.
After Iago finds out that Cassio, who until this point seems to have no weaknesses, is a recovered alcoholic. With this weakness in mind, Iago disgraces Cassio by getting him drunk and urging Roderigo to pick a fight with him. This plan works, and Cassio draws his sword and chases Roderigo through where the other men were gathered. He injures on of the other men, who was trying to end the fight, and Othello hears the ruckus and comes to give his judgment. He tells Cassio, "I love thee; but nevermore be officer of mine"(II.3.209-10). At this point, Cassio is ruined, having been stripped of the title he so rightfully deserved, and becomes the first victim in the havoc that Iago causes. .
Iago reveals his plan to the reader when he states.
"His soul is enfettered to her love that, that she may make, unmake, do what she list,.
even as her appetite shall play the god with his weak function. And she for him pleads.
strongly to the Moor, I"ll pour this pestilence into his ear, that she repeals him for her.
body's lust; And by how much she strives to do him good, she shall undo her credit .
with the moor (II.3.253-4, 263-67). .
The first instance of this plan comes to life in the scene where Iago gets Cassio drunk, but the crafting only begins after Cassio is dismissed. With his pride squandered, he states, "O" .
Brennan Page 3.
I have lost my reputation. I have lost that immortal part of myself, and what remains is .
bestial." Iago takes advantage of the fact that Cassio is in a state where he will do anything to get his job, position, and reputation, back. Iago tells him to seek Desdemona to get it all back. He states:.
"Our general's wife is now the general. She is so free, so kind, so apt, so blessed a.
disposition, she holds, as a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested" (II.3.142-44). This shows that Iago knows well how naive Desdemona is. Cassio takes this advice and goes to Desdemona to ask Othello to take him back.
