In act one of Othello, by William Shakespeare, the character Iago presents a soliloquy to the audience. Iago's soliloquy is reflective of the action set forth in act one. This is shown in three ways. Iago's use of Roderigo for his money, the revelation of Iago's true nature, and his jealousy towards Cassio's lieutenancy prove that the soliloquy directly effects act one. These three ideas are relevant to the action in act one.
             Roderigo allows himself to be taken advantage of by Iago. He is so infatuated with Desdemona that he can't see he is being used for his money. Roderigo believes that Iago can woo Desdemona for him by giving Iago his money to buy her fancy gifts. Roderigo is madly in love with Desdemona and talks of drowning himself because she is Othello's wife. Iago uses Roderigo for his money. He says, "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse."
             In the beginning of act one, Iago says to Roderigo, "I am not what I am." This line is foreshadowing to his soliloquy. Othello sees Iago as a trustworthy person. Othello has so much trust in him that he places his wife in the care of Iago when he is at war. Othello is constantly referring to him as "honest Iago." These words are of irony because in reality, Iago is playing Othello for a fool. When not in Othello's presence, Iago is quick to refer to him with racial slurs and demeaning terms. In his soliloquy he reveals that he plans to set up Cassio and Desdemona by making Othello believe that the two have slept with each other.
             Iago believes that Cassio is unworthy of his position of lieutenant. Iago says, "Forsooth, a great arithmetician... a Florentine." He believes that Cassio is incapable of being lieutenant because what he knows of being in the military was learned from books. He also believes that since Cassio is not Venetian he should not be a soldier. In his soliloquy, I
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