The Admirable Lieutenant in Othello

However strong Othello's and Desdemona's marriage seems, it begins to deteriorate as a result of Othello's self-pride. At first, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. Iago suggests to Othello that Desdemona slept with Cassio. Iago uses a handkerchief given by Othello to Desdemona that he got Emilia to get for him as his proof against

Iago' s jealousy rises mainly from a his boss, Othello, picking Cassio to be his right hand man. "One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, a fellow almost damn'd in a fair

Iago's interpretation of Cassio's exit, combined with Desdemona's vigorous support on Cassio's behalf, creates suspicion in Othello's mind even before Iago prompts him. Othello manifests his confusion

In other words, Cassio is a man who knows as much about war as an old woman does, unless it is what he has read in books. Therefore, Iago finds him hardly qualified for the job he has gained. Iago is also jealous toward Othello because it is rumored that he has slept with his wife Emilia. (Find Quote In Book) Iago now has a motive to make Othello think that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair to get revenge on Othello and achieve his goal. His hatred and jealously toward Othello and Cassio seem to turn Iago, himself into “the green-eyed monster” (III.iii.1203) that leads him down a path of destruction.

Cassio lost Othello's trust, and this actually made it possible for Iago to try to let it look like he and Desdemona are "making the beast with two backs". Cassio, -after following Iago's advice-, tries to get back his military title and Othello's trust through Desdemona, but this makes the situation even worse.

Cassio takes Iago’s advice of seeking Desdemona’s help to earn his job and trust with Othello, back. He too refers to Iago as “honest Iago,” (II.iii.355) Cassio places his trust with Iago, while Iago uses this to misrepresent Cassio and Desdemona’s interactions to Othello. Eventually, Othello gives Cassio’s lieutenant position to Iago, but Iago continues to cause more chaos. Hence, Iago was not really jealous of Cassio taking his lieutenant position,

To sneak his way closer to his lord’s position Iago acts sincere and helpful around Othello, and this helps him achieve Othello’s trust. This trust that Othello has in him is exhibited in many instances but most importantly after the brawl between Cassio and Montano. After Othello arrives at the scene he asks Iago to speak the truth who responds: “I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Michael Cassio”(2.3.235-40). After saying this he explains how Cassio started the fight with Montano however, even men sometimes forget to behave appropriately when angered in certain situations. In return Othello replies: “I know, Iago, thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, making it light to Cassio(2.3.260-65). From Othello’s reaction to the incident Iago has recognized the confidence and friendship that has grown between him and his general, and also how he can use this to alter Othello’s perspective on others in the future. Relative to this, Iago later uses the trust Othello has in him to manipulate his relationship and overall perspective of Cassio. Prior to doing so Cassio had been a friend of Othello’s as well as Desdemona, but ever since his brawl with Montano their relationship has waned. For instance while Iago and Othello are conversing about Cassio’s honesty

He references a handkerchief that is owned by Desdimona, given to her by Othello. Iago mentions that he “…did today/See Cassio wipe his beard with” (3.3. 129-130). Using this cherished symbol of love between Othello and Desdemona, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona’s love for him has passed to Cassio and that Desdemona is no longer faithful towards him. Iago creates an image of Cassio and himself sleeping together, and throughout the night Cassio had been talking in his sleep, saying “Sweet Desdemona,/ Let us be wary, let us hid our loves”,/ And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my/ hand;/ Cry, “O sweet creature!” then kiss me hard,/ As if he pluck’d up kisses by the roots/that grew upon my lips; then laid his leg/ Over my thigh, and sigh’d, and kiss’d, and then/ Cried, “Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor”” (3.3. 103-111). Creating this image of unchecked lust, Iago makes Othello confident in his suspicions about Cassio and

Cassio brings it upon himself to mention that Othello still had good in him when he says, “This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon/ For he was great of heart.” (V, ii, 422-423) Cassio was shocked when Othello killed himself with a weapon he had concealed, for a brave man would not take the coward’s way out of punishment which is suicide. After everything Othello put Cassio through, he still holds Othello in high regards and speaks highly of him towards others, which is being rational towards the man who stabbed him in the back.

At this point the staging would be of great importance, I would place Cassio and Desdemona on the far left, and as Othello and Iago enter on the far right, Cassio exiting promptly. This view of the scene would reinforce the idea that Cassio is up to no good by visiting Desdemona, and would then be backed up by Iago describing him as acting “guilty-like” on line 39.

When her husband and his apparently trustworthy friend Iago enter, Cassio exits. As the audience, we have to question Shakespeare’s intention for this stage direction. The audience will now have to evaluate whether Cassio’s exit was for the best.

Cassio's uncharacteristic aggression is what eventually removes his from position as lieutenant. "Sir, he's rash and very sudden in choler, and haply may strike at you. Provoke him that he may, for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio" (Shakespeare 261-264). This quote is when Iago explains Cassio to Othello among the numerous times that he does do so.

Othello still really cares for Cassio, but he knows that he can not give him his job back because Montano is a very popular figure. This makes it nearly impossible for Cassio to get his job back since he injured Montano.

When Othello first enters the room at the start of Act III Scene III, Cassio hurriedly leaves the room after speaking with Desdemona. Cassio does this completely innocently: he leaves because he doesn´t want to enhance Othello's rage any more than he has already. Iago succesfully twist this situation- ""That he would steal away so guilty like- seeing you coming.

Othello is one of the greatest plays due to its variety of character and themes. The immorality seen in Iago, the gullibility in Othello, and the desperation of Desdemona make the story. The theme of social status plays a huge role in the story. In addition, the theme of appearance versus reality also plays a huge role in how each tragedy happens. In the critical essay “Othello” it discusses the idea that the characters are cast as outsiders due to false interpretation of what is happening or what is being said. On the other hand, the piece “Othello Character Analysis” emphasizes how characterization reflects the greatness of the piece.