User:Mosborne01/Temp/Cassio Table.doc
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How does a minor character add to, or develop our understanding of Othello? (Cassio)
His military skills:
As a person
His relationship with Desdemona
Cassio idealises Desdemona and uses
Iago is jealous of Cassio The respect that Othello
“jewel” imagery to describe her. This
because of his position
accords Desdemona
develops our understanding of Othello
next to Othello. We can contrasts with the way that
by showing us (i) that he must be quite
therefore assume that
Cassio describes and acts
an impressive man to “win”
Othello is someone to be towards Bianca. He doesn’t
Desdemona, and (ii) that Othello
admired and to be close
treat her like a possession or
doesn’t idealise her but treats her like a
to.
a toy.
real person.
Cassio: “I was the other day
Iago: “He in good time
on the sea bank with certain
must his lieutenant be, and Venetians, and thither
Cassio: “O behold, the riches of the
I- God bless the mark- his comes the bauble (Bianca)
ship is come on shore!” (II.i..82)
Moorship’s ancient”
and, by this hand, falls me
(I.i.32)
thus about my neck
(IV.1.137)
Othello is fair, honest and
Cassio gets lost at sea off
Cassio’s relationship with Bianca is
just. He doesn’t allow
the coast of Cyprus. By
one of Master/Mistress. By contrast,
himself to get emotionally
contrast, Othello is a
Desdemona and Othello’s match seems
involved in an issue, even
capable General who is
much more honest, honourable and
when dearest friend,
off defeating the enemy.
true.
Cassio’s, future is at stake.
Cassio: “for I have lost
Othello: “Cassio, I love
Cassio: “She is persuaded I will marry
him on a dangerous sea” thee, but nevermore be
her out of her own love and flattery,
(I.ii.43)
officer of mine.” (II.iii.242) not out of my promise.” (IV.i.129)
The anguish that the
Cassio appears to be a loyal,
people on shore show
faithful servant. He attempts
Our understanding of the perfection of
when it is said that Othello to do the right things in all
Othello’s marriage with Desdemona is
is lost at sea develops our situations, and this makes
developed by the praise that Cassio
understanding of his
Othello’s actions and
offers it.
importance to the
subsequent downfall seem
Venetian people.
all the more inexplicable.
Cassio: “O let the heavens
Cassio: “Whatever shall
give him defence against
Montano: “Is you General wived?”
become of Michael Cassio,
the elements,.” (II.i.46)
He’s never anything but
your true servant.” (III.ii.9) Cassio: “Most fortunately, he hath
achieved a maid that paragons
description and wild fame.” (II.i.60)
Cassio allows us to see the
The degree to which Desdemona is
respect that people have Cassio is easily angered,
willing to argue Cassio’s case to
for Othello. He is very
and by contrast, Othello is Othello shows us how much
loyal to him and is
level headed and calm in all Desdemona wants the very best for her
extremely distraught at
situations.
husband. She sees his mistake and
losing his position.
wants to correct it before it is too late.
Cassio: “I will rather sue
Othello: “Keep up your
Desdemona: “For thy solicitor
to be despised than
bright swords for the dew (Desdemona) shall rather die than give
deceive so good a
will rust them” (I.ii.59)
thy case away.” (III.iii.27)
commander.” (II.iii.270)
Cassio: “I’ll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle.”
“Let me go sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazzard”
“He that stirs next to carve for his own rage holds his souls light: he dies upon his
Othello:
motion.”
“If I stir, or do but lift this arm, the best of you shall sink in my rebuke.”
Othello’s words reflect his power, skills and experience. Even his warnings to others are almost
poetic. Whereas Cassio speaks clumsily of “beating” and “knocking”, Othello is metaphorical
and euphemistic, talking of “sinking” in rebuke, and holding your soul “light,” instead of openly
threatening people with death. Cassio acts as a contrast to Othello, and shows us just how
powerful he really is.
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