Iago's use of prose is more persuasive towards Cassio and makes Iago seem more comfortable and close to Cassio. Cassio tends to speak in verse because he is a noble man, however then converges to prose when talking to Iago as though Iago changes his parts of Cassio's personality to become more colloquial with him and pulled down to Iago's level. Iago is, in a way, in control of the way Cassio speaks as Cassio is easily persuaded and wants to get along with everyone due to his nature.
What language does Cassio use when speaking about Desdemona? How does it compare to the language Iago uses to sexualise her? Why do you think Iago is speaking about Desdemona in this way to Cassio? (lines 15-25) AO2 LF
Cassio speaks kindly of Desdemona and uses language with a lexical field of beauty and purity when talking about her 'most fresh and delicate creature' (L19) as though she is similar to a Goddess. Compared to Iago's descriptive sexualised language 'full of game' (L18) implying that she is sexually active; Cassio seems to value Desdemona as a person more than Iago who mostly see's her as a sexual object. Iago speaks of Desdemona in this way to plant a lustful seed for Cassio so that Cassio will desire her more and feel more jealous of Othello.
How does Iago persuade Cassio to drink? Use your close reading skills to analyse the language he uses. AO2 LFS
Originally, Cassio warns Iago that he is a lightweight 'poor and unhappy brains for drinking' (L30) but Iago tells him to celebrate with the declarative sentence ''Tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it' (L37) and tells him to drink 'but one cup' (L32) as though one cup of alcohol will have little effect on Cassio thus persuading him to get drunk. Cassio agrees 'I'll do't; but it dislikes me' (L40) however knows that it's not the best idea and is actually against his original plan and is now deceiving Othello all thanks to Iago.
Why does Iago try to subvert the social order and bring others down to his level, rather than try to climb the ladder and raise himself up? Consider ideas about social order at the time AO3, context.
Iago brings people down to his level to belittle their reputation. Reputation is a big deal in the army, even more so in the 1600s. If Iago were to climb the rankings, it is less stress on manipulation of others and more on himself to gain a better reputation. Cassio is concerned about his rankings 'O, I have lost my reputation!' because of the consequences that will follow after Othello strips him of his position.With the reputation of those higher than him coming to his level, Iago then has more of a chance to become Othello's lieutenant because he is effectively next in line.
Othello says “My blood begins my safer guides to rule/And passion, having my best judgements collied/Assays to lead the way.” (lines 201-203) What does this quotation reveal about the effects of Iago’s knavery in this scene?
Othello admits that he is more of the irrational type (Porey's racial stereotype) as he is lead more by emotions 'passion' which reveals his weak point; what could be argued to be his tragic flaw. This quotation reveals that Iago's plan will most likely work out due to Othello being strongly led by his emotions. This, tied in with Iago's untrustworthy nature, hints that Othello will have his downfall provoked by Iago taking advantage of Othello's irrational trait.
Why is this scene important in relation to the play as a whole?
Consider:
How Iago is presented
What happens in the scene
What this scene indicates about key characters
This scene is important to the play because it is where the place of tragedy really begins. The celebration is the first big event to happen since arriving to Cyprus and brings in Othello's involvement in Iago's plan. Iago is presented as malicious to the audience, especially because he has ruined Cassio's reputation and also managed to create a temporary feud between Roderigo and Cassio 'Dost thou prate, rogue?' (L139). The audience is aware that all of the issues raised are caused by Iago, however the audience are also aware that Iago manages to shift the blame from himself and is able to get away with the other characters not knowing he is behind all of the disputes. As well as the audience getting a stronger awareness of Iago's character, the audience are also made aware that Cassio cannot handle his alcohol, Othello is more led by emotions and Roderigo wants to win over Desdemona which sets a strong basis for the play to build and more mischief for Iago to perpetuate.
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