what does this reveal about cassio act two scene three

Iago begins his attempt to corrupt Cassio in this act, by trying to get him to admit to impure thoughts about Desdemona. He speaks of Desdemona as being "sport for Jove," and "full of game" (II.iii.17-19); his depiction of Desdemona rings false, as does his attempt to insinuate lust into Cassio's mind. Iago's tone is highly suggestive and even transparent, but once again, a character is blind to Iago's machinations.

Cassio's flawed honor and courtliness are juxtaposed in this 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).