Act 3 Scene 4

Question 1

Summarise what happens in this scene. (A3.4)

Answer 1

Othello is enraged when he asks Desdemona for the handkerchief, but she talks about Cassio. Emilia suggests that Othello is jealous; Desdemona rejects this idea. Cassio finds the handkerchief.

Question 2

What does the monstrous imagery symbolise?

Answer 2

the concept of being monstrous refers to unnatural, deviant or immoral behaviour in the play. Iago refers to his plot as a “monstrous birth” and Othello calls Desdemona’s alleged infidelity “monstrous”. This demonic imagery alludes to complete , unstoppable and almost unspeakable destruction.

Question 3

Complete the quotation: “my noble Moor…”

Answer 3

“Is of true mind, and made of no baseness / As jealous creatures are.” - Desdemona - faith towards Othello + ironic.

Question 4

Complete the quotation: “A young and sweating…”

Answer 4

“devil here that commonly rebels.” - Emilia - her cynical view versus Des’s idealised view.

Question 5

Complete the quotation: “They are all but…”

Answer 5

“stomachs, and we are all but food.” - Emilia - commentary in her view of how badly men treat women.

Question 6

Complete the quotation: “a monster…”

Answer 6

“begot upon itself.” - Emilia - destructive nature of jealousy.

Question 7

Define: cynical.

Answer 7

distrusting, disparaging of others.

Question 8

Define: ensnared.

Answer 8

Catch in or as in a trap