IB English Standard Level - Othello – Mr Walker
Act 2 Scene 3 – ‘Honest’ Iago
In this scene, everything hinges on Iago’s ability to persuade those around him that he
can be trusted, not just by Othello but by Cassio as well.
Look at these examples of the way Iago operates. Explore how he succeeds in
manipulating those around him by matching the strategies listed below (and any
others you can identify) to each quotation:



Cajoling
- insinuating
Saying what people want to hear
Pretending to be nicer than he is
- flattering
-lying
- appearing reluctant to say something
- reassuring
To Cassio
1.
…but one cup: I’ll drink for you.
2.
What, man, ‘tis a night of revels, the gallants desire it.
To Montano
3.
You see this fellow that is gone before,
He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar,
And give direction: and do but see his vice,
‘Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as th’ other: ‘tis pity of him,
I fear the trust Othello puts in him,
On some odd time of his infirmity,
Will shake this island.
4.
I do love Cassio well, and would do much
(cry within: Help! Help!)
To cure him of his evil.
To Othello
5.
Touch me not so near,
I had rather ha’ this tongue cut from my mouth,
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio:
Yet I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him…
6.
More of this matter I can not report
But men are men, the best sometimes forget;
Though Cassio did some little wrong to him,
As men in rage strike those that wish them best,
Yet surely Cassio, I believe, receiv’d,
For him that fled, some strange indignity
Which patience could not pass.