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.”

Cassio and Iago's Treatment of Women

Cassio speaks to women with great respect, using flowery language and almost exaggerated compliments to describe Desdemona and to greet Emilia. He describes Desdemona as ‘divine’ and calls her the ‘riches of Cyprus’, likening her to an angel and a treasure. This conveys Cassio’s admiration for her, showing that he believes that she is special and of a high status. Shakespeare made Cassio say these lines to give the dramatic effect of making the audience feel slightly worried that Iago’s plan to claim that Desdemona and Cassio have a relationship may work, because they seem so close. Even though the audience can see that Cassio’s behaviour stems merely from his sense of courtesy, they can also see that Othello, having spent less time learning the customs in society at the time, may believe that Cassio’s friendly banter is flirtatious instead. He greets Emilia with a kiss, explaining to Iago that ‘tis [his] breeding that gives [him] this bold show of courtesy’. This shows that audience that he was brought up to treat women with care and respect, so even though he does not know Emilia, he treats her as if she is special to him. As Cassio has a ‘person and a smooth dispose’, he must be a man with knowledge of the rules in society, showing that his behaviour towards women makes him more respectable and well liked.
Iago, on the other hand, is shown through his speech to believe that women are annoying and fickle, and have the duty of providing an heir to the family. He does not speak with the same respect as Cassio, but instead ridicules his wife, even if only lightly, by saying ‘you are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens...’ This comment shows that he thinks women put on different facades in different places, depending on who is around to see them, making them deceitful. It also implies that though Emilia seems quiet outside, she annoys Iago in the house, being too loud, as is suggested by the metaphors of ‘bells’ and ‘wild-cats’. Iago sees women as child-givers, shown by the phrase ‘she never yet was foolish that was fair, for even her folly help’d her to an heir’. The phrase implies that as long as a woman can bear a child, it does not matter how foolish she is. Shakespeare uses Iago’s behaviour towards women to show the audience that he is a complete opposite to Cassio, who almost puts the women above him, and though it was expected for women to be submissive and stick to their duties, when Iago shows that these are his views, the audience is less likely to agree with them, simply because of his dislikeable character.