Finally content with his plan, Iago exits. After Roderigo leaves, Iago then finalizes his plans as he decides to use his wife to influence Desdemona into taking Cassio’s side, and take Othello aside himself to see Cassio and Desdemona together. However, Iago dissuades Roderigo from his plans, claiming that he must have patience, and for Roderigo to return to bed. Lastly, the scene closes as Roderigo finally goes to Iago, claiming himself poor and plans to return to Venice. Thus, the more Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s reinstatement to Othello, the more will Othello’s distrust and suspicions grow. Finally alone, Iago then reveals to the audience of his plan to break Othello’s trust in Desdemona, and make Othello believe of Desdemona’s infidelity to him and lust her Cassio. Therefore, Cassio, now no longer depressed, convinces himself of Iago’s plan and bides Iago goodnight as he goes to the guard tower. Iago also convinces Cassio that because of Othello’s complete devotion to Desdemona, he will be unable to refuse her anything and will soon mend the rift with her urging between himself and Cassio. Iago tells Cassio to plead his case to Desdemona, and ask her to help him get back his position. After Othello takes his leave, Cassio bemoans to Iago about the loss of his reputation and position, while Iago listens on and devises a plan. When questioned to reveal the person who started the fight, Iago reluctantly admits Cassio, and Cassio is stripped of his position. This causes a commotion as Montano tries to restrain Cassio but becomes injured in the process, and the town alarm is sounded bringing an angry Othello to the scene. Soon enough, we hear Roderigo yelling a cry for help as Cassio in his drunken stupor tries to fight with him. During this conversation, Iago also sees Roderigo and quietly sends him to follow the lieutenant and carry out their plan. Iago persuades Montano against doing so, proclaiming that Cassio was a dear friend and that he would like to help cure Cassio of his alcoholism. This causes Montano to become rightfully concerned as he debates with Iago whether or not they should inform Othello of Cassio’s condition. Therefore, when Cassio finally goes to the platform to take guard for the night, Iago takes Montano aside and lies about Cassio’s weakness and habit for alcoholism. Before long, we see Cassio talking with Iago and the other gentlemen incredibly drunk. This causes Iago to recognize Cassio’s weakness through his protests and Iago’s plan to dishonor and embarrass Cassio that night is set into motion. Once Othello and Desdemona take their leave, Iago coaxes Cassio to drink some more wine despite Cassio’s protests that he is an easy drunk. This allows Othello to then retire with Desdemona to their chambers to finally consummate their marriage. Cassio tells Othello that he has already given his order to Iago, but will personally see to Othello’s wishes. This scene begins with Othello telling Cassio to looking after the guards that night, and to ensure that the party would not go too out of control. This image was chosen to represent Iago’s deception of others and himself within this scene, as he states, “And what’s he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free I give and honest, probal to thinking and indeed the course to win the Moor again? … How am I then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course, directly to his good?” (2.3.356-70), demonstrating Iago’s deception of himself to believe that he is not the villain and have done no wrong.
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