Blog Post #10

Cassio: "I never knew A Florentine more kind and honest" (113).

In this line, Cassio is referring to Iago, describing him as "kind" and "honest."  This is super ironic because throughout the entire play, Iago plots to take down Othello through the deception of others.  He lies to characters, such as Cassio, in order to get what he wants.  For example, Iago convinces Cassio to talk to Desdemona about getting reinstated and appears as though he is trying to help him, but in reality Iago just wants to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.  The others are unaware that Iago is behind most of the conflicts that occur between them, such as the fight between Cassio and Montano. At first, it is unclear as to Iago's intentions, but it becomes clear to the reader through his monologues that he "hates" Othello and plans to ruin his relationship with his wife Desdemona.  Since Roderigo loves Desdemona, Iago gets him to do most of his dirty work, and continues to use him throughout the play.  Many of the characters suffer unknowingly because of Iago's untruthfulness and deception.  That's why this line, in which Cassio describes Iago as honest, is very ironic.