When you start reading the first act of Othello, the picture that Iago and Roderigo paint is not necessarily the picture you imagination builds up after you continue. The act opens with the pair arguing. Iago believes that the Moor is pompous and conceited, and this is visible after only a short period of time. Othello is being described by others before the audience sees him speak for himself. As we listen to him, the reader also starts to believe that when we finally get to meet this Othello character, he will be all of what Iago says, if not more. But as we read on and come to where Roderigo tries to awaken Brabantio, Iago uses fowl, racist and ageist language against the Moor and the reader may suspect that Iago has issues with Othello and that it may only be one side of the story were being told. The imagery used paints a vivid picture in your mind. .
"Even now, now, very now, and old black ram.
is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! ".
From Iago's point of view (which is all we have at this moment in time) were not sure about how Othello will present himself when he finally makes an appearance. We know that he is black while the rest around him are white. When Rodreigo tells Brabantio of his daughter's (Desdemona's) marriage to the Moor, we again aren't sure how he will react or what he thinks of Othello. .
" Is there not charms.
By which the property of youth and maidhood.
May be abused ".
This is the first hint that Brabantio thinks Othello may have used spells or witchcraft as a way of getting Desdemona to fall in love with him. Brabantio's assumption that she must have been drugged to fall in love with Othello stems not only from his racial bigotry, but also from his belief that his daughter is "tender, fair and happy". Finally, in scene two we hear from Othello. He seems well spoken and even kind just in the first words.
