Iago's Public Reputation For Honesty In Othello

In a metaphorical sense, perdition will soon catch Othello's soul, and chaos will soon replace order in his life. When Iago is alone with Othello, he resumes his attack on his general's soul. Out of seemingly idle curiosity, he asks if Desdemona was correct when she referred to the days when Othello was courting her; did Cassio indeed "know of your love?" (95). Here he prods Othello's memory to recall that Desdemona and Cassio have known each other for some time. Then again playing the reluctant confidant, he begs, as it were, not to be pressed about certain of his dark thoughts. One can see how skillfully Iago makes use of his public reputation for honesty. It is necessary to remember throughout the play and especially in this scene that
Iago has a reputation for complete honesty.