"Honest Iago"

Othello
William Shakespeare

"We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly followed," (I.i.43-44.).

At the opening of the play, the audience is presented with an Iago within whom the audience can detect an obvious grudge toward Othello. Referring to the man only by "the Moor," Iago strips him of his intrinsic human dignity (I.i.57). However, Iago is never forward or blunt about his exact feelings toward his Captain. He acknowledges his duty to serve under the man even though he feels slighted because he did not receive the promotion. Yet, this underlying tone given throughout Iago's conversation with Roderigo foreshadows a confrontation between the Ensign and his Captain or a crestfallen outcome for one or the other.

This opening information seems conflicting as the story progresses; Iago is constantly referred to as an honest and respectable man. However, the audience knows more about the character of Iago than the rest of the characters involved in the action know. This dramatic irony allows for an even deeper look into the manipulative character of Iago. We are able to ascertain that the man can use words to his advantage in order to advance himself and his priorities in life. As the plot continues, the audience can expect to see more of this character develop as the action develops as well.