Iago goes out to use many manipulative angles when concentrating on Othello. The first of which, shows how observant and how well he knows Othello, achieving this by sneaking in after his report of the scene, ‘But men are men; the best sometimes forget,’ this is a little comment in effort to illustrate his concern for Cassio’s situation, hence mirroring his honesty to a man of superior rank. However he has no problem of this backfiring, and destroying his plan, as he is under no perception that Othello will show mercy on Cassio, and his position as lieutenant. This is also backed up in Othello’s opening judgment where he claims, ‘Though he had twinned with me, both at birth shall lose me.’ Which interestingly has a link in type of speech used, to that of the Duke’s stand of action, towards the man that took Brabanitio’s daughter, in Act 1 scene 3, ‘Wheo’er he be that in this foul proceeding hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself.....after your on sense, yea, though our proper son stood in action.’ So in brief terms he is saying that his son if involved in the act would be punished. This idea of sympathising with Cassio is also used by way of reserving his report to show honour, where he uses graphic imagery in saying, ‘I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than I should do offence to Michael Cassio.’
Another use of manipulation towards Iago’s train of thought is by backing up his comments, with those previously concerning Othello; carefully introduced, when he says, ‘The town might fall in fright,’ which is the exact point that is on Othello’s mind the most, ‘In a town of war, yet wild, the people’s hearts brim full of fear.’ This psychologically, immediately shows Othello, that Iago and he are on the same terms.
It is of course necessary for Iago to keep himself clean, and he tactfully does this by slipping in a comment to show he knew nothing of this conflict before it happened, saying, ‘which till to-night I ne’er might see before.’ However this is obviously untrue but Othello still accepts this.
The mood of the extract is indeed relevant, and it’s also worth noting how it changes, when Othello is talking to Iago. The initial mood is that of Othello being the judge, in an assertive manor, ‘Zounds if I stir or do but lift tis arm, the best of you shall sink in my rebuke.’ So it is easy to feel the power, disappointment and anger welling up inside Othello, however it just feels eased as he asks Iago the start of it, his way of speaking to this individual feels calmer. This clearly shows he holds trust in Iago and his report. In addition to this, Othello’s mood is entirely changed and in greater favour too for Iago, in his ending speech, toward him, ‘I know Iago thy honesty and love doth mince this matter.’
Finally, there is the suggestions of honesty, which is shown in the above quote, and how yet again Iago has achieved the title of ‘honest’ he so desires, this links in also to the original concept of the irony in the extract, and the plan which is found in Iago’s soliloquy, in act 2 scene 1, where he describes the success of his plan leading the moor to, ‘thank me, love me and reward me.’ Which he has no doubt achieved. Not to mention though the primary success of destroying the title, of lieutenant, for Michael Cassio, where Othello says ‘never more be officer of mine.’ This act in theory can also be found in Iago’s soliloquy, as his goal to, ‘Abuse him to the moor in rank and garb.’
