Iago is making insinuations about the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio before Othello.
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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.
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