Othello Act 1 Scene 1

Othello Act 1 Scene 1

1. Iago: "One Michael Cassio, a Florentine,/ A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife,/ That never set a squadron in the field,/ Nor the devision of a battle knows"

   • In the opening scene, Iago reveals to Roderigo and the audience that he is jealous of Cassio receiving promotion to lieutenant.
   • This is presented as a motivating factor in Iago's desire to destroy both Cassio and Othello. He tells us that Cassio is an accountant who, when compared with Iago, lacks credibility on the battlefield. Calling him inexperienced and a foreigner demonstrates Iago's outrage and jealousy.

2. Iago: "I am not what I am"

   • As Roderigo and Iago are discussing Cassio's appointment as Othello's lieutenant, Iago confesses that he intends to only appear loyal to these men when in reality he will be scheming behind their backs.
   • The contradiction in this statement clearly establishes Iago's duplicity very early on in the drama: his appearance throughout the play is, in reality, very different from his true beliefs and motives. This statement also establishes his demonic nature as his outward appearance is merely in place to conceal his true self.