“Did Michael Cassio,
When you wooed my lady, know of your love?”
Iago, although seeming extremely casual, knows that these subtle comments and cunning questions would provoke a reaction from Othello which is exactly what he wants. Othello, a man with a slightly paranoid, inquisitive nature, thinks that Iago is reluctant to tell him something but he doesn’t realise that Iago is stirring up the situation.
Knowing that Othello is falling into his trap, Iago pretends that he merely inquired into the situation to make sure that nothing was wrong,
“But for a satisfaction of my thought –
No further harm.”
The dramatic pause Iago used between the two lines is crucial in securing doubt within Othello. It appears that Iago knows something that Othello doesn’t, but he is reluctant to tell Othello what he knows to protect the people involved. By doing this, Iago appears to be the good guy who is looking for a peaceful solution, which is ironic as he is the most blood-thirsty man involved.
Othello see’s Iago as a good, honest man of whom he trusts more than any other. He might be slightly naïve, but for all Othello knows, Iago is his best friend that he has known for 20 years, so nobody can blame him for believing the things he said.
The more Iago denies knowing anything, the more Othello persists in asking questions. Now Iago is in complete control, but he is still appears reluctant to “spill the beans.” Once again, Iago wants to be seen as ‘good, honest Iago,’ and this technique of speech bolsters his status as an honest man which consequently leads Othello to believe what he says even more.
The first clear sign of Othello’s doubt comes after Iago says he thinks Cassio is an honest man, and Othello replies saying,
“Nay, yet there’s more in this.”
So far, Iago’s plan to poison Othello’s mind is going just as planned. Othello is utterly convinced that Iago is a good, honest man. So along with his own insecurities, Othello jumps to the wrong conclusions without consideration into all aspects into the situation.
Othello is too passionate and emotional. His very sureness of his love for Desdemona causes his insecurity. At this point, his mind is laced with doubt, worry and suspicion.
Iago gives the impression of having reservations and doubts through the repetition of the phrase I think,
“Why then, I think Cassio’s an honest man” and “I think he is honest.” The more Iago says ‘I think,’ the more Othello thinks that Iago is reluctant to tell the truth. Iago cleverly makes his statements sound hesitant and reluctantly expressed by speaking in long, complex sentences. For example, when Iago is declaring that he sees things that are not there, he speaks in one sentence with several pauses. The overall effect is of a man trying to avoid having to say something unpleasant.
Iago raises the stakes very quickly. Within a few lines he has moved Othello on from thinking about ‘good name,’ to being a cuckold. But, all this time, he has made no direct accusations.
Iago warns Othello about the dangers of jealousy,
“O beware, my Lord, of jealousy,” yet he has spent the last 50 lines trying to make him jealous, albeit, very discreetly. The mind tricks have taken a toll on Othello, as he appears increasingly distressed,
“O misery!” Othello is picturing the worst scenario possible. Iago has managed to emblazon the imago of Cassio and Desdemona on his mind, yet he has not actually accused anyone of anything of the sort. Iago has cleverly played on Othello’s weakness.
However, Othello still wants proof of the situation before he makes any rash actions. Obviously, Iago has cannot prove anything, as there is nothing to prove, but this does not stop him insinuating Cassio and Desdemona having an affair,
“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.” This is the first time Iago has clearly implied an affair between Cassio and Othello’s wife. Immediately after the accusation, Iago capitalises on the reputation of Venetian women for their sophistication and sensuality,
“In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks.” Once again, Iago installs more doubt within Othello by highlighting his naivety as an outsider. Othello would feel compelled to believe Iago as he is a Venetian with knowledge of the situation.
When Othello says,
“I am bound to thee forever,” he presumably means ‘indebted;’ but from this point on Othello will be bound by Iago’s power over him. This is another example of dramatic irony.
Iago highlights three aspects of Desdemona likely to make Othello feel alien and inferior,
“Of her own clime, complexion, and degree.” Her European origins; her skin colour and her social status (she is a senators daughter) are reasons that Othello sees fit for a beautiful, young Venetian girl might reject him for a smooth, handsome Florentine. These factors cast a shadow of doubt over Othello,
“Haply for I am black.” Othello wonders why Desdemona ever married him. His insecurities are taking over him. And this is all because of Iago’s witchcraft. Iago is consistently praised for his honesty; Desdemona is continuously suspected for her dishonesty.
Iago seems to have perceived Othello’s insecurity concerning his origins and colour,
“May fall to match you with her country forms.” Again he slyly exploits these feelings by reminding Othello that Desdemona must be constantly making comparisons with white-skinned Venetians.
For all Othello’s doubt, he still needs visual proof of the affair. But before Iago brings up the visual proof of the handkerchief, a sentimental gift given to Desdemona by Othello, he makes up a pack of lies that anguishes Othello. For the first time, Othello doubts Iago’s honesty and Iago counters this by saying he heard Cassio dreaming about Desdemona,
“In sleep I heard him say, ‘Sweet Desdemona
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves!” Then, to torment Othello further, he makes explicit and crude references that force him to visualise Desdemona and Cassio in the sexual act,
“Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys.”
By this stage, Othello is fuming. He wants revenge for his hurt, but Iago restrains him,
“Nay, yet be wise.” Iago doesn’t want Othello rushing off before he has totally convinced him; there is still the handkerchief. He proceeds to tell Othello about how Cassio has wiped his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief,
“See Cassio wipe his beard with.” This was the visual proof Othello needed, as the handkerchief he gave her held high sentimental value. Othello is now in a state of emotional breakdown,
“O, blood, blood, blood!” He desperately seeks revenge.
Iago’s work is done - The peace-seeking Othello is gradually changing into a bloodthirsty savage that Iago had once described him. He is changing into his own stereotype.
