In Act 2 scene 3, Iago then plans to make Cassio drunk and quarrelsome. ‘If I can fasten but one cup upon him, with that he hath drunk tonight already, he’ll be as full of quarrel and offence as my young mistress’ dog.’ (Lines 40-44)
Iago then tells Roderigo to go after Cassio, knowing this will cause a fight. This riot will ruin Cassio’s prospects. Cassio gets into a fight with Roderigo as Iago expected. When Othello finds out about this fight he dismisses Cassio from office. Iago later on suggests that Cassio should approach Desdemona about his reinstatement. Her good nature and her influence over Othello will restore Cassio to office. Iago is manipulating Cassio without him knowing, it seems as though he is actually helping but Iago’s ‘help’ is working in his own favour.
The quotes ‘I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness’ (Iago line 297) and ‘Good night, honest Iago.’ (Cassio line 303) shows dramatic irony.
The soliloquy at the end of this scene creates atmosphere. It allows us to see into Iago’s mind and we see just how evil he really is as he spells out his plans to lie to Othello about Desdemona and Cassio. He knows that Desdemona pleading to Othello about reinstating Cassio is going to make this lie more believable.
Act 3 Scene 3 is a key scene of this play; it is the ‘temptation scene’. We see Othello’s character develop to a monster full of passionate jealousy and hatred towards his wife Desdemona as Iago plants the seeds of doubt.
The scene starts with Michael Cassio talking to Desdemona because Othello dismisses him as his lieutenant and he fears that there is no chance he will get his job back.
When Othello walks in and sees his wife talking to Cassio, Iago says:
‘Ha! I like not that.’(Line 34)
Iago is already sneakily giving Othello the idea of Cassio and his wife having an affair. To make himself seem truthful when Othello asks Iago what he meant Iago replies:
‘Nothing, my lord; or if – I know not what.’ (Line 36)
Iago is building a web of trust for Othello so that he may manipulate him more, which turns into a web of deceit.
At line 126 Iago seems to be building his trust towards Othello more.
‘I dare be sworn I think he’s honest.
Iago is cunningly suggesting the opposite to make Othello re-think.
He shows again an instance of dramatic irony at line 128
‘Men should be what they seem; or those that be not, would they might seem none!’
Othello isn’t aware of this but Iago is not what he seems.
At line 360, Othello calls Iago a villain, unknowing that he really is. This is yet again another quote with dramatic irony.
‘Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore; be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof, or by the worth of mine eternal soul, thou hadst been better have been born a dog than answer my waked wrath!’
What Iago has implied seems to be make Othello distraught and he is now full of rage and jealousy. As Iago’s suggestions get stronger so does Othello’s suspicion and hatred. Iago’s mixing truth with lies makes what he is saying plausible.
We see that Iago’s plan has worked as Othello starts to hate his wife:
‘I’ll tear her all to pieces!’ (Line 433)
‘Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!’ (Line 476)
From line 443 Othello is gullible enough to accept that his wife is having an affair when Iago lies about Cassio having Desdemona’s handkerchief.
‘…Now art thou my lieutenant’ (Line 479)
Othello has now given Iago the job he wanted. Although Iago was getting back at both Othello and Cassio because he didn’t get the job of lieutenant; he has the job now and yet Iago still seems to torture Othello. He is has a very sadistic attitude.
He tortures Othello mentally by slyly making comments and suggestions but snatching his comments back, to make Othello more curious.
‘Ha! I like not that.’
‘What dost thou say?’
‘Nothing, my lord; or if – I know not what.’ (Lines 34-36)