Othello Acts I-III

Throughout Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago changes the way he speaks. He switches between prose and iambic pentameter. This switching of voices shows his two-faced nature. When speaking in prose, Iago is enacting his scheme to somehow sow the destruction of Othello. He tells his plan with many lies and changes so that the character undoubtedly accepts his advice. When speaking in iambic pentameter, except for his soliloquies, Iago is speaking as the noble, loyal, and honest character that he is made out to be. No one suspects him of sowing the seeds of Othello's destruction. Rather, Othello and the other characters turn to Iago for advice to prevent Othello's and their destruction. During Iago's soliloquies, he explains his plans: "Cassio's a proper man. . . . After some time, to abuse Othello's ear/ That he is too familiar with his wife." (I.iii.372-377). Iago plans to conjure a false affair and use it to take Othello's position. It will be through his two-faced nature that he plans to accomplish this feat.