Othello #4

Iago has made clear that he intends to wreak havoc upon several of the characters in the play by exploiting their best traits rather than exploiting their weaknesses. For example, he continues to come closer to undermining Othello by exploiting Othello's trust. After Othello strips Cassio of his lieutenancy, Iago continues to sing Othello's praises. Between lines 116 and 134, he addresses Othello as "my lord" four times, which is enough that even Othello notices his excessive flattery. Iago wishes to earn and keep Othello's trust by constantly expressing his feigned reverence for Othello. Iago also brings himself closer to Othello by portraying himself as a man of trust. After Cassio loses his post, Iago notes to Othello, "I think that be is honest," and he repeats himself almost word for word just five lines later (145). By showing that he trusts others and has patience with transgressors, Iago intends to give Othello the impression that he transitively deserves Othello's patience and trust.