7.1.5

Cassio

Test yourself

Cassio

Michael Cassio is Othello’s newly appointed young lieutenant.

Illustrative background for CassioIllustrative background for Cassio ?? "content

Cassio

  • Cassio has been appointed in preference over the longer-serving Iago and this partially motivates Iago to see both him and Othello wronged.
  • He is suspected of adultery with Desdemona and so Othello is both suspicious and jealous of him.
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Deception

  • Despite his apparent success as a military tactician, he is very gullible and believes everything that Iago insinuates.
  • He is tricked into starting a brawl with Roderigo.
  • In the ‘reputation’ scene he is forced to look at himself and his actions and his character almost disintegrates.
  • He becomes another fool like Roderigo—ready to be plucked for Iago’s scheming.
Illustrative background for Cassio and OthelloIllustrative background for Cassio and Othello ?? "content

Cassio and Othello

  • Cassio and Othello are very similar in certain ways.
  • Both depend on a code of honour, but this strength can easily be turned into a flaw.
  • Both suffer a collapse of their own personalities, only Cassio’s results in him being maimed.
  • Although he is dignified and obviously attractive to Bianca, Cassio realises he has been duped.
  • Before committing suicide, Othello apologises to Cassio.
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Love

  • Cassio is often seen in the play as the woebegone lover, but when he has the possibility of love with Bianca, he appears to reject it.
  • Perhaps he considers her too low for a man of his status.
Illustrative background for TragedyIllustrative background for Tragedy ?? "content

Tragedy

  • Cassio’s pretensions do not result in him being killed but he is maimed during events in the tragedy.
  • He is also deceived by Iago’s manipulation.

Jump to other topics

1Context

2Act One: Summaries & Themes

3Act Two: Summaries & Themes

4Act Three: Summaries & Themes

5Act Four

6Act Five

7Character Profiles

8Key Themes

9Writing Techniques

10Critical Debates

11Approaching AQA English Literature

12Issues of Assessment

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