Cassio in Othello

What is a rake?

a man who behaves without moral principles especially in sexual manners, licentious.

Kisses Emilia, flirts with Desdemona.

Cassio is a rake through Iago's perception, as he sees him as having a 'daily beauty in his life that makes [him] ugly'

How is Cassio useful in the plot?

The only moments he affects the plot is through Iago's manipulation of him, he is passive.

E.g. Iago encourages him to drink, Iago asks him about Bianca.

Gallantry

heroic courage; respect and courtesy

How is our perception of Cassio subverted?

In Act 1, 1 Iago tailors our expectations to view him as incompetent and incapable ('a great arithmetician', 'bookish theoric that never set a squadron in the field') however when we meet him in the following scene, he is presented as gallant and subservient to Othello, the incompetence Iago creates for him isn't present.

What does Iago believe about service and loyalty?

It should be rewarded.

What did Adrian Lester say in the 2013 RSC production of Othello?

'Men who are trained to killing letting off steam but the officer [cassio] takes it too far'

Why is Cassio's removal from his position in Cyprus significant?

Cassio represents the ideal liutenant, calm and thoughtful. When he is removed, Cyprus (controlled by Othello) will fall into a downward spiral of madness.

Why is Cassio complimentary to Othello?

Cassio represents reason as an 'arithmetician', which contrasts but supports Othello's more practical field craft

How is Cassio's views of women morally ambiguous?

To Desdemona: courteous, graceful: ''Maid that paragons description and wild fame'' ''bold show of courtesy''

To Bianca: Crude, sexually explicit and derogatory: ''What, a customer!'' ''She lols and weeps upon me''

How does Cassio foreshadow Othello's downfall? and how does this relate to his race?

Cassio outlines the trajectory Othello will take. He begins as a respected and gallant figure, however is manipulated by Iago to do something (drink for Cassio, killing Des for Othello) by manipulating their hamartia (drinking for Cassio, sexual insecurity for Othello) resulting in them losing their positions.

However, Cassio survives perhaps suggesting that if Othello wasn't a black character he would have survived?

What does Cassio become when drunk?

A braggadocio - boastful/arrogant person.

In what way is Cassio a tragic catalyst?

Without Cassio, Iago's machinations would still likely succeed however at such a slower rate Othello's reasoned mind might stop him from killing Desdemona.

However, when Bianca enters in 4,1 with the handkerchief following Cassio's sexual remarks, Othello recieves the ocular proof from Cassio and therefore brings about the tragedy.

Cassio is also the last source of reason and peace within Cyprus, when he is demoted tragedy will follow.

How are Othello and Cassio's motivations similar?

They both desire lust (suggesting Cassio also has insecurity, perhaps over his inability to drink?) and eternal self image.

''Speak of me as I am''

''Reputation! Reputation! [...] I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial!''

Their similar motivations means Cassio could have easily been the next Othello if Iago wanted.