Iago Quotes

• What does Iago mean when he says, "I am not what I am"?

  He hides his true self
• The Biblical allusion in Iago's statement, "I am not what I am," refers to the phrase "I am who I am" from Exodus
• Shakespeare uses Iago's inversion of the Biblical phrase to emphasize his devilish nature.
• What does the present tense in Iago's statement suggest about his nature?

  It is unchanging
• Arrange the structural elements of the opening of Act One Scene One in "Othello."

  1️⃣ Encounter with the tragic villain

  2️⃣ Dual nature revealed to the audience
• Iago's racist imagery includes the phrase, "an old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe."
• How does Iago use animal imagery to describe Othello?

  He presents him as debased
• Shakespeare introduces Othello on stage before Iago in Act One Scene One to contrast their natures.

  False
• What does Iago's use of animal imagery for both Othello and Desdemona reflect?

  His misogyny
• Iago's manipulation of Biblical imagery includes the phrase, "Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our souls are gardeners."
• Iago's interpretation of the Parable of the Sower emphasizes free will over divine control.
• What does Iago suspect is Othello's crime against him?

  Sexual betrayal
• The euphemism "leap'd into my seat" suggests Iago believes Othello has had an affair with Emilia.
• What does Iago intend to do with Desdemona's virtue?

  Turn it into pitch
• Shakespeare gives Iago more soliloquies than Othello, building audience complicity with the villain.
• What are Iago's final words in the play?

  "Never will speak word"
• Iago's survival at the end of the play symbolizes the enduring presence of evil.
• In "Othello," power lies with the character who controls the narrative through persuasive speech.