Act 4 scene 3

Question 1

What happens in this scene?

Answer 1

Emilia is ordered to help Desdemona prepare for bed.
Desdemona sings willow.
Desdemona asks Emilia if she would commit adultery.
Emilia responds that women cheat because of their husbands and Desdemona dismisses her.

Question 2

What does Desdemona say she wants to be wrapped in?

Answer 2

‘If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of those same sheets’

Question 3

‘If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of those same sheets’ Technique

Answer 3

Foreshadowing

Question 4

‘If I do die before thee, prithee shroud me in one of those same sheets’ Analysis

Answer 4

Indicates her dedication to her marriage as she wishes to die enclosed by it.

Question 5

Why does Emilia say she would cheat?

Answer 5

‘Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?’

Question 6

‘Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch?’ Meaning

Answer 6

Underlying commitment Emilia withholds since she would cheat in order to benefit Iago.

Question 7

What does Desdemona say about cheating on Othello?

Answer 7

‘Beshrew me, if I would so such a wrong for the whole world’

Question 8

‘Beshrew me, if I would so such a wrong for the whole world’ Meaning

Answer 8

Implies a naivety as she is unable to resonate with Emilia and instead discards any dishonesty.

Question 9

What does Emilia say about marriage?

Answer 9

‘the ills we do, their ills instruct us so.’

Question 10

‘the ills we do, their ills instruct us so.’ Meaning

Answer 10

Significant as it equalises the genders suggesting men can be blamed for women’s unhappiness.