Othello’s first act

The first act of Othello is made up by three scenes. Iago, Othello’s ancient and antagonist, is the central character of the first scene, while in the other ones he is not the focus of the attention. However he plays the most relevant and complex role in the tragedy since he is the author of the plot against Othello the Moore.

In the first scene, where Iago’s speeches are longer, he is talking to Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona. Iago is explaining to Roderigo the reason why he hates Othello: the Moore has chosen 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.

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 to reach his personal aim.

Iago explain explicitly his behavior by saying “I follow him to serve myself upon him” an also “Others there are who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, keep yet their hearts attending on themselves [...]do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul, and such a one I profess myself” and finally “I am not what I am”. Iago pretend to be someone different, hiding his true heart. After he has convinced Roderigo to alert Brabanzio, Desdemona’s father, Iago hides himself and goes away. Iago is starting to organize his revenge in a discursive way trying to instill an idea in all surrounding people’s minds.  

The reader finds him again at the start of the second scene, where he is talking to Othello, pretending to be an opposite person in respect to the one of the first scene. Iago pretends to be honest and loyal to the Moore and proves to be skilled in misleading. Finally in the third scene, Iago becomes again the character of the first scene, and instill in Roderigo’s mind the seed of revenge. He is starting to plot his revenge manipulating people around him.  

At the end of the first act there is a conclusive monologue of Iago, where he reveals his plan to damage both Cassio and Othello. The end of the first act discloses the tragedy that will submerge Othello and all surrounding people.  

In his speeches, Iago proves to be skilled in using language: he exploits the power of words. Iago is able in manipulating reality and people’s minds by a cunning use of language. Iago’s main instrument is language, indeed right from the first exchange he proves his eloquence. Othello’s antagonist will play the most relevant role in the tragedy and will be the puppet masters of the story.