This quote, which occurs in the final scene of Act 1,
shows the beginnings of Iago's plan to get back at Othello. In reading this soliloquy,
we learn that Iago hates Othello not just because Othello promoted Cassio to the
position of lieutenant, but also because Iago suspects that Othello has slept with
Emilia. He admits that he knows "not if 't be true," but will assume it is to justify
his own actions.
The first part of the quote you're
referring to ("Cassio's a proper man") is actually an acknowledgement of Cassio's good
looks, as in this case, "proper" means "handsome." This is significant because, as we
learn just a few lines later in the soliloquy, Iago will "abuse Othello's ear/that he
(Cassio) is too familiar with his (Othello's) wife"--meaning that Iago tell Othello that
Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Iago determines that because Cassio is so
handsome, Othello will be more likely to believe that Desdemona is in love with
Cassio.
By telling Othello this story, Iago will
presumably win Othello's trust, and will cause a divide between Othello and Cassio at
the same time. Obviously, then, "to get his place" refers to Iago's hope that once he
tells Othello of these fabricated infidelities, Othello will dismiss Cassio as
lieutenant and promote Iago in his place. (Further, "plume up my will" is typically
footnoted to translate to "put a feather in one's cap" or "glorify.") Thus, Iago, a
master manipulator, will be able to "kill two birds with one
stone."
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