Cassio's representation

Question 1

What is the dramatic function of Cassio?

Answer 1

-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

Question 2

How can Cassio be viewed as a Pushover?

Answer 2

-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

Question 3

How is Cassio presented as an Honourable gentleman?

Answer 3

-portrayed as being motivated by a deep sense of honour
-Chivalrous to Desdemona in the play
-Devoted to Righteousness extends to Othello

Question 4

How is Cassio presented as a Dishonest Knave?

Answer 4

-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

Question 5

How is Cassio presented as a coward?

Answer 5

-Afraid and incapable despite his extravagance > afraid of Othello and uses Desdemona to communicate with Othello

Question 6

How is Cassio presented as a con?

Answer 6

-He is not what he wants people to believe he is
-Chivalrous facade he puts on hides his proclivity for mocking and exploiting women

Question 7

What does Cassio become a symbol of to Iago?

Answer 7

-Everything Iago resents about hierarchical Venetian Culture

Question 8

Why does Shakespeare present Cassio as the epitome of masculinity?

Answer 8

-Present traditional white dominance
-Shakespeare questions the legitimacy of of white male hegemony and the upper class as exposing them as frauds and cons

Question 9

How is Cassio used to reinforce patriarchal culture?

Answer 9

-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

Question 10

How is reputation presented as a key theme using Cassio?

Answer 10

-Microcosm for Jacobean society ]
-men’s fixation on honour
-Fabric of society

Question 11

How is Misogyny presented as a key theme using Cassio?

Answer 11

-uses Desdemona politically and Bianca sexually to advantage himself

Question 12

How are male Ego and pride presented as a key theme using Cassio?

Answer 12

-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

Question 13

How are archetypes presented as a key theme using Cassio?

Answer 13

-Masculinity and manhood > social indicators such as gender and class used to create an illusion of power

Question 14

How are Chivalry and civility presented as a key theme using Cassio?

Answer 14

-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

Question 15

What is Cassio a manifestation of?

Answer 15

-The anxieties of contemporary man

Question 16

How does Hopkins view Cassio?

Answer 16

“Cassio carried a name meaning Hollow of Italian origin”

Question 17

How does Veronica walker view Cassio?

Answer 17

“A beautiful written foil to the general”

Question 18

How does Veronica walker view Cassio?

Answer 18

“Seems to represent the better man”

Question 19

How does Ridley view Cassio?

Answer 19

“He is a pivotal figure with great importance to the movement of the plot”

Question 20

How does Claire McEachern view Cassio?

Answer 20

“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”

Question 21

How does Andrew Scott view Cassio?

Answer 21

‘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”

Question 22

How does Virginia mason Vaughan view Cassio?

Answer 22

“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.”