Act 4 Flashcards
Summary of Act 4
- Othello becomes increasingly suspicious of Desdemona’s faithfulness due to Iago’s manipulations.Othello’s jealousy intensifies
- Desdemona is caught in the middle of Othello’s suspicions and Iago’s schemes.
- The act showcases Othello’s descent into torment and distrust.
- Emilia unwittingly plays a role in Iago’s plans, unknowingly contributing to the unfolding tragedy.
“Zounds,that’s fulsome”
- Othello says this in A4/S1
- Othello is expressing his disgust at Desdemona’s infidelity
- The interjection, “Zounds” contextually used a sort of swear word , this would have come as shocking to audiences who are used to a more calm nature from Othello.
The exclamative is reflective of Iago’s influence over Othello and the extent of his manipulation
“Pish!Noses,ears and lips”
“Confess! Handkerchief”
- Othello A4/S1
- This would have been acted on stage with an increasing level of irrational violence and distress
- The range of body parts reflect the quick pace in which is mind is working
- The progress of Othello’s language throughout his speech becomes increasingly chaotic, his exemplify his psychological disintegration
- Shakespeare’s use of prose in this case is reflective of a lack of organisation in Othello’s speech
- the use of exclamation marks reflect the irregularity of Othello’s speech
Stage Direction: He falls into Trance
- SIGNIFICANT SCENE: A4/S1
- Shakespeare initially presents Othello as authoritative, calm and a strong military leader.
- In this scene however, he is made a mockery Othello of.
- The Noun “Trance” implies a lack of awareness and conscious signifying Othello’s huge loss of control and complete psychological and physical vulnerability . Many critics view the trance as an epileptic episode, however metaphorically it represents the level of control Iago has exerted over Othello.
- Visually, the scene of Iago stood over Othello while he is in this Trance, its powerful in depicting the reversal of power and a complete power imbalance.
How is Act 4 Scene 1 a turning point in Othello ?
- movement from the private sphere to the public sphere
- movement from verbal attacks to physical violence
“Work on, Medicine work!”
- Iago A4/S1
- Iago has successfully infiltrated Othello’s mind and manipulated him into jealous , just as he said he would
- The repetition of the imperative verb “work” reflects Iago’s level of power and efficiency
- The noun medicine is a metaphor for Iago’s lies
“I will Chop her into messes”
“Get me some poison”
- Othello A4/S1
- Othello Imagines the dismembering of her body , which is an image of complete and utter violence, uncontrolled
- The emphasis on the noun “messes” expresses Othello’s complete lack of care in hiding her murder
- The image of “poison” is a key motif within the play, for example it is the poison of Iago’s lies that have effectively led to this point.
“Devil”
Stage Direction: He strikes her
- A4/S1
- ## The act of striking Desdemona publicly reveals the extent of Othello’s transformation from a composed and noble general to a man consumed by jealousy and rage.
“Cunning whore of Venice”
- Othello A4/S2
- Historical Venice was related to sexual freedom , therefore there was a stereotype around Venetian women that they were disloyal and promiscuous.
Othello aligns Desdemona this historical stereotype in Act , and uses it to justify his behaviour and his beliefs
“We must not now displease him”
- A4/S3
- Desdemona is becoming increasingly submissive to her husband, ( Marilyn French)
The Significance of the Willow scene
As Desdemona sings the mournful “Willow Song,” she expresses a sense of foreboding and sorrow, highlighting her innocence and resignation in the face of impending doom. The scene contrasts Desdemona’s idealistic and submissive views on marriage with Emilia’s pragmatic and critical perspective, emphasizing the injustices faced by women in a patriarchal society. This emotionally poignant moment deepens the audience’s sympathy for Desdemona and underscores the tragic trajectory of the play.
“Tell me , Emilia, that there be women do abuse their husbands in such gross kind”
This question sets up a stark contrast between Desdemona’s idealistic view of marital fidelity and Emilia’s more pragmatic and worldly perspective.
This supports her innocence and moral purity, as she cannot imagine behaving in such a way herself.
