After he is dismissed from his position as Othello's
lieutenant, Cassio is primarily concerned with his newly-tarnished reputation. Iago,
recognizing Cassio's vulnerability and desperation to win back Othello's favor, decides
to council Cassio regarding the best way to reconcile with the
general.
Iago's advice, when taken at face value, is good;
he advises Cassio to seek Desdemona's help, observing that she always goes above and
beyond to help someone who asks her to do so:
She is so free, so kind, so apt
so
Blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her
goodness
Not to do more than is
requested.
Iago further
describes the influence Desdemona has on Othello, and assures Cassio that all will be
well if he follows Iago's suggestions.
At the same time,
though, Iago plans to tell Othello that Cassio is "too familiar" with Desdemona--an
accusation that he knows will inevitably drive Othello into a fit of jealousy. At the
end of Act 2, Iago justifies his actions in a
soliloquy:
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?
Ultimately, Iago's
plan is clearly a manipulation of Cassio--as well as the other characters
involved.
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