Cassio Quotes Flashcards
’Tis my breeding
That gives me this bold show of courtesy. (2.1.)
Cassio makes this comment to Iago after greeting Emilia with a kiss. He intends to signal that he did not mean any disrespect by kissing another man’s wife but that this sort of behavior is simply part of the good manners he is used to displaying. He might also be commenting on manners in his native Florence being different from what would be expected in Venice. The quote is significant because it shows how Cassio’s gallant and possibly even flirtatious behavior could be open to misinterpretation, a weakness Iago will later exploit.
An inviting eye—and yet methinks right modest. (2.3.)
Cassio compliments Desdemona to Iago as the two men praise Desdemona’s beauty. Iago seems to be trying to get a read on Cassio’s feelings about Desdemona by encouraging him to praise her. Cassio certainly acknowledges her beauty, but his comments remain respectful and he notes that Desdemona is a virtuous and loyal woman who always behaves appropriately. The quote shows that Cassio is not looking to make trouble in any one’s marriage, or cause problems for Desdemona.
I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking. (2.3.)
Here Cassio explains to Iago why he needs to carefully moderate how much alcohol he consumes, since he has a weak tolerance and rapidly becomes very inebriated. Cassio thinks Iago is a trusted friend who will look after him and make sure he does not get into trouble. Iago, however, deliberately uses this information against Cassio, getting him very drunk and setting him up to be involved in a fight.
Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself and what remains is bestial. (2.3.)
Cassio says these lines in shame and sadness after Othello has angrily chastised him and stripped him of his position. Although not physically hurt, Cassio knows he has lost his public image and the respect of Othello, both of which pain him. The quote shows how much value Cassio places on his honor and reputation, and how he would never willingly do something shameful.
In happy time, Iago. (III.i.)
Cassio utters these words upon Iago’s entrance. Cassio has just asked the Clown to notify Emilia, Iago’s wife, that he would like to speak with her. When Iago appears immediately after the Clown exits, Cassio tells him that he’s come “in happy time”—that is, at just the right moment. Although apparently unimportant, the temporal expression Cassio uses in this line has an ironic significance, particularly given Iago’s previous discussion of the importance of waiting for the right moment to act. It would seem that Iago’s timing is, as always, impeccable, and his impeccable timing proves crucial to his success.
“A fellow almost damned in a fair wife. Who has never set a Squadron in a field”
Iago’s description of Cassio at the start of the play. Effeminate. Partly in due to his courtly characteristics? A slur on Cassio’s masculinity. Criticises Cassio’s lack of military prowess, only getting the job due to his over-education. MARXIST reading has class element: resenting the higher intelligent groups and could manipulation the audiences opinion on overly intelligent individuals.
“Hath a daily beauty in his life/ That makes me ugly.”
Iago on Cassio. Another malignant reason for Iagos chaos? Further highlights how outstanding Cassio is: A mathematician, Florentinian and Beautiful
Cassio Rules in Cyprus. (End of the play)
Restoration of the status quo. The higher class Florentinian at the top of the hierarchy following Othello; the other Moor, experiencing his downfall and death.
“Go to woman!
Throw your vile guesses in the devils teeth, From whence you have them. You are jealous now That this is from some mistress, some remembrance.” Cassio to Bianca
Cassio associates lower class women with the devil and sin- which would stain his noble reputation. Doesn’t act courtly at all behind closed doors: defaming Bianca and dehumanises her to a devilish mistress. A contrast to Cassios generic Courtly Lover reading.
“To be suspected, framed to make women false.”
Iago on Cassio.
Verb ‘framed’ connotes idea of image- Cassio is used as an attractive picture by Iago for his schemes. Further pointing to Cassio’s superficial Courtly persona.
Also links to Iago’s misogyny, rectifying the likelihood that women will be false to the higher class Cassio as he represents the top band. Fits with motif of appearance.
