Othello Flashcards
How is Cassio initially presented as a respected scholar?
“A great arithmetician…a florentine”
Establishes him as a man of logic and strategy. Florence was associated with intellect so introducing him as a “florentine” tells the audience what to think of him.
How is Cassio presented as a push-over?
“They have given me a rouse already”
Rouse means either a reason to stop sleeping or a reason for anger/excitement
Easily manipulated and he gives into temptation and gets drunk, therefore he is easily provoked into a fight with Roderigo
How is Cassio presented as honourable and gentlemanly?
“Hail to thee lady!”
He greets Desdemona respectfully and refuses to engage in the ‘locker room talk’ that Iago attempts. He also takes his commitment to Othello very seriously.
How does Shakespeare show Cassio’s mysoginistic duality?
“He,when he hears of her, cannot refrain..from the excess of laughter” he leads on Bianca whilst ridiculing her behind her back. He clearly is taking advantage of her for his own pleasure and doesn’t value her as a human being.
AO5 Debate for the difference between Cassio and Othello
Although both men are loyal to the Venetian crown, Cassio represents youth and eye catching gallantry that attracts women to military men. Whereas, Othello represents a wiser, experienced military man.
How does Cassio’s character add to the mysoginistic undertones that Shakespeare is trying to create within the play?
Cassio brings up these ideals into causal conversation, creating a sense of being surrounded by mysoginy. Therefore, the women on stage feel claustrophobic and so do the women in the audience. Also, his mysoginy transcends class as he describes Desdemona as “the riches of a ship” objectifying her to be another material good. Therefore, Cassio suggests that mysoginy affects women no matter their class as it doesn’t lessen - it merely changes form.
