Act 2, Scene 3

Cassio's flawed honor and courtliness are juxtaposed in this act and scene with Iago's manipulativeness and deceptiveness. Cassio stands in especially sharp contrast to Iago when Iago speaks lustfully of Desdemona; Cassio is full of honor when it comes to women, and the ideals of a courtier as well. "He's a soldier fit to stand by Caesar," Iago acknowledges. (II.iii.122). However, Iago strikes gold when he figures out Cassio's weakness for drink; it is this flaw that makes Cassio finally seem human, and tarnishes his golden, polished image. "He'll be as full of quarrel and offense as my young mistress' dog" (II.iii.51-52). Iago understands that liquor can separate even the best man from himself, and do great damage to his reputation, as "His vice Œtis to his virtue an equinox, one as long as th' other" (II.iii.123-124).