tragic aspects act 3

Question 1

tragic villany

Answer 1

ago continues to strive to produce the effects of honesty. However, his words and shifts are calculated to inspire jealousy. Notice, also, that until this moment, Othello has always been honest. Now, to protect his own honour, he lies and says that he is not jealous. Jealousy is a “green-eyed” monster because it takes you over and causes you to see what is not there.

Yet again, Iago is most deceitful precisely in the moments in which he pretends to be most moderate. And, once again, he follows a moment of backing off with an insinuation calculated to drive Othello still madder with jealousy—all carefully staged

Yet again, Iago is most deceitful precisely in the moments in which he pretends to be most moderate. And, once again, he follows a moment of backing off with an insinuation calculated to drive Othello still madder with jealousy—all carefully staged. “Patience, I say: your mind may perhaps change”

Question 2

prejudice/misjudgement

Answer 2

Othello yet again exhibits his trust in Iago. Such trust shows Othello’s honour, yet also highlights how this good trait makes him vulnerable he is to Iago’s machinations
“These letters give, Iago, to the pilot” (3.2)

The handkerchief is a symbol of Othello and Desdemona’s love. Notice that it is Othello, now jealous, who says it is too small and lets it fall. Meanwhile, despite being misused by her own husband, Emilia nonetheless remains eager to please him. Emilia’s making a copy of the handkerchief echoes her husband’s diligently producing illusions.

The sudden shift from the wrongly jealousy Othello at the end of the last scene to Desdemona emphasises just how innocent and virtuous she actually is.
‘[enter Desdemona] (3.4

Question 3

treatment of women

Answer 3

Othello’s sudden curtness to Desdemona may indicate that he is already suspicious of her, just from seeing Cassio rush away. For her part, Desdemona insists on her obedience to him as a virtuous wife.
“some other time”,
“No, not tonight” (3.3)

Bianca’s jealousy of Cassio provides a contrast for the jealousy that Othello feels for Desdemona—demonstrating that women are also subject to the jealousy that Emilia, earlier in this scene, attributes only to men. Bianca also serves as a contrast to Desdemona: Bianca is whore, while Desdemona’s virtuous wife. But the depiction of Bianca as a jealous woman who truly cares for Cassio complicates the contrast(3.4) [he gives her Desdemona’s Handkerchief

Question 4

fate

Answer 4

Desdemona, who showed independence resisting her father’s anger in 1.1, here proves herself willing to take an independent political stand against her husband. Iago once again manages to plant a seed of doubt in another person’s mind without seeming to mean to. Subversion of patriarchy is tragic, and she can’t escape her gender role
“I’ll perform it to the last article” (3.3)