Othello 2.1 L.234-334

The last half of this scene is all about Iago and Roderigo, much like the end of Act 1 Scene 3. Iago convinces Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are in love with each other. Roderigo is very skeptical at first but as he listens to Iago talk about Cassio's courtesies and characteristics, he becomes convinced. Iago points out how Cassio had kissed Desdemona's hand and also how perfect Cassio is compared to the Moor. Iago portrays Desdemona as someone who would fall in love on a whim and therefore choose the next best partner once she is bored of Othello. Iago also tells Roderigo about his plan to take Cassio's seat as the lieutenant. He wants Roderigo to taunt Cassio into hitting him so that Iago can report Cassio to Othello. By doing this, Iago is able to free up the spot of lieutenant and earn favor with Othello at the same time. The scene ends with Iago going to get the luggage of Othello and Roderigo preparing his part of the plan.

Some of the metaphors in Iago's soliloquy are really powerful. For example, he says "the thought whereof / Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my innards" (318-319). He expresses his jealousy and anger at the suspicion that Othello had slept with his wife. Shakespeare expresses the feeling of jealousy as having something gnaw on the innards and it is a very accurate and descriptive way of expressing jealousy.

Why does Iago have seemingly conflicting views about Othello's character?
Even though Iago had praised Othello for his noble character and good husbandry, all in all, he still hates him over a suspicion of him sleeping with his wife. The feeling of jealousy is likely not caused by Iago's love for his wife, but more due to his overall racist mindset combined with his possessiveness of women.



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/23/64/04/23640436e7c5859b833cd29c38108715.jpg

The photo represents the quote of "the thought whereof / Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my innards" (318-319). It does a good job of showing how jealousy could be like a poison.

Who will Iago influence?	How will he influence them?	What result is he hoping for?
Cassio	Make him angry and report his actions to Othello	He is hoping to have him died and take his job as the lieutenant.
Roderigo	He will use his love for Desdemona against him, he will make Roderigo his slave	To enrage Cassio and if Cassio hits him, use it as an excuse to fire Cassio
Othello	Her will ultimately try to sleep with his wife but also to make him jealous and lost his reason.	Othello to be taken over in jealousy and grief by way of his wife Desdemona.