• What is reader’s immediate impression from Iago’s first speech?

In the first scene, Iago is explaining to Roderigo the reason why he hates Othello: the Moore hasn’t chosen him, but Cassio as his lieutenant, while Iago has been nominated just ancient. Iago doesn’t agree with the decision since he believes himself more skilled than Cassio from the military point of view. Iago’s arrogance is reflected by the statement «I know my price, I am worth no worse a place». In addition Iago wants to damage Cassio’s image by saying «Nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster». Iago is ironic about Cassio’s experience and about is military value.

What are the first information about Iago the reader gets? The reader understands that Iago is ‘his Moorship’s ancient’, but he would like to be his lieutenant. Iago proves to be an ambitious and self-confident man who is looking for acquire power. His ambition leads him to be jealous of Cassio, and of Othello too, because they occupy a higher position.

It goes without saying that Othello is also called the tragedy of jealousy, since it is one of the main theme of the play. Other minor themes belong to the emotional sphere, such as friendship, love and hate and many other shades. Shakespeare plays with characters’ feelings and relationships to create the storyline: in the same way Iago plays on people’s emotions in order to plot against Othello. In his first speech, Iago manages to manipulate Roderigo’s mind, diminishing Cassio’s value and exalting himself.

In his speech, Iago proves to be skilled in using language and he exploits the power of words. In other words, Iago is able in manipulate reality and people’s minds using language. Similarly, Shakespeare uses language and words to write the tragedy. Therefore, the reader might assert that Iago is the personification of the writer.

In conclusion, from Iago’s first speech, the reader can understand the main themes of the play: jealousy, of Iago towards Cassio’s and Othello’s power; and language, used cunningly by Iago.

The reader may suppose that the character, Othello’s antagonist, will play the most relevant role in the tragedy and will be the puppet masters of the story.