Othello Act 1 Scene 1 EXPLAINED Flashcards
IAGO: “hast had my purse
As if the strings were thine, “
DECEPTION - Alludes to the fact that Iago has been taking money from Roderigo
IAGO: “A fellow almost damned in a fair wife”
This casual sexism helps to establish Iago’s misogyny, which he will use to infect Othello’s mind. The imagery also makes it clear that the male characters view women as their possessions.
IAGO: “His Moorship Ancient”
RACIAL PREJUDICE “ His worship,” is a term of respect, so Iago’s pun, “Moorship,” mocks both Othello’s race and his character.
IAGO: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.”
DECEPTION - Iago says this line to Roderigo at the start of the play as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. As a trusted confidante, he is able to sway Othello’s opinion and manipulate him much more effectively. The quote shows that from the moment the action begins, Iago is already looking for ways to bring about Othello’s downfall.
IAGO: “ I am not what I am.”
APPEARANCE VS REALITY: The phrase “I am not what I am” serves as a parodic allusion to a well-known biblical quote from Exodus 3:14, in which Moses asks God his name and God offers an enigmatic response: “I am that I am.” By transforming God’s words into a negative formulation, Iago indicates his identity as a diabolical figure.
RODERIGO: “Thick-lips”
RACIAL PREJUDICE When Roderigo calls Othello “the thick lips,” not only is he reducing him to a racialized physical attribute, but is also alluding to his hypersexual nature, as lips, especially big lips, are often a symbol of sexuality.
IAGO: “Poison his delight”
Poison Imagery
IAGO: “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”
RACIAL PREJUDICE - Iago demeans a passionate and loving relationship between two intelligent adults by characterizing Othello as a mindless rutting animal who has soiled the pure Desdemona with his lust.
IAGO: “you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.”
RACIAL PREJUDICE and ANIMAL IMAGERY
IAGO: “You’ll have your nephews neigh to you.”
IAGO: “your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.”
RACIAL PREJUDICE This Elizabethan street term is a euphemism for sexual intercourse.
BRABANTIO: “Thou art a villain!”
Drammatic Irony as Brabantio is unaware of the truth of his words to Iago.
