most consummate villain. Iago's first attempt to gain control is a retaliation against Othello's promotional. When Michael Cassio is chosen for the position of lieutenant, Iago becomes furious and tries to place Othello in danger. Iago informs Brabantio of Othello's elopement with Desdemona in a very clever way: "'Zounds, sir, you're robbed. For shame, put on your gown, Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul. Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe." Iago uses sexual imagery to fuel Brabantio's anger. The extra anger caused by Iago has a potential of harming Othello. When this evil scheme fails, Iago results to a new plan. In Act II, Scene 1, Iago convinces Roderigo that Desdemona actually loves Cassio, and persuades Roderigo to pick a fight with Cassio that night. In Act II, Scene 3, before the fight, Iago talks Cassio into drinking, and Roderigo arrives when Cassio is drunk. During the fight, Cassio accidentally wounds Cyprus' governor, Montano. This forces Othello to relieve Cassio of his rank. Iago's plan to make sure Cassio is out of the way and to keep ties on Roderigo's pocketbook is revealed in a soliloquy at the end of Act II, Scene 3: "My wife must move for Cassio to her Mistress, I'll set her on, Myself the while to draw the Moor apart And bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife." After Cassio speaks with Desdemona, he is seen leaving by Othello and Iago. This is Iago's chance to arouse Othello's curiosity and plant a seed of suspicion: "Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming." Iago maximizes his control of Othello's emotions after displaying proof with the sight of Bianca in possession of the handkerchief. Othello says, "Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her." Iago also gains military control when Othello promotes Iago: "Now art thou my Lieutenant." At this point, Iago is at the pinnacl...
