Iago’s words are doubly ironic, in fact, since he espouses the truism not just to cover up his own treachery, but also to cause Othello to doubt Cassio’s honesty. The kind of duplicity Iago demonstrates here points to his deep-seated cynicism about the world.

For daws to peck at: I am not what I am." Iago - ACT 1 Scene 1- Iago's duplicity and manipulation. "These Moors are changeable in their wills". Act 1 Scene 3 Iago- observes Othello to gain information about his weakness, stereotypically racist.

Iago provides us with a glimpse into his own parasitic soul and duplicitous nature in this revealing speech to Roderigo. He admits to being the kind of servant who puts on a false show of loyalty and duty to his master, so that he can thrive on the coattails of Othello’s power, success and prestige.

Othello, Act 1, Scene 1. Iago confides to Roderigo how he hates Othello after three powerful men failed in their pleas to Othello to make Iago his lieutenant. Feeling wronged by a prideful Othello who promotes Cassio instead, Iago’s resentment and jealousy set the tone for the rest of the play.