The Paradox In Othello

In the play, Othello, written by William Shakespeare, different characters embody different paradoxes, as part of the play focuses on the idea of paradoxes, situations or characters that combine contradictory features or qualities. Michael Cassio, former lieutenant to Othello, demonstrates this idea of paradox through the disparity between his seemingly noble character and his ability to treat another human being with contempt, reminding the reader than even the character appearing to be the most noble can have significant flaws. Cassio represents the paradox of someone who acts a specific way around a certain audience, and then completely differently around another audience, two seemingly contradictory sides of himself and his behavior.

Cassio then assures Iago not to worry about his actions and that, “‘Tis my breeding/That gives me this bold show of courtesy,” (II.I110-111). Cassio explains that he credits his good manners and “show of courtesy” to his righteous upbringing. Later in Act II, as Iago further develops his plan to exact revenge on Othello for awarding Cassio the position as lieutenant, Iago decides that he will make Othello think that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. In Act II Scene III, as Iago tries to trick Cassio into saying something about Desdemona that he could use as proof for his plan, Cassio remains unaffected by Iago’s statements, and continues to present himself in the most sincere and polite-seeming way. As Iago attempts to make Cassio see Desdemona as an object of sexual desire, Cassio compliments Desdemona by saying, “She’s a most exquisite lady,”

As part of his plan, Iago has told Othello to listen to his conversation with Cassio, which Othello think is about Desdemona, but in reality is about Bianca, Cassio’s mistress. As soon as Iago mentions Bianca’s name to Cassio, he laughs, and says, “Alas, poor caitiff!” (IV.I.126). When Iago asks Cassio if he intends to marry Bianca, Cassio responds by saying, “I marry (her?) What, a customer? Prithee bear/some charity to my wit! Do not think it s unwhole-/some,” (IV.I.138-140). These statements from Cassio represent a dramatic change in his language, as he shifts from the courteous gentleman to someone who thinks so little of another human being that he cannot even entertain the thought of her being in love with him, let alone marrying her. Cassio calls Bianca a “poor caitiff”, a wretch, and tells Iago to think charitably of his intelligence in that he would never marry a “customer”, or a prostitute like Bianca. Cassio also tells Iago not to think his wit is so corrupted to want to marry someone like her, suggesting that he is far above her both in intelligence and general class. This shift in Cassio’s language, from the picture of politeness and manners, calling Desdemona “exquisite” and “perfection”, to calling Bianca a wretch and a