Thou hast stolen both mine office and my name; the one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame

Thou hast stolen both mine office and my name; the one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame

In the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, the character Iago speaks these words in Act 1, Scene 1. Iago is expressing his resentment towards Othello, the Moorish general of the Venetian army, who has promoted Cassio to the position of lieutenant instead of him. Iago feels that he has been wronged by Othello, as he believes he is more deserving of the promotion due to his loyalty and experience in battle.

The line "Thou hast stolen both mine office and my name; the one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame" reflects Iago's feelings of betrayal and jealousy towards Othello. He feels that Othello has not only taken away his chance at a higher rank in the army but has also tarnished his reputation by overlooking him for the promotion. Iago believes that his name has been sullied by Othello's actions, as he is now seen as a lesser man in the eyes of others.

Iago's resentment towards Othello fuels his desire for revenge, leading him to manipulate and deceive those around him in order to bring about Othello's downfall. He uses his cunning and deceitful nature to turn Othello against his wife, Desdemona, and his loyal lieutenant, Cassio, ultimately leading to a tragic chain of events that culminate in the deaths of several characters.

The line also highlights the theme of jealousy and ambition in the play. Iago's envy of Cassio's promotion and his desire for power and recognition drive him to commit heinous acts in order to achieve his goals. His obsession with revenge consumes him, leading to his own downfall in the end.

Overall, the line "Thou hast stolen both mine office and my name; the one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame" encapsulates the complex emotions and motivations of Iago in "Othello", showcasing Shakespeare's ability to delve into the depths of human nature and the destructive power of jealousy and ambition.