Perhaps one of the most notable quotes to do with this
important theme in this great tragedy is Iago's confession of how and why he chooses to
follow "the Moor" Othello, whilst loathing him at the same time in Act I scene 1. Note
the way that reference is explicitly made to the two contrasting states of appearance
and reality:
Were I the Moor I would not be
Iago.
In following him I follow but myself;
Heaven is my judge, not
I for love and duty,
But seeming so for my peculiar end.
For when my
outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my
heart
In compliment extern, ’tis not long after
But I will wear my
heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.
(I.i.57–65)
Note the way in
which Iago confesses his plan of attack to Roderigo. His "loyalty" to his master does
not emerge from any sense of goodness or "duty," but is based on Iago's belief that he
is able to trick and manipulate Othello so that he can gain revenge. Those who are in
reality what they appear to be are foolish, because to do this makes you incredibly
vulnerable, and leaves your heart exposed, "For daws to peck at." His final mysterious
comment, "I am not what I am," could summarise the character of Iago, who seems to be
engaged in a constant game of deception, both to others who he apparently takes into his
confidence, such as Roderigo, but also the audience themselves, as we struggle to work
out who the "real" Iago really is. Appearance and reality are thus shown to be in
conflict through this early speech of Iago.
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