Act 4 Scene 2

Question 1

Summarise what happens in this scene.

Answer 1

Othello questions Emilia, but refuses to believe her. He confronts Desdemona. Desdemona turns to Iago for reassurance, and Roderigo reproaches Iago for unfair dealing; Iago reassures both.

Question 2

What does water symbolise?

Answer 2

Symbolises purity and innocence, but is also connected to trade and therefore is a symbol of affluence and cosmopolitan culture. The free-flowing water at the start of the play has now become a foul trickle, showing how Othello and Desdemona’s love has been corrupted. Othello’s attitude to love had been debased and he is obsessed with obscene physicality.

Question 3

Complete the quotation: “I durst, my lord…” (Who says this and why is it significant?)

Answer 3

“to wager she is honest, / ….”

Question 4

Complete the quotation: “My lord, what…” (Who says this and why is it significant?)

Answer 4

“what is your will?”

Question 5

Complete the quotation: “the cunning…” (Who says this and why is it significant?)

Answer 5

“whore of Venice.”

Question 6

Complete the quotation: “the fountain from which…” (Who says this and why is it significant?)

Answer 6

“my current runs / Or else dries up … / Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads / To knot and gender in.

Question 7

Define callous.

Answer 7

Unfeeling

Question 8

Define contemptuous.

Answer 8

disgusted, scathing, dismissive