Act 3 Scene 3 Flashcards
summarise what happens in this scene (A3.3)
Desdemona pleads for Cassio, and Othello listens, but Iago causes Othello to doubt. Desdemona loses her handkerchief. Emilia gives it to Iago. Iago claims to have seen Cassio with the handkerchief.
What does the handkerchief symbolise?
A traditional love token and symbolises Othello and Desdemona’s passion. It was also a family heirloom, suggesting Desdemona’s acceptance of Othello’s different background. It becomes a representation of Othello’s jealousy and suspicions of his wife. In some ways, it could represent Desdemona’s body,, which Othello believes has been handled by Cassio.
Complete the quotation: “Whatever you be…”
“I am obedient.” - Desdemona - her loyalty and submission to Othello.
Complete the quotation: “Beware, my lord…”
“of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” - Iago - ironic and manipulation from Iago.
Complete the quotation: “when I love thee…”
“not / Chaos is come again.” - Othello - foreshadowing the turmoil.
Complete the quotation: “I had rather be…”
“a toad / And live upon the vapour of a dungeon / Than keep a corner in the thing I love / For others’ uses.” - Othello - intense sense of betrayal and jealousy.
Complete the quotation: “I’ll tear…”
“ her all to pieces!” - Othello - voices his violent intentions.
Define: credulous
unquestioning
Define: myopic
blind to the truth
Define: conciliatory
trying to make someone less angry
Define: misconstrued
to interpret wrongly
