Iago's Actions

In Act II Scene III Iago, Othello’s right hand man, main action is to destroy Cassio’s image in the eyes of Othello. Already from the first act we could see that Iago was a conniving and vengeful man. We are able to see more and more that he acts as the trouble stirrer as the story unfolds before us. Iago’s hatred for Cassio starts in the opening scene of the play when he is angered that Michael Cassio gained a promotion over him, and must serve under a Moor. However, Iago is a clever man and will serve Othello “faithfully” for his own purposes. He persuades Cassio to join his at a party with fellow friends. Iago hopes Cassio will get extremely intoxicated and become unruly, wishing to start a fight with anyone that crosses him. Iago being the snake has figured out Cassio’s one weakness, alcohol. Iago says, “O, they are friends – but one cup; I’ll drink for you” (Act 2 Scene 3, Page 69). Intoxicated Cassio begins to fight with Roderigo, “Zounds, you rogue, you rascal” just as Iago had secretly planned (Act 2 Scene 3, Page75). The fight between Roderigo and Cassio gets out of control and wakes the army general, Othello. In a rage Othello storms into the room to break up the fight and dismisses Cassio, making him an example to the rest of the men, “Cassio, I love thee, /But never more be an officer of mine” (Act 2 Scene 3, Page 81). The keep his faithful place but Othello’s side, Iago gives an account of how Cassio started the fray while still maintaining his imaginary loyalty to Cassio, and innocence in the matter, “Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth/ Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general: … / There comes a fellow crying out for help, / And Cassio following him with a determined sword/ To execute upon him” (Act 2 Scene 3, Page 81). Iago’s vengeful plan worked better than he could have imagined. His enemy was dismissed and humiliated, and he has proven once again his “loyalty” to Othello.