Othello

Act 1 scene 1

Table of Contents

1. That thou, Iago, who hast my purse as if the strings were thine
2. I follow him to serve my turn upon him
3. I am not what I am
4. An old black ram is tupping your white ewe

That thou, Iago, who hast my purse as if the strings were thine

[This is the answer to the question.]

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I follow him to serve my turn upon him

Iago is more concerned about his place, believing himself to be a master, though he serves Othello and the state.  He calls those who serve others honestly knaves.   He puts himself in the situation of those who just pretend to serve but think first and most of themselves.  When Iago uses the word "soul" in "these fellows have some soul," he really means they are selfish, at least have their self-interest first.

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I am not what I am

This doesn't make sense, unless we interpret it to mean "I am not what I seem to be" or my appearance is not my reality.  Iago also may mean, I pretend to be what I am not.  After all, everyone always refers to Iago as "honest Iago."  

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An old black ram is tupping your white ewe

[This is the answer to the question.]

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