What is the significance of ''Men should be what they seem; / Or those that be not, would they might seem none" in light of events unfolding...

This quote is significant because it represents Iago's efforts to convince Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. Because Cassio is supposedly involved with Desdemona behind Othello's back, Iago asserts that the apparently trusty lieutenant is not what he seems. It's worth noting this passage is terribly, tragically ironic, as Iago uses deception to convince Othello that Cassio is deceiving the general and is not what he seems to be. In that case,...

This quote is significant because it represents Iago's efforts to convince Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. Because Cassio is supposedly involved with Desdemona behind Othello's back, Iago asserts that the apparently trusty lieutenant is not what he seems. It's worth noting this passage is terribly, tragically ironic, as Iago uses deception to convince Othello that Cassio is deceiving the general and is not what he seems to be. In that case, it is actually Iago who is not the person he seems to be, as he is truly a manipulative villain masquerading as a trusted advisor. Meanwhile, Cassio is exactly what he seems to be: an honorable friend and soldier. As such, more than any other part of the play, this statement underlines the tragic reality of Othello's downfall.