Othello Blog #3

We last left off with the knowledge of Othello throwing a party for the accomplishment of winning the battle between Normandy and the Turks.  After the announcement of the party, Othello and Desdemona exit and leave Iago and Cassio to talk amongst themselves.  Their conversation leads to Desdemona and how they think she is a frisky girl.  Iago says, “And, I’ll warrant her full of game.” (II.iii. line 19) they continue talking and although it is difficult to determine tone in a novel, I believe that Cassio is upset that Desdemona flirted with him and then left with Othello, she has… “An inviting eye; yet methinks right modest.” (II.iii. line 23) Soon Cassio leaves and Iago begins to summon up an evil plan for Cassio to tell the courts what he really feels towards Desdemona and the whole marriage in general.  Iago plans to have Cassio start drinking, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog.” (II.iii. lines 46-49) This idea shows what I had assumed earlier about Iago.  He is all about himself and constantly thinking of ways to get himself off while getting others in trouble.  

The men begin drinking and yelling and singing as the alcohol seeps deeper into their veins.  Cassio begins saying that he thinks Othello hasn’t earned his place, “No, for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those things. Well, God’s above all; and there be souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be saved.”(II.iii. lines 98-101) When Cassio made the reference to God’s souls being saved or not, I believe that he thinks that even though Othello is looked up to, something must be done.  That something could utterly mean that Othello must be dealt with in the best interests of the country.  It sounded like Cassio was ready to do it himself if it came to that. 

Before long, Cassio becomes uncontrollable.  Many men try to stop him before he says something that really could hurt his reputation.  He threatens Montano (an officer who goes to help Cassio) by telling him that he is going to take his head off, “Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazzard.” (II.iii. lines line

Cassio just cannot keep himself under control, partially due to the fact that he had just drunk about a gallon of wine and that he is completely roused up because he is expressing his true feelings toward Othello.  When Montano tries to stop him, Cassio goes crazy and starts fighting with him.  Unfortunately, Montano is injured, “Zounds, I bleed still. I am hurt to the death.” (II.iii. lime 162)

Right before Montano takes his last breath, Othello stumbles upon the fighting men.  He cannot believe what he had just witnessed.  “He that stirs next to carve his own rage Holds his motion.” (II.iii. lines 172-173)

This quote just shows that Othello is now aware that everybody he thought was any ally is not to be trusted.  New character personalities are coming to the surface and hopefully Othello will be able to see the obvious before it becomes to late to save his own life.