The Inevitable Fall of Michael Cassio

Othello by William Shakespeare

As a result of Iago's plotting and the jealousy he instills in Othello, Michael Cassio's death appears increasingly imminent.  From the beginning of the play, Iago displays hatred for Cassio and plans to supplant him as Othello's lieutenant.  These poor sentiments toward Cassio do not initially foreshadow any tragic fate for the lieutenant, but as the play progresses, so does Iago's scheming toward the man.  In Act II, Iago reveals that he "will . . . cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio," (Shakespeare 1390).  With this, Iago foreshadows that Cassio shall at least eventually be exiled from Cyprus.  His framing of Cassio as a violent, habitual drunkard sets in motion the events which could lead to this exile.  However, in Act III, Iago, and an enraged Othello, foreshadow a more horrible fate for the innocent Michael Cassio.  After convincing Othello of Desdemona's infidelity, Iago pledges to serve as Othello's lieutenant.  Othello commands, "Within these three days let me hear thee say that Cassio's not alive," and Iago quickly accepts his duty (Shakespeare 1419).   He even goes so far as to proclaim Cassio dead already, as Othello wishes it so.  The culmination of these events, combined with Othello's incredible rage, foreshadows Michael Cassio's eventual death.