Act 1 scene 1 Flashcards
“That never set a squadron in the field, nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster – unless the bookish theoric.” - Iago
Iago resents Cassio’s lack of military experience.
Cassio is a student, having learnt everything he knows about battle from books, rather than a practitioner of battle.
Cassio is presented as intellectual.
Cassio knows as much about the army as an unmarried woman – derogatory and misogynistic.
Iago thinks he’s superior to others – this is established early on and reinforced as the play progresses.
“I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at. I am not what I am.” - Iago
Daws are blackbirds – symbolism of death.
Suggests that Iago is the “bringer” of death.
Throughout the play Iago makes many contradicting statements about himself – reflects his ever-changing identity.
Suggests that Iago thinks that being two faced and narcissistic is a good thing.
Iago appears to be a warm, calm and loyal character, but there is a sting of irony to all of this, it’s all a façade – he changes his character to suit a situation.
Biblical imagery.
God says, “I am what I am”.
Shakespeare could be suggesting that if Iago is saying the opposite to God, then that makes him linked to the devil.
Irony – Iago is referred to as “honest Iago.”
“Look to your house, your daughter and your bags.”
Objectifies women.
Desdemona is placed in a list alongside objects.
This suggests that they think she can be easily replaced.
Repetition of “your” implies Desdemona, the house and the bags all belong to Brabantio.
This suggests that Desdemona is not seen as someone with the freedom to make their own decisions and not be controlled by a man.
“My daughter is not for thee.” - Brabantio
Brabantio has full command over Desdemona’s choice of marriage.
Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is intended to be seen as unnatural by the audience.
“But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, evades them with a bombast circumstance.” - Iago
Plosive sounds emphasise Iago’s resentment and bitterness towards Othello.
Suggests that Othello does what he thinks is best without thinking – something we see later in the play.
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” - Iago
Suggests that Iago thinks this is all a game.
Iago understands the advantage that false friendship gives him – everyone believes he is loyal and a devoted friend.
This allows him to strategically take control.
Links to theme of appearance VS reality.
“In following him I follow but myself; heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, but seeming so for my peculiar end.” - Iago
It’s learnt here that Iago can’t be trusted – he’s manipulative and a liar.
Foreshadows the later relationship between Iago and Othello – Iago will “follow” Othello, both physically and metaphorically, before turning against him for his own self-interest.
Iago isn’t following Othello out of “love” or “duty” but because he feels he can exploit his master.
Biblical imagery.
Shows that Iago doesn’t fear moral consequences.
“What a fortune does the thick-lips owe.” - Roderigo
Roderigo introduces the racist attitudes that appear frequently throughout the play.
Othello is reduced to a physical attribute.
Hypersexual nature – associated with thick-lips.
“An old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” - Iago
Animalistic imagery.
Shakespeare often includes animalistic imagery in Iago’s dialogue.
Iago demeans a relationship by characterising Othello and Desdemona as animals.
“You’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.” - Iago
Metaphor.
Animal imagery – dehumanising.
“Your” – possessive.
“What tell’st thou me of robbing? This is Venice. My house is not a grange.” - Brabantio
Suggests that Venice is a place of order and reason.
He believes he is secure within the civilized society of Venice, not on its dangerous outskirts.
