Analysis of an Image/scene: Iago’s Evidence

 

(http://www.art-archive.com, title; “Othello observes Cassio’s reaction while Iago”)

The image illustrates a very interesting scene where Iago tries to present his evidence to Othello that his wife Desdemona is in fact cheating on him with Cassio. In the painting, painted by artist Marchetti Ludovico (1853-1909 Italy) you can see three figures all male, one hiding (Othello) and the other two individuals (Cassio and Iago) deep in conversation. Iago tells Othello to hide while he tries to ask Cassio about his relations with Desdemona, but Iago is secretly acquiring/conversing with him about the prostitute he’s been sleeping with. “Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A huswife that by selling her desires? Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature That dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain from the excess of laughter. Here he comes.” (Act 4 Scene 1 line 85). Iago later on asks Cassio if he wants to marry the prostitute Bianca, and Cassio starts laughing and say he would never, calling her a whore. This infuriates Othello, causes him to go mad and believe everything that Iago has been saying was in fact true. Then to add to the fire, as the prostitute Bianca enters she states,” Let the devil and his dam haunt you! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the work? A likely piece of work, that you should find it in your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? There, give it your hobby-horse. Wheresoever you had it, I’ll take out no work on ’t.” (Act 2 scene 1 line 125). That handkerchief put the nail in the coffin, Othello rages and states,” Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone. I strike it and it hurts my hand. Oh, the world hath not a sweeter creature, she might lie by an emperor’s side and command him tasks”. ( Act 4 Scene 1 line 140).