Cassio's representation Flashcards
What is the dramatic function of Cassio?
-Foil for both Othello and Iago > he is all things that both men either want or envy
-Symbolises the authority of rich white men in society and the anxieties felt by outsiders
-Catalyst for Iago’s behaviour and an aggravator for Othello’s jealous insecurity
How can Cassio be viewed as a Pushover?
-Easily manipulated by Iago
-Gives into temptation (2.3)
-Shakespeare presents that Cassio is not as logical and controlled as he believes himself to be
How is Cassio presented as an Honourable gentleman?
-portrayed as being motivated by a deep sense of honour
-Chivalrous to Desdemona in the play
-Devoted to Righteousness extends to Othello
How is Cassio presented as a Dishonest Knave?
-Cassio is not so generous with his honour > Bianca
-Cassio refuses to sexualise Desdemona yet calls Bianca a “Customer”
-Duplicitous with misogynistic views
-Gladly takes advantage of Bianca for his pleasure
How is Cassio presented as a coward?
-Afraid and incapable despite his extravagance > afraid of Othello and uses Desdemona to communicate with Othello
How is Cassio presented as a con?
-He is not what he wants people to believe he is
-Chivalrous facade he puts on hides his proclivity for mocking and exploiting women
What does Cassio become a symbol of to Iago?
-Everything Iago resents about hierarchical Venetian Culture
Why does Shakespeare present Cassio as the epitome of masculinity?
-Present traditional white dominance
-Shakespeare questions the legitimacy of of white male hegemony and the upper class as exposing them as frauds and cons
How is Cassio used to reinforce patriarchal culture?
-No escape from the superiority of masculinity > The women on the stage and the audience are stuck with a feeling of claustrophobia
-Relationship with Bianca > hypocrisy shows the double standards surrounding romance
How is reputation presented as a key theme using Cassio?
-Microcosm for Jacobean society ]
-men’s fixation on honour
-Fabric of society
How is Misogyny presented as a key theme using Cassio?
-uses Desdemona politically and Bianca sexually to advantage himself
How are male Ego and pride presented as a key theme using Cassio?
-The dedication to the protection of pride and honour
-Humiliated by fall from grace > cowardly approach to Othello, alcohol scene —> Juxtaposition > represents the male ego as irrational
How are archetypes presented as a key theme using Cassio?
-Masculinity and manhood > social indicators such as gender and class used to create an illusion of power
How are Chivalry and civility presented as a key theme using Cassio?
-Venetian culture is so xenophobic and insular that even Cassio is vulnerable to its distrust
-Appeals to Jacobean society as the image of courtly, chivalrous love match these ideals
What is Cassio a manifestation of?
-The anxieties of contemporary man
How does Hopkins view Cassio?
“Cassio carried a name meaning Hollow of Italian origin”
How does Veronica walker view Cassio?
“A beautiful written foil to the general”
How does Veronica walker view Cassio?
“Seems to represent the better man”
How does Ridley view Cassio?
“He is a pivotal figure with great importance to the movement of the plot”
How does Claire McEachern view Cassio?
“Cassio’s personal qualities become most evident in his relationships with others, whether he is interacting with the female characters of the play or with Iago and Othello”
How does Andrew Scott view Cassio?
‘Cassio’s alcoholism not only serves as a plot device but also as a metaphor for his moral and emotional weakness, as well as a symbol of the general moral decay in the play”
How does Virginia mason Vaughan view Cassio?
“Cassio’s position in Othello’s army reflects the early modern military’s openness to foreigners, but his Florentine identity also renders him suspect, making him an easy target for Iago’s machinations.”
