Othello
Iago is introduced in the first scene of the play, setting its tone and offering foreshadowing of the impending tragedies about to befall Othello. His opening statements to Roderigo garner some initial sympathy among audience members or readers. Iago is irate because Othello chose Michael Cassio, "a Florentine," to be the head lieutenant. According to Iago, Cassio is "mere prattle without practice," a man completely undeserving of the political post or having a "fair wife," (I, i,26; 21). Iago claims he should have been next in line for the position: he is experienced in the military and with Othello's own campaigns. Iago was right there with Othello in Rhodes and Cyprus, he states. Yet "preferment goes by letter and affection," and not to who is more experienced, deserving, or suitable (I, i,36). Iago lost the popularity contest; he is aware of this fact and now the audience is too. To top it all off, Iago was in love with Desdemona, who is now married to the Moor. The bitterness with which Iago speaks in the first scene rapidly erodes the audience's faith in him. By the end of the first scene of the play, it becomes apparent that Iago intends to channel his anger into deeds of death and destruction. No matter how many hardships Iago has suffered, or claims to have suffered, his actions are utterly immoral and baseless.
One of the first signs that Iago is unjustified in pursuing his vengeful campaign is the way he demonstrates false love for Desdemona. True love...
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