The opening scene of Shakespeare’s Othello plunges us immediately into a world of intrigue and deception, masterfully orchestrated by one of literature’s most notorious villains: Iago. From the outset, Iago’s manipulative nature is vividly displayed, particularly in his chilling declaration, “I Follow Him To Serve My Turn Upon Him.” This line, delivered in confidence to Roderigo, serves as a dark overture to the tragedy that unfolds, revealing Iago’s calculated treachery masked by outward loyalty. Scene 1, set in the shadowy streets of Venice, is crucial for understanding Iago’s motivations and the intricate web of deceit he begins to spin.
Iago and Roderigo conspiring in the streets of Venice, setting the stage for their manipulative schemes against Othello.
Unmasking Iago’s Motivation: “I Follow Him to Serve My Turn Upon Him”
Iago’s famous line, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” is the linchpin to understanding his character and the driving force behind the events of Othello. This statement is not a fleeting thought but a carefully considered articulation of his operational philosophy. He reveals to Roderigo that his service to Othello is a mere façade, a means to an end. Iago is enraged that Othello, the Moorish general, has promoted Cassio to lieutenant, a position Iago deeply coveted and believed he deserved due to his experience and perceived merit.
Iago elaborates on his professional slight, detailing how “Three great ones of the city” (Line 9) interceded on his behalf, yet Othello dismissed their appeals. Instead, Othello chose Michael Cassio, whom Iago derisively labels “a great arithmetician” (Line 20), implying Cassio’s lack of practical military experience. Iago, in contrast, emphasizes his own proven service “At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds” (Line 30), highlighting his battlefield credentials. This perceived injustice fuels Iago’s resentment and solidifies his resolve to use Othello for his own gain, to “serve my turn upon him.”
Manipulating Roderigo: A Puppet in Iago’s Game
Roderigo, a wealthy but foolish Venetian nobleman, is immediately ensnared in Iago’s manipulative web. Roderigo is introduced complaining to Iago about Desdemona’s elopement with Othello, lamenting Iago’s failure to inform him sooner despite Roderigo’s financial support (“who hast had my purse / As if the strings were thine,” Line 2-3). Iago, ever the opportunist, exploits Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona and his frustration.
Iago skillfully plays on Roderigo’s emotions, feigning shared animosity towards Othello. He convinces Roderigo that Desdemona’s marriage to Othello is unnatural and will be short-lived, suggesting that Roderigo still has a chance to win her over. Iago’s plan involves disrupting Othello’s newfound happiness and manipulating events to his advantage, all while using Roderigo as a pawn. Roderigo, blinded by his desire for Desdemona and easily swayed by Iago’s persuasive words, becomes a willing participant in Iago’s schemes, setting the stage for further conflict and tragedy.
Roderigo, incited by Iago, awakens Brabantio with news of Desdemona’s elopement, escalating the conflict in Venice.
Inciting Chaos: Awakening Brabantio and Public Discord
Following his declaration of self-serving allegiance – “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” – Iago immediately puts his plan into action. He and Roderigo proceed to Brabantio’s house, Desdemona’s father, to inform him of her secret marriage to Othello. Iago’s language is deliberately inflammatory, using crude and racist imagery to enrage Brabantio against Othello, whom he refers to as “an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe” (Line 97-98).
By using such shocking and disrespectful terms, Iago aims to provoke Brabantio’s deepest prejudices and paternal rage. He and Roderigo create a chaotic scene, shouting and yelling to awaken Brabantio and the neighborhood, further disrupting the peace of Venice. Iago’s intention is not merely to inform Brabantio but to incite public outrage and set Brabantio against Othello, thereby initiating the chain of events that will ultimately lead to Othello’s downfall and fulfill Iago’s vow to “serve my turn upon him.”
Seeds of Deception: Appearance vs. Reality
Scene 1 of Othello masterfully introduces the theme of appearance versus reality, a motif that permeates the entire play. Iago, in his soliloquy to Roderigo, explicitly states, “I am not what I am” (Line 71). This cryptic statement encapsulates Iago’s duplicitous nature; he presents himself as loyal and honest to Othello and others, while inwardly harboring malice and plotting revenge. His outward show of service is a mere “sign of love” (Line 173), a deceptive façade to mask his true intentions.
This scene establishes Iago as a master manipulator, capable of crafting appearances to conceal his inner villainy. His interactions with Roderigo and his calculated provocation of Brabantio exemplify his ability to manipulate others and create chaos while maintaining a semblance of control. The audience is immediately privy to Iago’s true nature, creating dramatic irony as we watch other characters fall victim to his carefully constructed deceptions. The line “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” is not just a personal declaration but a key to unlocking the play’s central conflict and the tragic consequences of Iago’s elaborate scheme.
Conclusion: The Ominous Beginning
Scene 1 of Othello serves as a powerful and ominous introduction to the play’s tragic trajectory. Iago’s opening dialogue, punctuated by his declaration “I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” immediately establishes him as the driving force of the impending tragedy. His resentment, his manipulative skills, and his commitment to self-serving ambition are all laid bare in this initial scene. As Iago and Roderigo disappear into the Venetian night, their actions have set in motion a series of events that promise to unravel lives and culminate in devastating consequences. This scene is not just an exposition; it is a masterclass in dramatic foreshadowing, alerting the audience to the dark machinations at play and the treacherous path ahead.
