Appearance vs Reality Quotes

“I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (1.1)

Openly admits to being a self-serving deciever

“I am not what I am” (1.1)

Reverses the Biblical quote “I am what I am”, associating Iago with the devil

“She has deceived her father, and may thee” (1.3)

Plants the first seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, foreshadowing the events of the play. Iambic pentameter adds a rhythmic nature, giving a weighty tone and sense of foreboding.l

“With as little a web as this will I / ensnare as great a fly as Cassio” (2.1)

The sly and arrogant tone shows how he relishes in his deception, presenting Cassio as the prey and him as the spider.

“She did deceive her father, marrying you” (3.3)

Iago echoes Brabantio

“Work on / My medicine, work” (4.1)

Believes he is curing both society and Othello, sinister tone, as if he is enjoying it

“My wife! My wife! What wife? I have no wife.”

Tone goes from panic, to shock, to confusion, to realisation. Shows Othello losing touch with reality and the disintegration of his mind.