Othello

What kind of person does Iago reveal himself to be? What is his view of life? How do you think this can help us for what may happen later?

Othello Act 1 scene 1

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In Act I, Scene I, Iago seems to do a great deal of character analysis and exposition for the audience. "These fellows" that flatter for their own purposes "have some soul," Iago says (I.i.54). Contrary to his underhanded self-flattery, Iago seems to have no soul; he never repents, never lets up with his schemes, and never seems to tire of the damage he causes. His statement, "In following [Othello] I follow but myself" emphasizes that he is acting completely out of his own self-interest (I.i.58). Iago will thus hide his motivations and convey only falsehood. If he were to "wear [his] heart upon [his] sleeve", he would be torn apart (I.i.64). Honesty would destroy him. Even when he is at his most honest, he misrepresents just how evil he truly is.

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Othello