The opening scene of Shakespeare’s Othello plunges us immediately into a world of deceit and manipulation, setting the stage for the tragedy to unfold. Central to this initial act is the chilling declaration by Iago: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” This line, delivered in confidence to Roderigo, reveals the core of Iago’s character and foreshadows the destructive path he will carve through the lives of those around him, particularly his commander, Othello. Understanding the context and implications of this statement is crucial to grasping the play’s overarching themes of appearance versus reality and the corrosive nature of jealousy and ambition.
Iago, bitter and resentful, speaks to Roderigo, a wealthy but foolish Venetian nobleman, about his grievances against Othello. He details how he was passed over for promotion to lieutenant, a position given instead to Michael Cassio, whom Iago deems less experienced and qualified. Iago’s pride is deeply wounded, and he believes himself to be far more deserving of the rank. He expresses his disdain for Cassio, describing him as “a great arithmetician,” implying that Cassio is merely a bookish theorist with no practical military experience. In contrast, Iago boasts of his own proven service and worth, emphasizing his experience “at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds.”
This sense of being undervalued fuels Iago’s animosity towards Othello. He feels betrayed by a system that rewards favoritism (“Preferment goes by letter and affection”) rather than merit and long service (“old gradation”). It is in this context of simmering resentment that Iago utters the key phrase: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” This statement is a stark declaration of Iago’s manipulative intentions. He is not serving Othello out of loyalty or duty, but rather for his own “peculiar end.” He is using the guise of service as a mask to conceal his true purpose: to exploit and ultimately destroy Othello.
Iago elaborates on the nature of service, distinguishing between those who are genuinely devoted to their masters and those who merely feign obedience for personal gain. He scorns the “duteous and knee-crooking knave” who blindly serves, comparing him to a “master’s ass.” Instead, Iago identifies with those who “keep yet their hearts attending on themselves,” using outward shows of service to “thrive by them.” This cynical view of service reflects Iago’s own Machiavellian philosophy, where appearances are deliberately crafted to conceal true intentions, and morality is subservient to personal ambition.
The phrase “serve my turn upon him” is particularly potent because of its ambiguity. “Serve my turn” implies using Othello for personal advantage, but “upon him” carries a more sinister undertone, suggesting a desire to inflict harm or exact revenge directly on Othello. This foreshadows the tragic events to come, where Iago’s machinations will indeed “serve his turn” by leading to Othello’s downfall and the destruction of innocent lives.
Following this declaration of his manipulative intent, Iago immediately puts his plan into action. He skillfully exploits Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona, Othello’s new wife, to further his own scheme. Knowing Roderigo’s desire to win Desdemona, Iago manipulates him into disturbing Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, with the news of her secret marriage to Othello. Iago’s inflammatory language, referring to Othello as an “old black ram” and Desdemona as a “white ewe,” is designed to enrage Brabantio and incite social prejudice against Othello, who is a Moor in Venetian society.
By rousing Brabantio, Iago creates chaos and suspicion around Othello even before he appears on stage. This act of disruption is the first step in Iago’s campaign to undermine Othello’s position and happiness. Iago’s cynical manipulation of Roderigo and his calculated incitement of Brabantio demonstrate the ruthlessness and cunning that define his character. He is a master of deception, using language and calculated actions to manipulate those around him to serve his own vengeful purposes.
In conclusion, Iago’s statement, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” is a crucial key to understanding his character and the tragic trajectory of Othello. It reveals his manipulative nature, his resentment-fueled ambition, and his willingness to exploit and destroy others to achieve his aims. This opening scene masterfully sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy, introducing the audience to the dark heart of Iago and the web of deceit he is about to weave. The line serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of deception, themes that resonate throughout Shakespeare’s play and continue to hold relevance today.
