Othello - Act 3 Scene 4

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Othello accuses Desdemona of losing handkerchief.
http://andtheworldwillothellknow.weebly.com/act-3.html


Summary:
Desdemona asks Emilia where her handkerchief might be but Emilia claims she does not know. Othello comes in, takes Desdemona's hand and talks about the moistness, which hints sexual promiscuity. Othello then demands to see the handkerchief, Othello tells her the history of the handkerchief. An Egyptian gave it to Othello's mother and told her that the handkerchief would keep Othello's father loyal, but if she lost it, Othello's father would leave her. Othello's mother gave it to Othello and asks him to give the woman he wants to marry.and Desdemona again explains that she has it but not with her now. Othello does not believe her, and keeps demanding to see the handkerchief with increasing anger. Desdemona tries to change the subject by entreating for Cassio. Cassio comes in and is told that Othello is in bad mood. Emilia suspects that Othello is jealous, but Desdemona believes that Othello is angry with some some political matters. While Cassio is waiting for Desdemona, Bianca, a prostitute comes in and complains Cassio for not visiting her frequently. Cassio apologizes and asks her to copy the embroidery of a handkerchief onto another handkerchief. Bianca accuses him for giving the handkerchief to another woman, but Cassio tells her she is foolish. 


Character Development - Othello
In this scene, Othello has changed greatly. Othello is known as his well-controlled temper, but when he suspects that Desdemona may cheat on him, he becomes jealous and uncontrolled. First of all, Othello is jealous when he feels the moistness of Desdemona's hand because he suspects it as Desdemona's sexual promiscuity, "The hearts of old gave hands / But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts." (3.4.53-54). Othello is exaggerative when he says, "To lose 't or give 't away were such perdition / As nothing else could match." (3.4.78-79). Othello believes that if Desdemona lost the handkerchief, her love is gone as well, so Othello is exaggerated. Then, when Othello asks to see the handkerchief but Desdemona can not provide it, Othello becomes very protective, "Is 't lost? Is 't gone? Speak, is 't out o' th' way?"(3.4.93). It shows that Othello is worried and so afraid of losing the handkerchief and also shows the importance of the handkerchief. Therefore, Othello become too obsessive and hot-tempered when he says, "Fetch me the handkerchief! ... The handkerchief! ... The handkerchief!" (3.4.103-113). Othello constantly asks where the handkerchief is which shows his anger and lost of temper. Othello is deceptive when he says, "Well, my good lady. [Aside] O hardness to dissemble!" (3.4.147-148), because Othello feels suspicious of Desdemona but he tells her that he is fine. Othello is trying to hide his inner feeling from Desdemona, therefore he is deceptive. Overall, Othello has changed a lot since he starts to suspect that Desdemona has been cheating on him. It is easily seen that Othello's emotions are going down and his strengths are disappearing. It indicates that Iago's successful plan has gradually destroyed Othello. 


Interesting Question:
Q: Why doesn't Othello just ask if Desdemona give the handkerchief to Cassio. 

A: Othello is afraid of hearing Desdemona say that she did give it to Cassio. Othello thinks that maybe there is a millionth of probability that Desdemona does not cheat on him, so Othello does not want to break up with Desdemona right now. Othello also wants Desdemona to tell him everything but not wait until Othello asks her.

Othello Act 3 Scene 3

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Iago is making insinuations about the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio before Othello.
http://www.courant.com/entertainment/movies/hc-ctn-alt-shakespeare-1225-20141225-story.html

Summary
Desdemona, Emilia and Cassio are having a conversation. Desdemona promised that she would try her best to help Cassio to get back his position. Cassio leaves, then Othello and Iago come in. Othello asks whether the one just left the room was Cassio or not, Iago says that Cassio will not behave like a guilty man. Desdemona implores Othello to forgive Cassio and reappoint him. Othello assures her that he will speak to Cassio, but Desdemona criticizes Othello's for being too hesitant when Desdemona tries to set a meeting time. Othello says that he will deny Desdemina nothing but just leave him alone for a while. As Othello is alone, Iago begins to make insinuations about the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio and tries to convince that Desdemona has been cheating on Othello. Iago suggests Othello to observe Desdemona closely when she is with Cassio. Othello asks Iago to let Emilia watch Desdemona when Desdemona is with Cassio. Othello is thinking that maybe he is too old and black, and Desdemona no longer loves him.


Literary Devices
When Othello is talking to Desdemona about their love, he uses foreshadowing, "But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again." (3.3.101-102), it foreshadows Othello's downfall and his later killing of Desdemona with his hands. Othello says the chaos will come again which means that everything will soon return to a state of chaos. "Exchange me for a goat / When I shall turn the business of my soul / To such exsufflicate and blowed surmises"(3.3.211-213), Othello uses animal imagery to describe how he will never allow his actions to be controlled by his emotions and lust. Othello uses goat because it is a creature and it is lustful. It is also ironic because even through he appears to be strongly self-controlled, and he is easily taken over by his emotions. "I am your own forever." (3.3.546), it is extremely ironic because audiences already knew Iago's intentions and knew that Iago is playing on Othello. It is related to the theme of appearance vs reality. It is important to the development of the play because it signifies Iago's intentions and how he is planning to further bring Othello down.  "Her name, that was as fresh as dian's visage, is now begrimed and black..." (3.3.441-445), it is a metaphor because Othello is saying that Desdemona's reputation was as white as snow.  "Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic Sea, Whose icy current...." (3.3.514-517), it is a metaphor because Othello is saying that the rage and the violent thoughts are flowing like a river.  "Poor and content is rich, and rich enough..." (3.3.202), it is paradox because Iago is trying to "comfort" Othello after he arouses Othello to be suspicious at Desdemona's unfaithfulness. " Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul..." (3.3.100-103), it is foreshadowing because it foreshadows that the bad events will happen if Othello does not love Desdemona anymore.


Interesting Questions
Q: Has Othello ever been suspicious of Iago's intention and loyalty?

A: I don't think Othello feels suspicious of Iago because, on one hand he can see that Iago is standing on his side, giving him advices, analyzing Othello's situation and assisting him to kill Cassio, whose relationship with Desdemona seems suspicious. On the other hand, Othello falls into the imagination of Cassio being with Desdemona who Othello loves, and Othello pays too much attention on this so that he neglects Iago's evil actions.

Class Activity - Act 3 Questions
3: Compare Desdemona and Emilia’s views on men. Specifically, look at lines 120-123 and lines 161-175.  How are they the same? How do they differ?

Emilia thinks that men are all the same and it takes a long time to see how bad they actually are. Emilia describes how men use women at different situations, "They are all but stomachs, and we all but food. / To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, / They belch us" (3.4.121-123). However, Desdemona thinks that men are not expected to be perfect, and she believed that Othello is upset with some political matters but not actually mad at her,  "Nay, we must think men are not gods, / Nor of them look for such observances / As fit the bridal" (3.4.169-171). Even they have different views on men, there is one thing that they both agree which is men are easily angry and they always make people around them angry.

5: Why must Iago take his time to convince Othello about Desdemona and Cassio?

By convincing Othello that Desdemona has been cheating on him, Iago will be able to make Othello hate Cassio. Therefore, Cassio will never be reappointed. As Iago promises to help Othello to get his revenge on Desdemona, Iago can show his loyalty to Othello, then Iago will have greater chance get the position of lieutenant. Desdemona is Othello's weakness. Therefore, by destroying Othello's love toward Desdemona, Iago can make Othello feel pain and betrayal and further destroy Othello's confidence and authority to get his revenge. 

6: Explain the importance of Desdemona’s handkerchief (to the play).

Desdemona's handkerchief is the main part of Othello's manipulation of Othello. The symbolic significance of the handkerchief reveals Othello's social background. The handkerchief represents Othello's mysterious heritage that he has repudiated as a Christian. The handkerchief the major evidence that shows Desdemona and Cassio are having a affair. The image of strawberry on a white handkerchief represents the bloodstains on the wedding sheet which proves a bride's virginity. The handkerchief also represent the loyalty of Desdemona's love, then Othello thinks losing the handkerchief means Desdemona loses her loyalty toward Othello and their love died. The handkerchief not only promotes the development of the play, but also creates conflicts between characters.

7: What role does Emilia play in Iago’s plot?  Explain specifically.

Emilia steals desdemona's handkerchief by herself to aid Iago's personal agendas, “I am glad I have found this napkin. This was her first remembrance… my wayward husband hath a hundred times would me to steal it” (3.3.334-346). This quotation proves that Emilia was not asked to go and find a handkerchief. She found it and assumed that it would make Iago happy and chose to steal it. “To kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work ta'en out and give ’t Iago. What he will do with it / Heaven knows, not I. / I nothing but to please his fantasy” (3.3.340-343). Emilia's stealing of Desdemona's handkerchief sets the conflict between Othello and Desdemona, which leads the later tragic events.

8: Explain Bianca’s role.   (How does Cassio unknowingly include her?)

Bianca plays a crucial role in advancing the plot. Bianca loves Cassio and complains Cassio for not visiting her frequently. Iago sets a trap that he will joke with Cassio about the prostitute Bianca, then Cassio will laugh and tells Bianca's pursuit of him. It is seen by Othello who hides behind, and Othello thinks Cassio is talking about Desdemona and it convinces Othello that Desdemona has cheating on him. Bianca comes in and accuses Casssio about the handkerchief that Cassio might want to give it to another woman. Othello sees the handkerchief and believes that Cassio and Desdemona are having a affair. Cassio is unknowingly jokes with Bianca but makes Othello believes he has secret relationship with Desdemona. Bianca's appearing advances the plot and brings the conflicts to the characters.

Othello - Act 3 Scene 1 + Scene 2

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Cassio pleads Desdemona to speak to Othello in order to get his position back.
http://othelloaintmellow.weebly.com/act-iii.html


Summary:
Cassio sends musicians to play music to Othello in order to win his graces. Othello sends a clown, his servant to tell them to go away. Cassio asks the clown to entreat Emilia to come to speak with him so that Cassio can get a chance to speak to Desdemona. After the clown leaves, Iago comes in and tells Cassio that he will send Emilia to arrange a time for Cassio to speak to Desdemona privately. Iago leaves, and Emilia comes in and tell Cassio that Desdemona is talking to Othello about his case. Desdemona pleads for Cassio, but Othello considers Montano's influence in Cyprus would make Cassio hard to get back his position, through Othello cares for Cassio. Othello walks with Iago and another gentleman in the citadel. Othello gives some letters to Iago and asks him to deliver them to ship's captain. Othello then decides to inspect Cyprus's fortification. 

Character Development - Cassio
After losing his position of lieutenant, Cassio tries to do everything to win Othello's good disgrace in order to win his reputation back. First of all, Cassio sends musicians to play music to Othello, "Masters, play here (I will content your pains) / Something that's brief; and bid 'Good morrow, general.' "(3.1.1-3), but Othello is ungrateful to him. Then, Cassio pleads Emilia for a access to Desdemona, "I will bestow you where you shall have time / To speak your bosom freely", and Cassio hopes that Desdemona can speak for him before Othello. Cassio's character has been changed dramatically. He used to be an honorable lieutenant of general Othello, but now he has to entreat so many people to gain his reputation. Cassio is pathetic but also foolish because he has being badly used by Iago but he does not know. Cassio does not suspect that his dismiss is part of Iago's plan, however, he trusts Iago and appreciates that Iago asks his wife, Emilia to arrange access for him to speak to Desdemona privately. 

Interesting Question
Q: Has Iago ever worried that Desdemona would successfully persuade Othello to reappoint Cassio?
A: I don't think Iago has ever worried about this because before Desdemona speaks to Othello, Iago is planning to make insinuations before Othello about the suspicious relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago believes that Othello would suspect Desdemona's loyalty to him as Desdemona strongly speaks for Cassio so that Othello will never reappoint Cassio as his lieutenant. 

Othello Act 2 Scene 3

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Roderigo is drinking in the party. 
http://www.grammar.net.nz/Store/1/23/rm/othello/summaries.htm


Summary
Othello leaves Cassio on guard and goes to celebrate his marriage with Desdemona. Iago comes and tries to convince Cassio that Desdemona is a tempress and brings him to drink in the party. Iago tells the audiance him plan is to lead Cassio into committing an action.   Cassio then gets drunk in the party and wanders around the stage. Cassio talks about Cassio's drinking problem with Montano. Roderigo enters and Iago points him Cassio's position, then Cassio gets into a fight with Roderigo. As Montano tries to stop the fight, Cassio stabs him. Iago orders Roderigo to cry for a mutiny. Othello comes and asks Iago what happened. Iago pretends to be reluctant to incriminate Cassio. Othello falls into Iago's trap and dismisses Cassio. Cassio then laments the permanent damage on his reputation. Iago suggests him to seek help from Desdemona because Desdemona commands Othello's goodwill. After Cassio leaves, Iago tells audience that Cassio will spend time with Desdemona and it becomes easier to convince Othello Desdemona has been cheating on him. Finally, Roderigo enters and complains Iago has taken all him money and wants to leave. Iago assures Roderigo that everything is going according to their plan. Iago tells audience that he will let Othello witness Cassio's suit to Desdemona. 


Character Development - Iago
In this scene, Iago becomes fraudulent and treacherous as he plans to get Cassio drunk, lead him commit a crime, disgrace him, let Desdemona speaks for Cassio and finally convince Othello that Desdemona cheats him. Iago tells Montano that Cassio is unreliable as a lieutenant with a severe drinking problem, which shows his plan of causing Monatano's objection toward Cassio, "He'll watch the horologe a souble set / If drink rock not his cradle." (2.3.135-136). Iago is deceitful as he tells Montano that he wants to help Cassio with his drinking problem, "I do love Cassio well and would do much / To cure him of this evil" (2.3.150-151). We know that Cassio's drunkenness is part of his plan, he wouldn't help Cassio with anything. When Othello comes and asks Iago what happen, Iago pretends to be reluctant to incriminate Cassio by saying that "In opposition bloody. I cannot speak any beginning to this peevish odds." By doing this, Iago wins Othello's trust and makes Othello believes that Cassio fails his responsibility. Othello falls into Iago's trap and dismisses Cassio from his service. It becomes ironic when Othello praises him, "Iago is most honest" (2.3.6), and Cassio also trusts him: "Not tonight, good Iago." (2.3.28). It indirectly shows Iago's dangerous disguise. Iago could use his disguise to make plan and cheat Othello. It is where Iago's character develops, sinister and insidious. 


Interesting Question
Q: What is Cassio thinking in head when he is drunk?
A: " I'm the most honorable man and I'm so proud of my reputation as being the lieutenant of general Othello. Othello's wife, Desdemona, is so pretty and if I can ever win her heart, my life will be perfect. If someone humiliates me about my position, I want to throw away my courtesy and just beat him down.