Cassio loses his job! Is his reputation ruined?

Cyprus, September 20th, 1571, Othello’s lieutenant was suddenly let go after instigating a fight with the governor of Cyprus. Not long after his recent promotion either, Cassio made a great mistake. Sources say he had one too many cups of wine to drink and now it could be costing him his whole reputation!

A report from a witness with the name Iago says that “men are men… though Cassio did some little wrong to him, As men in rage strike those that wish them best.” This suggests that Cassio was the instigator. Cassio must have felt offended when Montano the governor of Cyprus accused him of being drunk after trying to fight with Roderigo. To attack the governor is not becoming of a lieutenant. It’s important that people in positions of power act professionally and set a good example for others. Othello had decided to leave a lieutenant on guard duty because the Turks had just drowned and they were at the end of a battle. After knowing this Cassio should not have drank more than he could handle. It was a careless act to fall in with all the others who were drinking.

By: Tylar Arnold

Othello told Cassio after the incident, that he loved him and if Cassio wanted his job back it would be a long road to recovery. Cassio lost the trust of a highly ranked officer. It won’t be easy to work his way back onto his good side. This is frustrating for Othello as he lost his trusted lieutenant to a silly quarrel. Cassio needs to remain professional and not let the sudden change in command rattle him. However, witnesses have seen him wallowing for the loss of his position and honorable reputation. Fully reassessing his own behavior would do him good as well. He has to show that the incident changed him and he learned from the mistakes that he made.

After a deep stab wound to the abdomen there is no news of Montano’s recovery still. With that it's too early to tell whether Cassio is utterly doomed or not. What he did was very disappointing to hear. It may not even be worth it to fight for his job back since Iago is next in line.

Without the honorable title there is no guarantee that Cassio will be able to live a comfortable life. He may not even find a wife, and could potentially lose the riches he already had.