announces to the audience his diabolical schemes.
Pronounced (Mark-eo-velli)
Already have an account? Log In Now
5609