Othello, Act II, scene iii, lines 14-33: Sinister Repartee

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The dialogue between Cassio and Iago discussing Desdemona is short and seemingly meaningless. But the way each of them describes Desdemona and the way the two men’s statements mesh together reflect significantly both on their respective characters and on the insidious nature of Iago’s vengeance.
On the one hand, Cassio describes Desdemona with highly polished and refined imagery. A well-to-do Florentine lieutenant, Cassio is a member of the upper class, and his highbrow language demonstrates that very well. When Desdemona arrives at Cyprus, Cassio claims that “the riches of the ship is come on shore.” (II, i, 92) Here, he states variously that Desdemona is “a most exquisite lady,” “a most fresh and delicate creature,” and that “she is indeed perfection.” His lush language emphasizes Desdemona’s purity and innocence and thereby makes him seem both noble and gentlemanly. Earlier, Iago stated his suspicions that Cassio has romantic feelings for Desdemona; that may or may not be true, since Iago’s perspective is not objective. Regardless of any existent or nonexistent feelings, however,...

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