Act 4 scene 2

Question 1

What happens in this scene?

Answer 1

Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona’s infidelity.
Desdemona denies her infidelity.
Iago denies Othello’s unusual behaviour.
Roderigo is angry about not having Desdemona still.
Iago convinces Roderigo to kill Cassio.

Question 2

What does Desdemona say to Emilia about Othello?

Answer 2

‘Unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love.’

Question 3

‘Unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love’ Technique

Answer 3

Foreshadowing

Question 4

‘Unkindness may defeat my life but never taint my love’ Meaning

Answer 4

Signifies Desdemona’s withstanding loyalty for Othello regardless of his mistreatment.

Question 5

What does Othello call Desdemona?

Answer 5

‘Cunning whore of Venice.’

Question 6

‘Cunning whore of Venice.’ Technique

Answer 6

Vulgar language

Question 7

‘Cunning whore of Venice.’ Analysis

Answer 7

Emphasis on Othello’s wrath in regard to Desdemona due to Iago’s lies .

Question 8

‘I will be hanged if some eternal villain have not devised this slander.’ Technique

Answer 8

Irony

Question 9

‘I will be hanged if some eternal villain have not devised this slander.’ Analysis

Answer 9

Highlights conflict and Iago’s ability to deceive those around him as Emilia is unaware of her husband’s actions.

Question 10

‘My lord hath so bewhored her’ Analysis

Answer 10

Shows Emilia’s loyalty to Desdemona as she’s willing to stick up for her throughout everything. Presents her as opinionated and feminist intuitions.

Question 11

‘I will be hanged if some cogging, cozening slave to get some office’ Technique

Answer 11

Dramatic irony
Plosives

Question 12

‘I will be hanged if some cogging, cozening slave to get some office’ Analysis

Answer 12

Intelligence is emphasised over her realisation that someone has influenced Othello.