Iago was dominated by a selfish nature resulting from resentment. Othello's decision to make Iago his crony was a result of good feelings preceded by years of friendship and mutual trust. This would facilitate the expression of emotion between Othello and Iago and illustrate romantic thinking. Iago exemplifies the element of society that refutes these ideals by putting his bitterness over the promotion into the spotlight. A promotion represents the calculated part of society as it includes increased power and salary, the factors named essential in today's world. Iago makes a mockery out of Othello's decision, "Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me" (Othello, 2.1.336). He shows disdain towards romanticism by implying he should
