Othello Act I Questions 1 and 9

In William Shakespeare's Othello, Act I serves primarily as a primer for the play. It gives background information, and shows the conflicts that will come up. The main conflict is Iago's hatred for Othello. In front of his general he acts as if he is the most loyal soldier, but behind his back he is the most devious person one could imagine. Iago has actual complaints along with unproven suspicions that make him hate Othello. Iago was passed up for the promotion of lieutenant given instead to Casio. Iago hates this, and is enraged by Othello's actions. Also, Iago believes that Othello has been sleeping with his wife. Iago says that it is "Thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets he's [Othello] done my office." Iago uses veiled words in order to reveal to the audience his suspicions. Shakespeare often uses clever phrasing in order to show a serious subject in a less obtuse way.