Well. I just saw for myself how hard it is to read Shakespeare. Again. Anyway after a few rereadings and careful studying of the notes, I have found my first modern day application of Othello. Frankly, it is a message that I completely agree with.
Why, there’s no remedy. 'Tis the curse of service.
Preferment goes by letter and affection,
And not by old gradation, where each second
Stood heir to th' first
Here is my translation of this amazing quote from Iago
Well there is no cure. It is the downside of being in service.
Promotions and preferences are based on friendships,
Not by seniority where the direct heir
is guaranteed a position.
What Iago is trying to say, is that your promotions are based on whether or not your superior likes you or not. Not based on how long you have been working.
I came to this conclusion by learning a little bit about Iago. He was denied a promotion, and instead it was given to someone who had not been working as long as he had. Iago claims to understand war well and knows he could do well as a higher rank. He says that Cassio has no experience and only has theoretical tactics learned from books and studying.
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