I think Othello’s theme concentrates on revenge. The act starts with Iago’s dissent with Othello’s decision to make Cassio his lieutenant. Iago states “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” (Act 1, Line 12). Iago’s tone suggests his feeling of being undervalued by Othello. Iago believes he is worth the position of lieutenant but when he did not get the position, that’s start of the plot/revenge to create unrest in Othello’s life. Iago shows no loyalty to Othello, Iago states “In following him, I follow but myself”(1, 64). Iago only follows Othello for the job, and as the footnote states, his own self interests. He holds grudge against Othello when he did not get promoted.
Iago wants to cause trouble to Othello’s life starting from Brabantio. His intentions are clear when he states “Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight” (1, 75). Iago wants disruption in Brabantio’s night; he wakes Brabantio up in the middle of the night to tattle on Desdemona’s secret marriage to Othello. Iago’s repetition of “put money in thy purse” shows his process of persuasion, telling Brabantio to sell his assets in forms of liquidity, then use those money to pursue Desdemona (Folger 29). The purpose of repetition is to show Iago’s urge to make the unrest happen. In other words, saying multiple times will make someone more likely to put his words into action.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William, and Barbara A. Mowat. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. New York: Washington Square, 1993. 6-55. Print.
I thought it was interesting that even though I read the same lines and footnotes, I found that when Iago states “In following him, I follow but myself”, he said in a sarcastic tone. Iago is making it seem like he is part of Othello’s “team” but in reality, everything that he is about to do will ultimately only benefit him.
I thought the repetition was also about using some psychological tricks to get what he wants. Humans are susceptible to the recency effect so if Iago repeats it enough and it is one of the first things in Brabantio’s mind, he will remember more vividly and act on it.
I agree that the theme of Othello is revenge because throughout the whole first act, we can already see that Iago is finding ways to plot against Othello. Iago wakes Brabantio from his sleep to tell him, “…your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs” (Act I, Sc. 1, Line 129-131).
Without Iago, there wouldn’t be much of a plot to this play. I think Iago’s main purpose is to instigate the actions of the play. I don’t see how Iago is making it seem like he is siding with Othello. If anything, he is finding every possible reason to go against Othello because of the sole reason that Othello didn’t promote him as the lieutenant.
I agree that Iago is trying to get revenge on Othello for not choosing him as his lieutenant and all his actions show how much hatred he has towards him. How can a person hate another over a position?
I agree with you that the theme of revenge is prominent in this first Act. And this theme can be found in multiple Shakespeare writings, so it is no surprise. I found it interesting that Iago and Rodrigo don’t seem to have much in common outside of wanting revenge on Othello. However, this vengence brings them together and makes them friends.
I thought their relationship was more like an allegiance because in reality, Iago is really putting into motion a lot of events for his own benefit and merriment.
I don’t think that Iago is in real allegiance with anyone in the play. He believes that he is more intellectually superior than all others. He is like the puppetmaster extorting his friend for all that he has and fooling lovers to turn on each other.
It is true that repetition is often used to drill into someone’s head any and all ideas. In this play it proves to be quite successful.
Whereas I agree that the play’s theme is based on revenge, I would like to further advance that Iago fails to question whether or not he is to blame for not been picked. This is because of his pride that seem to cloud his judgement. He thinks very highly of himself as seen in his comments, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.”
The play in my view also brings to light the racism that existed in their time. Iago seems to be even more upset that a black fellow Othello is in charge of his destiny. He clearly points out his distaste of Othello’s race when he shouts: “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.”