Cassio

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Cassio is selected over Iago to be Othello's lieutenant. However, he loses credibility after getting involved in a drunken fight during Othello's wedding festivities. Cassio survives an assassination attempt by Roderigo, injuring his assailant, and is later appointed deputy governor of Cyprus following Othello's recall to Venice.

Iago describes Cassio as "a great arithmetician" (I.i.19) who "never set a squadron in the field" (I.i.22). Cassio's knowledge of battle comes solely from books, contrasting with Iago's extensive combat experience. Cassio is apparently a handsome man, attracting attention from the ladies. However, he has his flaws. When Iago tries to persuade him to drink in celebration of the Turks' defeat and Othello's marriage, Cassio admits, "I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking" (II.iii.30-31). This makes Cassio the ideal target for Iago's schemes. His attractiveness fuels Othello's suspicions, and his poor tolerance for alcohol becomes another tool for Iago to manipulate both Cassio and Othello.

Cassio embodies the class privilege that Iago envies and resents. It irritates Iago that Cassio seems to believe in his social superiority. While drinking together, Cassio tells Iago, "the lieutenant is to be sav'd before the ancient" (II.iii.105-106). Cassio might be referring to a standard for maintaining military order, but it implies his superiority based solely on his rank. When Othello publicly disgraces Cassio by reprimanding him and stripping him of his rank for neglecting his duties and fighting with Montano, Cassio is most distressed by the loss of his reputation. Desperate to restore his status, he falls into Iago's trap, who advises him to seek Desdemona's help in appealing to Othello. Through Iago's perspective, which is the audience's primary lens for understanding Cassio, Cassio appears to be all reputation and title with no real substance. Iago calls him "One Michael Cassio, a Florentine" (I.i.20), while a gentleman in Cyprus refers to him as "A Veronesa; Michael Cassio" (II.i.26). This suggests that Cassio's identity is tied solely to his titles. Nevertheless, he ultimately ends up commanding the Venetian troops in Cyprus.

Expert Q&A

What actions did Iago take to make Cassio lose his job in Othello?

Iago orchestrates Cassio's downfall by exploiting his low alcohol tolerance. In Act 2, Scene 3, he gets Cassio drunk, leading to a public altercation with Montano. Iago then incites chaos by having Roderigo shout "Mutiny!" When Othello arrives, he is outraged at Cassio's behavior during a crisis and dismisses him from his position. This event sets the stage for Iago to manipulate Othello's jealousy regarding Cassio and Desdemona.

What does the confrontation between Bianca and Cassio reveal about Cassio's character?

The confrontation between Bianca and Cassio reveals Cassio's insincere and chauvinistic nature. While Bianca loves Cassio, he uses and despises her, treating her with contempt. Cassio's behavior exposes him as manipulative, selfish, and sadistic, damaging his reputation and losing the audience's sympathy. His interactions with Bianca highlight his womanizing tendencies, making him susceptible to Iago's manipulation and underscoring his untrustworthiness, especially concerning Desdemona.

Who is Cassio in Act 2, and how does Iago use his situation against Othello?

In Act 2, Cassio is Othello's trusted lieutenant, though Iago views him as inexperienced and naive. Iago exploits Cassio's courteous nature and trust with Desdemona to undermine him. He manipulates Cassio into drinking excessively, leading to a brawl that results in Cassio's demotion. This tarnishes Cassio's reputation, setting the stage for Iago to further deceive Othello by suggesting an affair between Cassio and Desdemona.

What key information should a diary entry for Cassio include at the end of Othello's Act 2, Scene 3?

Be sure to include the following: 1. Cassio's reputation as "the golden boy" who was chosen as Othello's lieutenant over Iago. 2. The fact that Cassio was drunk on duty and injured Montano or Roderigo, who may have died from his injuries. 3. That he is alone on an island, away from home, during wartime, suffering from a disease (alcoholism), and only has the evil Iago for guidance. 4. The deception of Desdemona and her role in supporting his bid for reinstatement with Othello by calling him "the sweet soldier."

In Act 3 of Othello, why does Cassio bring musicians and what is Othello's response?

Cassio brings musicians in Act 3 to play outside Othello's residence, hoping to lift Othello's mood and regain his favor. This scene often provides comic relief through the Clown, who makes a joke about a "wind instrument." Othello, however, never hears the musicians because the Clown intervenes and sends them away. This moment serves to momentarily ease the dramatic tension for the audience.

In Othello, why is Cassio considered a more tragic hero than Othello?

Cassio is not considered a more tragic hero than Othello because he does not fully embody the traits of a tragic hero. While he is of noble birth and faces misfortune when falsely accused of an affair, Cassio lacks the elements of hamartia, anagnorisis, and catharsis. Othello, despite not being of noble birth, becomes noble through his leadership, is undone by his insecurities, and experiences tragic self-awareness and loss, aligning with the traditional tragic hero archetype.

Where does Cassio in Shakespeare's Othello show he struggles with alcohol?

Cassio's struggle with alcohol in Shakespeare's Othello is evident in Act 2, Scene 3, where he admits to Iago that he has "very poor and unhappy brains for drinking." This scene highlights Cassio's inability to handle alcohol and foreshadows the manipulation by Iago that leads to Cassio's downfall. His struggle illustrates the play's theme of reason versus passion and parallels Othello's later irrational actions influenced by Iago's deceit.

Character traits and portrayal of Cassio in Othello

Cassio in Othello is portrayed as honorable, loyal, and courteous. He is Othello's trustworthy lieutenant, known for his good looks and charm. Despite his virtues, Cassio has a weakness for alcohol, which Iago exploits to discredit him. His genuine remorse and respectful nature contrast sharply with Iago's deceitfulness, highlighting Cassio's integrity and the tragic consequences of manipulation.

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