“Mere prattle without practice”
Is Iago’s very coarse description of Cassio, the man who took the job he felt he deserved. The audience at this point are well informed of just how experienced Iago is on the battlefield and just how he could do the job much better than Cassio. The audience would see that Iago is an experienced ensign, could understand and most likely relate to his nastiness towards Cassio. Iago gives the idea he has been hard done by and rightfully it can be agreed he has, he informs us of the fact that it is not what you know, it is who you know. Bringing in mention of the Lieutenant also referred to as the Moor, he gives no facts that he is no fan of his Lieutenant but puts the audience in the position and says
“Now sir, be just yourself
Whether I an any just term am affined
To love the Moor.”
This creates a very intriguing character but also creates the introducing conflict in the play, through Iago discussing this issue with Roderigo; the audience is also informed of the situation and can create their judgements. Roderigo gives his opinion of just what he would do if he were in Iago’s position,
“I would not follow him then.”
But Iago undermines it in a way that suggests Roderigo would be happy with being second best,
“O, Sir, content you:”
Iago follows with his speech informing the audience that he shall carry on in service because it is his duty to appear a servant and to fulfil his duty, but also slips in hints that he will only serve Othello for his own ends.
“ And, throwing but shows of service on their lords,”
Until line 41, signs of conflict appear only from Iago, regarding his job; mentions of battle are also evident which could be reflected later on in the play. Iago’s description of himself through his use of intellectual language cleverly captivates his sense of brooding for conflict.
“Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so for my peculiar end:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart”…
This quote, gives religious reference and creates an unknown ending which will follow the instinctive act of Iago’s heart, keeps the audience truly captured in the play wanting to find out more and more if not about Iago’s character, but about Iago’s plans.
“But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at – I am not what I am.”
Giving the idea that he makes himself clearly open to hurt but this is not his real character nor is it his real intent, but places the great question of what is Iago?
It is clear from the opening of the play that Iago has a clear talent with language and he can make Roderigo hear just what he wants to hear, Roderigo himself is aware of this,
“That thou, Iago, who hast my purse
As if the strings were thine…”
Iago sets a great platform for following conflicts to arise and questions of his character to be answered. We as an audience now have many questions in our minds, which keep us captured to find the answers. Immediately we want the question answered of just what Iago and Roderigo are arguing about? Is the Moor an unfair person to work for? And what is the real Iago and what are his plans?