When Iago says “I am not what I am,” he means that he is not truly and in essence what he merely pretends to be. He pretends to be a servant of Othello, but he is really a servant of himself. He is a hypocrite, a liar, a deceiver; he is not the loyal lieutenant and good friend that he pretends to be..
People also ask, what does Iago symbolize?
Iago is one of Shakespeare's most sinister villains, often considered such because of the unique trust that Othello places in him, which he betrays while maintaining his reputation for honesty and dedication. Shakespeare contrasts Iago with Othello's nobility and integrity.
what are Iago's last words? Iago's Final Words. After being asked by Othello why he has done what he has done, Iago says, “Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. / From this time forth I never will speak word” (V. ii.
Additionally, what does Iago mean when he says in following him I follow but myself?
"In following him, I follow but myself. Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end." Lago. Meaning: If he shows what he thinks he might as well wear his heart on his sleeve so that the birds can peck at it. He is not who he appears to be. Significance: Appearances can be deceiving.
What does Iago say about himself?
As Iago heads for the door, he talks to himself (though loud enough for Othello to hear), telling himself that he's a fool to be so honest, because his honesty has only brought him trouble.
Related Question Answers
What is the irony in Othello?
Dramatic Irony in Othello Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more about what is happening in the story than the characters. A main example of dramatic irony from Othello is the plot to destroy Othello's life. The only character who knows about this is Iago.Did Othello slept with Emilia?
At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets / He has done my office” (I. iii. 369–370).What is Iago in English?
Santiago, (also San Iago, San Tiago, Santyago, Sant-Yago, San Thiago) is a Spanish name that derives from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'akov) via "Sant Iago", "Sant Yago", "Santo Iago", or "Santo Yago", first used to denote Saint James the Great, the brother of John the Apostle.How is Iago jealous?
Iago becomes jealous to Cassio and plans to destroy the relation between Othello and Cassio in any way it is pos- sible. He uses Roderigo, a rejected suitor to Desdemona and Emilia, the innocent wife of Iago in his evil plot.What does the handkerchief represent?
Since the handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona received from Othello, she keeps it about her constantly as a symbol of Othello's love. Iago manipulates the handkerchief so that Othello comes to see it as a symbol of Desdemona herself—her faith and chastity.What race is Othello?
The character's origin is traced to the tale "Un Capitano Moro" in Gli Hecatommithi by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio. There, he is simply referred to as the Moor. Othello is a brave and competent soldier of advanced years and Moorish background in the service of the Venetian Republic.Where is Cassio from?
Cassio is a young and inexperienced soldier, whose high position is much resented by Iago. Truly devoted to Othello, Cassio is extremely ashamed after being implicated in a drunken brawl on Cyprus and losing his place as lieutenant.What does Othello mean?
Definition of Othello. : a Moor in the military service of Venice, husband of Desdemona, and protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello.Why does Iago say he hates Othello?
1) Why does Iago hate Othello? The main reason Iago gives for plotting to destroy Othello is a suspicion that Othello may have had an affair with Emilia.What does poison his delight mean?
Poison his delight. (1.1. 68) Meaning: Iago tells Roderigo to ruin Othello's marital bliss. Connotations: Iago is evil; he will transform something that is good to something.Were I the Moor I would not be Iago meaning?
Quote 1. Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In this early speech, Iago explains his tactics to Roderigo. He follows Othello not out of “love” or “duty,” but because he feels he can exploit and dupe his master, thereby revenging himself upon the man he suspects of having slept with his wife.How is Othello presented?
Othello is presented in Act One by both himself and by others to be compliant with non-Caucasian stereotypes, such as his martial qualities, but at times, he clearly inverts ideas of “the Moor”, for example through the way in which he is at home in the political, cosmopolitan and sophisticated environment of Venice.How does Iago treat Emilia?
Throughout the play, Iago uses Emilia's close friendship with Desdemona to gain access to her and, in particular, asks her to steal Desdemona's handkerchief, which he subsequently drops in Cassio's house and later uses this as evidence to convince Othello that Cassio has been with Desdemona.Why does Cassio trust Iago?
Cassio's innocence and trust that other people will see his virtue makes him a parallel character to Desdemona. However, unlike Desdemona, Cassio evolves as a character. By the end of the play, he has realized that Iago is responsible for Desdemona's death, and he helps Othello understand Iago's treachery.Who is Brabantio in Othello?
Brabantio (sometimes called Brabanzio) is a character in William Shakespeare's Othello (c. 1601–1604). He is a Venetian senator and the father of Desdemona. He has entertained Othello in his home countless times before the play opens, thus giving Othello and Desdemona opportunity to fall in love. 
