Act 3

Question 1

Quote: What is arranged by Cassio that adds to Iago’s plan in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 1

Cassio asks Emilia to arrange for him to talk to Desdemona “alone”. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to great effect in this scene - the audience knows that Iago will use the meeting between Cassio and Desdemona to convince Othello that they are having an affair.

Question 2

What is the biggest turning point of the play?

Answer 2

Act 3, Scene 3

Question 3

Quote: How does Othello describe Iago?

Answer 3

Othello describes him as a man of “exceeding honesty”.

Question 4

Quote: How does Emilia describe Iago persuading her?

Answer 4

“hath a hundred times / Wooed [her] to steal it.”

Question 5

Quote: How does Iago echo Brabantio?

Answer 5

Iago warns Othello that Desdemona “did deceive her father, marrying you”

Question 6

Quote: Iago plaining suspicious thoughts in Othello’s mind.

Answer 6

Iago uses leading questions such as “Did Michael Cassio… know of your love?” To imply that Othello should be suspicious of Cassio and Desdemona.

Question 7

How many times are honest / honesty used in Act 3, Scene 3?

Answer 7

20

Question 8

Quote: How is Othello’s confusion highlighted?

Answer 8

He tells Iago “I think my wife be honest, and think she is not.” His indecision shows that he is no longer able to tell appearance from reality.

Question 9

What is “honest” associated with?

Answer 9

The word “honest” was also associated with a lack of sophistication. Iago is often called honest, implying he is socially inferior - his resentment may help to explain his actions.

Question 10

Quote: How does Othello feel towards Iago’s suggestions at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 3?

Answer 10

“if [Desdemona] be false…/ I’ll not believe’t.”

Question 11

Quote: How does Othello feel towards Iago’s suggestions at the end of Act 3, Scene 3?

Answer 11

“prove my love a whore”

Question 12

How does Othello’s language change?

Answer 12

Iago’s influence over Othello is evident in Othello’s changing language. In previous scenes, Othello’s language is measured and controlled, but in this scene it begins to deteriorate and reflect Iago’s own vocabulary.

Question 13

Quote: Othello’s change in speech pattern.

Answer 13

Othello’s previous eloquent and lengthy speeches become short exclamations like “O misery!” In this scene, Othello allows Iago to make longer speeches which shows Iago is becoming more dominant.

Question 14

Quote: Othello’s misogynistic language.

Answer 14

He calls Desdemona a “lewd minx” and “fair devil”.

Question 15

Quote: Othello’s violent language.

Answer 15

“I’ll tear her all to pieces!” And he begins to curse: “O damn her, damn her!” Which echoes Iago’s references to hell.

Question 16

Quote: Othello describing Desdemona’s appearance.

Answer 16

Desdemona’s “name… is now begrimed and black” - this shows how he sees her as corrupted and blackened, suggesting he has absorbed Iago’s racist ideas.

Question 17

Quote: What does Iago compare his jealousy to?

Answer 17

“poisons” which, with manipulation, “burn like the mines of sulphur”. He suggests that once jealous thoughts have been planted, they are very difficult to get rid of.
“Mines of sulphur” is a euphemism for hell, continuing the motif of damnation that runs throughout the play.

Question 18

Quote: Othello describing his heart.

Answer 18

Othello calls on hate to replace love in his heart, and acknowledges that his heart is “of aspics tongues” - an asp is a venomous snake - Othello’s heart is full of poison.

Question 19

Quote: What metaphor is used ti describe jealousy?

Answer 19

A “monster”, implying that it is unnatural and evil. This is reflected in the portrayal of jealousy as all-consuming - Othello is “eaten up” by it.

Question 20

Quote: What was the handkerchief to Desdemona?

Answer 20

The handkerchief was Desdemona’s “first remembrance” from Othello so it represents their relationship and her loyalty to him. When she loses it, Othello believes she has also lost her chastity.

Question 21

Quote: How many times did Iago ask Emilia to steal the handkerchief and what was the intention for it?

Answer 21

“a hundred times” and a few lines later he reveals he will plant it “in Cassio’s lodgings.”

Question 22

Quote: What does Othello requite to prove his wife’s infidelity?

Answer 22

Othello will accept Cassio’s possession of the handkerchief as the “ocular proof” he needs to believe that Desdemona is unfaithful.

Question 23

Quote: Why does Emilia steal the handkerchief off Iago?

Answer 23

“I nothing, but to please his fantasy”. This shows how she believes her role is to please her husband, even though he treats her badly.

Question 24

Quote: How does Desdemona prove her loyalty to Othello?

Answer 24

Desdemona also feels a “duty” to her husband, saying “I am obedient.”

Question 25

Quote: Shakespeare highlights how Iago’s plan is inevitable.

Answer 25

Shakespeare uses images of the sea to increase the feeling of inevitability.
Othello compares himself to an ocean current whose “compulsive course” is unstoppable.
He compares his feelings to the tide, showing that live is in retreat. He says he “shall ne’er look back.”

Question 26

Quote: How does Desdemona now view her marriage?

Answer 26

Her “advocation is not now in tune” which indicates a shift from Iago’s earlier observation that they are “well tuned”. He has already succeeded in destroying the harmony of their relationship.

Question 27

Quote: What word is repeated by Iago in Act 3, Scene 4 to show his delight at his plan’s success?

Answer 27

“angry”

Question 28

What is significant about Iago inAct. 3, Scene 4?

Answer 28

He only speaks 3 times in the whole scene but although he says little, he still controls the events - having planted doubt in Othello’s mind, he sits back and watches the results.

Question 29

Quote: How does Othello describe the handkerchief?

Answer 29

He claims that “there’s magic in the web of it.” - the word “web”, links the handkerchief to the “web” of Iago’s plot.

Question 30

What is Bianca’s role in the play?

Answer 30

As a courtesan, Bianca is a foil to Desdemona. Despite her independent profession, she is submissive to men, just like the other women. She obeys Cassio when he sends her away.