Iago’s and Cassio’s contrasting view toward women

Posted by Brian

Cassio regards women as figures of perfection1. When Desdemonda enters the ship, he acts as a humble man introducing a great goddess, shown through his use of language. By continuously mentioning the ideas of “hailing” 2 and “heaven” 2 he elevates her to divine beauty. He compares her to a flourish white swam3, which gives an imagery of purity and splendor. One of the most defining characteristics that Shakespeare gives Cassio is his incredible humbleness towards women. And eventhough he is second in command, he uses proper courtesy of asking a for a lady’s hand from Iago 4 . Shakespeare’s decision to include Cassio’s humble courtesy towards the women, in contrast with Iago’s, could have been done to show how it is one of Cassio’s weakness and how Iago uses this to his advantage.

On the other hand, Iago attitude toward’s Desdemona and Emilia shows that he has no respect or value for women. Iago’s character is naturally dishonest, he creates a mask which he hides behind when he talks to Othello. Yet in this scene, you can see Iago’s clearly criticizing Desdemona and Emilia without hesitation, this shows how little little respect he has towards women. Iago goes as far as mentioning that women are of no use other than in bed5.

Unlike Cassio, rather than praising his own wife, he chooses to criticize her. He depicts her as “bothersome” 9, and “noisy” through the use of imagery, such as “Bells in your parlor” 6 and “wild-cats in your kitchen”6.The comparison he used on his wife, clearly shows that he no concern or care for her. Shakespeare might have added this aspect to show that Iago’s character has been foul and vile long before Othello’s decision to not promote him. The fact that Iago cannot be courteous to his wife in front of others shows how stubborn he truly is.

His descriptions of dark brunettes and fair ladies, further emphasizes his inconsideration of female emotions and his ignorant ideas that women are objects for men, with only the use of child bearing8 and for interactions7.

The main function that this scene creates, is to emphasize Iago’s inconsideration of people, to introduce how sensitive and courteous Cassio’s character is, As such that it could potentially be manipulated by the stubborn Iago. This contrast not only creates tension between these characters but also potentially heighten’s the audience’s hate for Iago now that they have learned he views women as a nuissance.


1: “That paragons description and wild fame”

2: “Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven,"

3: “One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens”

4: “Let it not gall your patience, good Iago That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy.”


6: “Bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens”

5: “You rise to play and go to bed to work”

7: “If she be black, and thereto have a wit, She'll find a white that shall her blackness hit.”

8: “She never yet was foolish that was fair; For even her folly help'd her to an heir.”

9: “I find it still, when I have list to sleep …She puts her tongue a little in her heart, And chides with thinking.”