Othello Quotes Act 3

‘I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest’

Act 3 Scene 1 Cassio:

- Cassio who is from Florence says that even though Iago is from Venice he is more kind and honest than any one he has ever met in Florence.

- Cassio has not been to bed , he is very stressed about regaining his position , he is very concerned for his reputation and is wasting no time trying to speak with Desdemona

- he has sent word to Emilia hoping that she might be able to arrange a meeting with Desdemona

- Iago has just met him and left. Iago encourages him in his efforts to get his position through Desdemona's help, has sympathised with Cassio and told him he will send his wife Emilia down to him.

- dramatic irony created at the extent that Iago has been able to decieve so many characters. ( Roderigo/ Montano / Othello / Cassio ) He has fooled every one , the audience watch helplessly incapable of stopping the inevitable events to come.

'The general and his wife are talking of it, And she speaks for you stoutly'......'But he protests he loves you and needs no suitor other than his liking to take the saf'st occasion by the front to bring you in again'

Emilia 3.1

- Emilia does as she is told by Iago but is kept in the dark by him

- Emilia tells Cassio that Desdemona and Othello have already spoken about him. She lets him know that Desdemona has spoken strongly in his favour but that Othello has said because Montano is an important figure in Cyprus that Othello cannot restore/ reinstate him immediately. She reassured him that Othello has said that he has great respect and affection for Cassio and that he intends to reappoint him at the earliest appropriate opportunity.

- we get the impression that Desdemona may speak to Othello about anything as an equal and that he listens carefully to her advice.

'Yet I beseech you ......give me advantage of some brief discourse ' With Desdamona alone'

Cassio 3.1

- this should please and satisfy Cassio but he is desperate and impatient to be restored as soon as possible

- he begs Emilia to arrange a brief chat with Desdemona.

'Well, my good lord, I'll do't'

Act 3 Scene 2 Iago

- Iago takes Othello away to inspect the fortifications so that Desdemona may talk to Cassio in private

- his plan is to bring Othello back before they are finished so that he can hint that their meeting is suspicious.

- as Othello organises the islands defences we wonder if he has strong enough personal defences against the attack that the malevolent and manipulative Iago has planned and is about to launch. He is unaware of the enemy within.

- The audience have been accustomed to the powerful Iago as he has increasingly dominated the script with his soliloquies and dialogues, however here it is clear that Iago is subservient and below Othello.

- This dynamic of a confident and commanding Othello and Iago following his instructions will be reversed.

‘O that's an honest fellow’

Desdamona 3.3

- Desdemona is talking with Cassio in the garden about his dismissal and his hope that Desdemona will speak on his behalf and encourage Othello to reinstate him.

- Emilia has just said that Iago wishes for Cassio's reinstatement as if it were his own personal cause.

- more dramatic irony - Desdemona says that Iago is an honest, loyal and well meaning friend.

- Iago has a reputation for honesty , he has fooled and deceived everyone as to his true nature. This is an important reason for the fact that Othello believes him in this scene.

'Before Emilia here I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee,

If I do vow a friendship I'll perform it

To the last article'

Desdemona 3.3

- promises Cassio that she will get Cassio reappointed, she guarantees it

- she says that she when she makes a promise to a friend she will do make sure that she delivers in her promise

- loyal, generous, selfless and caring

"My lord shall never rest

I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience His bed shall be his school, his board a shrift"

"I'll intermingle everything he does with Cassio's suit"

"Thy solicitor shall rather die than give away thy cause away"

Act 3 Scene 3 Desdemona:

- Desdemona reassures the anxious Cassio. She shows kindness and concern. She promises she will be relentless in pleading with Othello to restore him to his position and favour. She will harry and pester him always and everywhere. She expects that he will have to listen to her.

- Desdemona obviously feels she has the power and freedom to speak up and assert her views in the marriage. She is spirited and independent minded. She asserts herself as much as possible within the sexist world of Elizabethan England and Othello has approved of this.

'Ha! I like not that" Iago

'What dost thou say ' Othello

"Nothing my lord; or if - I know not what"Iago

'Was that not Cassio parted from my wife?' Othello

"No, sure I cannot think that he would steal away so guilty-like" Iago

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago and Othello

- Othello and Iago enter as Cassio is talking with Desdemona. Cassio is embarrassed and ashamed and prefers to avoid Othello at the moment and leaves.

- Iago seizes the moment to begin planting seeds of suspicion and suggesting indirectly that Othello should worry about what Cassio was doing with Desdemona. He makes vague hints at first. He is careful to draw Othello in slowly and not to say anything too clearly. He wants to give the impression that he is reluctant to share his thoughts, that he is a well meaning friend who does not want to believe his fears or cause Othello any suffering. He wants to strike the pose of the well meaning friend who is a reluctant truth teller.

- he uses insinuation and innuendo at first to imply things without stating anything directly.

- he does not want to appear a trouble maker who enjoys bad mouthing others and spreading gossip and bad news.

- This is the turning point of the play, often known as the scene of temptation. His use of the words "Guilty" and "steal" to describe how Cassio left creates negative images of the behavior between Desdemona and Cassio in Othello's mind. This follows the seed of doubt that has been planted with the deceptively simple opening line above.

- His pauses and hesitations are expressions of feelings too powerful or disturbing to reveal.

'Not now sweet Desdemona. Some other time.'

Othello 3.3

- as soon as Desdemona sees Othello she bombards him with requests to call Cassio back and reinstate him. She advocates strongly on his behalf and says he is a good friend who made a mistake , that he is not 'cunning.

- she says that if he is not a true friend to Othello then she is a poor judge of character. The irony is that everyone including her is a bad judge of Iago;s character.

- Othello tries to evade her relentless requests and says they will discuss it another time, he is reluctant to discuss it now.

- 'Shall't be tonight at supper?'

- 'tomorrow dinner/then ?'

- 'why then tomorrow night , or Tuesday morn, on Tuesday noon, or night, on Wednesday morn....... But let it not exceed three days'

Desdemona 3.3

- is true to her promise to Cassio, she pesters and harasses him and will not let the issue lie. She does this out of a genuine care for others and a desire to help where she can. But it plays right into Iago's hands.

- she is determined that Othello will arrange a meeting with Cassio.

- Iago had predicted she would make a big issue out of it because of her enthusiastically generous, caring and generous nature and in act 2 scene 1 he said ' I'll pour this poison into othello's ear/ that she repeals him for her body's lust'

- Iago is about to start pouring his poison in Othello's ear and the more she protests and argues on Cassio's behalf the more she plays into Iago's plans.

" I will deny thee nothing! Whereon, I do beseech thee, Grant me this, to leave me but a little to myself."

Othello 3.3

- Othello is a little weary of, and annoyed by , Desdemona's continued questions about Cassio , he tells her he will do her will , and arrange a meeting with Cassio but at a later date if only she can do something for him and stop pleading on Cassio's behalf and give him some time to himself.

- Desdemona has a lot of say even on matters of military appointment.

‘Whate'er you be I am obedient.’

Desdemona 3.3

- this again emphasises how although Desdemona is quite assertive and independent by Elizabethan standards and expectations of women , she does fulfil the role of dutiful wife who recognised her husband's authority and that she will be humble and obedient when Othello wills it.

- Othello does allow Desdemona a lot of freedom to speak and assert her will up to this point , both live in a world where the man in a relationship ultimately expects to have power and control over his wife.

"Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee, and when I love thee not, chaos is come again"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

- Othello expresses his deep love for Desdemona in this exclamation. The word "perdition," means Hell, Othello is saying that even if he were to be damned to hell for loving her he could not and would not stop loving her.

- chaos is a state of instability when you do not feel safe. Desdemona rescued him from the chaos of feeling excluded and negatively judged by a racist society. It also represents a destructive force such as the storm in act 2. Iago is going to unleash a storm of destructive passion in Othello's mind and life by making him doubt that Desdemona loves him and is loyal to him.

- The reference to chaos that would engulf his mind and life if he were to fall out of love with her suggests his love for her and trust in her love for him have saved him from an empty and lost life and that he might lose his mind were to lose her. It suggests an extremity of emotion and the extent to which his happiness and peace of mind are dependent on his relationship with Desdemona. It hints at the potential for a violent emotional reaction we're he to lose Desdemona or fall out of love with her. This quote suggests she has become central to his sense of peace and happiness , because of how important she is to his sense of self if he were to doubt their love it will cause an extreme emotional reaction.

- The chaos he suffered from before he met her might have been the chaos he felt due to being an outsider and not feeling he belonged , and being a target for racist abuse and insults and gossip. He was rescued from such chaos by Desdemona , she made him feel accepted and at peace. He fears losing Desdemona and feeling lost and loveless once again.

- The importance of the relationship to him means that any fears of losing Desdemona may provoke an extreme reaction within him. He is vulnerable to destructive passions should he suspect he may lose her.

'But for a satisfaction of my thought,

No further harm.'

Iago 3.3

- Iago has asked if Cassio met with Desdemona alone while Othello was courting her.

- when Othello says yes and asks why Iago wants to know Iago answers by saying that he is just curious.

- his statements are leading and loaded and designed to rouse Othello suspicions and curiosity.

- he pretends to not want to discuss his thoughts further to create the impression that he is reluctant to share mere suspicions as he wants to save Othello from hurt. This is to make him appear more honest and trustworthy.

- this lets him slowly provoke Othello's jealousy while pretending to be a well meaning friend rather than a trouble maker.

'I did not think he had been acquainted with her' Iago

'O yes and went between us often' Othello

'Indeed' Iago

' Indeed? Ay indeed. Discern' st thou aught in that ?

Is he not honest ? Othello

'Honest, my lord?' Iago

3.3c

- Iago says very little but his words are loaded and suggestive

- his questions and comments set Othello wondering

- the simple word indeed ( really ) puts a sinister slant on the connection between Desdemona and Cassio and any time they have spent together in the past and present without saying anything concrete or directly

- by repeating back othello's question and not giving a straight answer he alarms Othello

- he does not want to say anything too clearly until he is sure that he is trusted and that Othello is taking the bait. It would be dangerous for him if he accused Desdemona of infidelity and he was not believed. He is moving his plan forward cautiously and carefully.

- the audience cannot help but fascinated by his evil genius, he is a master manipulator and actor.

'Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that?

Is he not honest?'

Othello 3.3

"Honest, my lord?" "Think, my lord?"

Iago 3.3

- when Othello asks if Iago thinks Cassio is honest and what Iago thinks about him Iago responds by repeating the question he was asked to avoid answering.

- The repetitions, use of hesitations and withholding of information is designed to provoke impatience and suspicious imaginings in Othello's minsd.

- Othello's response to people withholding information after the brawl in act 2 scene 3 showed that he cannot stand uncertainty and not knowing who he can trust. Iago is playing on this weakness and knows if he can provoke strong emotion in Othello that it can make him unreasonable.

- this shows the extent of Iago's villainy and his ability to read people and play upon their characteristics to his own ends.

"Think, my lord?" Alas, thou echo'st me

As if there were some monster in thy thought

Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something.

I heard thee say even now thou lik'st not that

When Cassio left my wife. What didst not like?

And when I told thee he was of my counsel

Of my whole course of wooing, thou cried'st "Indeed?"

And didst contract and purse thy brow together

As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain

Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me

Show me thy thought.

Othello 3.3

- Othello demands to know Iago's thoughts

He says that he seems to be hiding his thoughts because they are so disturbing and dreadful 'some monster ........too hideous to be shown' 'some horrible conceit'

"My lord, you know I love you"b

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago:

- From this dialogue the reader can assume that Iago has Othello completely fooled on the nature of their relationship. Iago loathes Othello and only intends to manipulate him for selfish purposes, but wears a mask of loyalty , affection and respect.

- before Iago starts to suggest things more directly he is careful to play the role of the well meaning friend and make clear he is not a malicious trouble maker.

- Othello is not inclined to suspect him or distrust his motives.

- he wants to make sure that Othello feels he is speaking out of concerned friendship.

- he knows Othello is too trusting and he can take advantage of this fact.

"I know thou'rt full of love and honesty and weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath comes from goodness'

Othello 3.3

- Othello says that since he knows Iago is an honest friend who has only the best of intentions he is worried by his reluctance to share

- he says that were Iago a villain such hesitation would be a trick

- iago's widespread reputation for honesty protects him from suspicion

- also Othello is too trusting and naive

"For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest."

Iago 3.3

- Iago pretends to be reluctant to think or talk negatively about Cassio

- he suggests that Cassio can be trusted but also hints at doubts

"Men should be what they seem"

' why then I think Casio's an honest man'

Iago 3.3

- he hints at the fact that you cannot trust how people appear

- this suggests that although Cassio appears honest he may not be

- dramatic irony audience knows that Iago is not what he seems to be to Othello

- he says if men are what they appear to be then Cassio is honest and Othello has no reason to worry but he has reason to doubt if he is honest.

'Give thy worst of thoughts the worst of words'

Othello 3.3

- Othello demands that Iago speak openly and directly of his thoughts and suspicions.

- Iago has made Othello feel like he is having to force him to speak.

"I am not bound to that all slaves are free to . Utter my thoughts? Why say they are vile and false'

Iago 3.

- when Othello demands that he share his thoughts Iago refuses saying that even slaves cannot be forced to share all their thoughts and they are disgusting.

- he also says he does not want to risk sharing untrue fears and suspicions.

"As, I confess, it is my nature's plague / To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy / Shapes faults that are not."

Iago 3.3

- Iago says he has a bad tendency to suspect people and see the worst in them.

- this is probably true , he uses it as an excuse not to share his thoughts as he is not certain he is right and does not want to cause Othello pain unnecessarily

- by playing the part of reluctant truth teller he hopes he will be believed more easily and not suspected of malice ( trouble making) or mischief ( causing problems for others )

'It were not for your quiet nor your good, nor for my manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know my thoughts.'

Iago 3.3

- Iago says it would be unwise to tell Othello as it would disturb his peace of mind and he does not want to do that.

- he plays the role of protector, well meaning friend and reluctant truth teller.

- this is a well rehearsed role , he uses it to cover and hide his real motivation.

‘Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls.’

Iago 3.3

- Iago then says reputation and good name are the most important things in life

- by mentioning it he indirectly hints that something is happening that will tarnish and stain Othello's reputation

- he knows Othello is a proud man who cares deeply about his public image that was hard won by his accomplishments as a soldier and his character traits of leadership and authority that have earned him grudging respect in an often hostile and racist society.

- he is saying that Othello should take care to protect his reputation

- he is sowing seeds of ideas to make him paranoid, he is planting into Othello's head the idea that he should be concerned about his reputation without saying anything concrete.

- Iago begins to open Othello's mind up to jealousy by making him fear for his reputation. He knows once the seeds take root they will feed on his doubts and insecurities and jealousy will consume his mind and reason. An unfaithful wife was regarded as a sign that the husband had a weak character or failed authority.

- Shakespeare is suggesting here that male sexual jealousy is often an anxious product of their fear that they will be humiliated and dishonoured by a woman who is unfaithful. In Elizabethan times an unfaithful wife was seen as a reflection of lost male authority.

'By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts.'

Othello 3.3

- this warning that Othello might have to fight to protect his reputation makes Othello more determined that Iago should tell him what he thinks or has heard.

"O beware my lord, of jealousy: it is the green eyed monster that doth mock the meat it feeds on"

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago:

- Othello demands to know what Iago is thinking

- Iago evades the question and instead warns Othello about jealousy

- telling him not to be jealous he knows will make only make Othello more suspicions and think about reasons why he might be jealous.

- jealousy is personified as a monster that sickens the mind and warps how you see the world , drives people to do foolish things and consumes their mind and thoughts completely in a destructive way. The word green suggests it is an illness of the mind and the link to eyes suggests how it distorts and warps people's view of the world. It causes you to see things that are not there. The word "mock ' suggests jealousy turns people into fools. And the image of jealousy feeding on people suggests it eats them up

- this reminds us of Iago's soliloquy in Act 2 scene 1 where he said jealousy was a 'poisoned mineral that gnaws my innards'

- it seems Iago has experienced a lot of jealously in his life - in fact jealousy is motivating all his actions to harm Othello and others in this scene.

- his warning about jealousy is not genuine though , he mentions jealousy to encourage Othello to think he must know reasons why Othello might become jealous.

'The cuckold lives in bliss who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger'

Iago 3.3

- Iago follows his warning against jealousy by saying that a man whose wife cheats on him ( a cuckold) can only be happy if he does not love his wife

- he is saying it is better not to love an unfaithful wife that causes great jealousy , and he has said he fears that Othello may become jealous

- he is leading Othello to fear that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio without stating it directly

"O misery!"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

- This plaintive wail emphasis the inner turmoil growing in Othello's mind as he is becoming unsure of what to believe. The audience is soon losing sight of the self-assured and confident man and warrior they were aware of at the beginning of the play. The tragic loss of identity is starting to begin here.

-Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy .......No, to be once in doubt is once to be resolved? I'll see before I doubt , when doubt prove

- Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fairy feeds well, loves company '

Othello 3.3

- Othello tries to resist any jealous feelings at first, he says he is not someone who would live with jealousy.

- he says he will not doubt his wife without seeing a reason to do so

- if he feels any doubt he would take action to discover the truth for certain

- Othello makes clear that he cannot stand doubt or uncertainty and will take action to avoid such feelings.

- he says that he has no reason to doubt Desdemona even though she is beautiful and sociable

- " Nor from my weak merits will I draw The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt. For she had eyes and chose me"

- " No Iago, I'll see before I doubt; when i doubt, prove '

'Away at once with love or jealousy '

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

- it seems as if Othello is rising above the feelings of jealousy that Iago is trying to provoke /incite within him,

- he says that he has no doubts about his worth as a partner to Desdemona

- he says even if he has faults Desdemona choose him so he trusts her

- but the fact that he mentions his 'weak merits' suggests he is insecure about whether he is worthy of Desdemona.

- he says that when he feels any doubts he will seek out proof and if Desdemona is proven true he will feel no jealousy but if she be proven false he will feel no more love and then he will feel no jealousy either.

- another weakness of Othello that Iago will manipulate is his need for certainty. Here we see that Othello cannot stand to be uncertain , he must know something certainly and immediately. This may make him rash and prone to act too quickly. He might have a tendency to seek certainty quickly in order to avoid living in a state of doubt.

'I am glad of it ....show the love and duty ....with franker spirit'

'I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio.'

'I would not have your free and noble nature out of self bounty be abused '

Iago 3.3

- Iago realises he has to say more as Othello has resisted his attempts to inflame jealousy in his heart.

- he sows further doubts by playing on Othello's weaknesses

- he says he should neither be jealous nor overly trusting but should just watch Desdemona with Cassio

'I know our country disposition well. In Venice they do let god see the pranks they dare not show their husbands '

Iago 3.3

- Iago plays his first trump card - he points out that Othello is an outsider who does not understand the society of Venice well. He tells Othello that in Venice women are well known for cheating on their husbands and hiding it from them. He is saying that Venetian women are promiscuous and unfaithful.

- he plays on Othello's inexperience of love and of Venice to make him fear most women in Venice cheat on their husbands.

- in act 1 scene 3 Othello admitted he was ignorant of the world outside of the army and campaigns 'And little of this great world can I speak,

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle...'

- he is a master of the battlefield but an innocent of the social world. This makes him vulnerable to Iago's manipulations.

"She did deceive her father marrying you" Iago

'And so she did" Othello

'She that so young could give out such a seeming,

To seek her father's eyes up close as oak.'

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago and Othello respectively:

- this is Iago's second trump card

- Iago subtly gives some proof of Desdemona's ability to deceive and mislead men.

- he points out that she hid her true intentions and her actions from her father and was able to have a relationship with Othello behind her father's back.

- Othello is listening intently to Iago and this is encouragement to him to continue.

- Iago then states that her father was blinded to her actions by her ability to fool and trick him. He is suggesting that she may be doing the same to Othello.

- having suggested that Women from Venice are unfaithful he gives Othello a reason not to trust Desdemona. He says her appearance may be deceptive.

' But I am much to blame. I humbly do beseech you of your pardon for too much loving you'

Iago 3.3

- Iago pretends to regret sharing his thoughts.

"I am bound to thee forever"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello

- Othello thanks Iago and says that he appreciates his honesty

- the use of the word 'bound ' suggests he is becoming tied to Iago who is gaining control and power over him. He is now snared and trapped in his web of deceit and lies.

- Once again this highlights Othello's loss of identity and reliance on Iago as he loses faith in Desdemona he loses faith in his own judgement , the independent and confident war hero that the audience were introduced to at the beginning of the play is lost.

'I see this hath a little dashed your spirits'

'My lord, I see you're moved ' Iago

'Not a jot , not a jot'

'No not much moved , I do not think but Desdemona's honest' Othello

Iago

Othello 3.3

- Iago points out that Othello seems shaken and depressed , by stating this he hopes to strengthen these feelings in him

- Othello tries to hold on to his self control and composure

- he tries to remember his trust and faith in Desdemona.

'And yet, how nature erring from itself'

Othello 3.3

- but he can't get Iago's last point out of his mind , he is thinking about Desdemona rebelled against her father and how she hid her true self from him.

‘Ay, there's the point: as--to be bold with you--

Not to affect many proposed matches

Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,

Whereto we see in all things nature tends--

Foh! one may smell in such a will most rank,

Foul disproportion thoughts unnatural.

But pardon me;

though I may fear

Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,

May fall to match you with her country forms

And happily repent.’

Iago to Othello 3.3

- Iago interrupts Othello and seizes on the word 'unnatural ' to suggest there' was something "unnatural" ( strange and unusual ) about Desdemona deciding to marry a black man instead of a man who was of "her own clime, complexion, and degree" (a.k.a. a European man, especially a man from same social class in Venice ).

- he is playing on Othello's insecurities about whether he is a fit and suitable match for Desdemona.

- He is suggesting a reason why Desdemona would seek out someone more suitable and more like herself.

- Iago plays on Othello's fears about his status as a black Moor. Iago says Desdemona will eventually change her mind or "repent" about being with him, a man not of her race, culture or age and will leave Othello for such a man instead.

- Notice Othello doesn't disagree with any of this. It seems Othello's already beginning to believe that Desdemona is or will be unfaithful to him because 1) she's promiscuous and 2) untrustworthy and 3) Othello is a black man, and therefore not good enough for Desdemona. Iago has put these ideas in his head. None of what Iago has to say is true.

"Set on thy wife to observe"

Othello 3.3

- Othello sends Iago away s him to get his his wife Emilia to spy on Desdemona for him.

- othello's trust in Desdemona is shaken , fears and suspicions are growing in his mind

- Iago has planted ideas and suspicions and doubts in his mind very successfully

This decision to have Desdemona spied on is a far cry from the open and straightforward general we met in act 1.

- he is becoming confused , uneasy, alarmed and anxious and as he depends more on Iago his behaviour and language become more like his.

‘This honest creature doubtless sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.’

Othello soliloquy 3.3

- Othello has instructed Iago to tell Emilia to spy on Desdemona and report to him

- just after Iago has left he says to himself that Iago knows much more than he reveal and is 'honest'

- he is right about the first second point but wrong about the first.

'Yet, if you please to hold him off a while ..note if your lady strain his entertainment with any strong or vehement importunity. Much will be seen in that.'

Iago 3.3

- Iago comes back and advises Othello not to reinstate Cassio for a while and just watch to see how Desdemona acts

- he knows that while Cassio is not restored to his post that Desdemona ad more strongly for him and this will seem suspicious to a jealous mind.

'Fear not my government.'

Othello 3.3

- Iago before he leaves again he asks Othello to consider Desdemona innocent and to assume that he , Iago, is wrong in fearing she has been unfaithful. He does this to make it look he is innocent of any wish to cause trouble. He says his suspicions may be false or wrong a number of times. He does not want to be seen as aggressively arguing against Desdemona.

- Othello says he will do nothing rash or hasty.

‘This fellow's of exceeding honesty,/ And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit,/ Of human dealings.’

Othello ( soliloquy 3.3)

- Othello is correct that Iago has a keen understanding of human psychology

- but he is not honest

- he uses this understanding to manipulate others , he acts deceitfully in pursuit of his own self interest

"Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation....or for I am declined into the vale of years'

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello soliloquy

: As soon as doubt of Desdemona's infidelity start to form from the seeds Iago has planted,.

- We see that jealousy grows from fears and insecurities and it deepens these fears.

- Othello loses his sense of security and begins to be affected by the racial prejudices he had previously shrugged off. His feelings reflect the racist society that he lives in and the audience is left to feel pathos towards the pitiful Othello.

- his insecurities rise up in him , he is fretful and paranoid

- he is plagued by self loathing and doubts about himself and Desdemona .

He lists his possible faults that might lead Desdemona to want betray him and looks for reasons why D might seek out another man - he is black, unsophisticated ( because he is an outsider ) and older than she is

- we see how jealousy makes people increasingly insecure and paranoid.

- he may have internalised the racist assumption that an interracial marriage is wrong and that he is unsophisticated because of his race and outsider status and because of this he was an unsuitable and unworthy match. Iago plays on these insecurities to make him doubt whether Desdemona can really love him and the relationship can last.

"She's gone. I am abused and my relief must be to loathe her"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello

- as Othello begins to doubt himself and how well he knows Desdemona he is overcome by a strong feeling of certainty that he has been betrayed and that he will hate Desdemona from this moment on.

- jealousy takes over the mind and forms into unproven certainty and then leads to anger and hate.

- this anger and hate will compete with his remaining , buried love for control of his mind and actions.

‘O curse of marriage,

That we can call these delicate creatures ours

And not their appetites!’

Othello 3.3 (soliloquy )

- As jealousy grows within him he begins to think like Iago, he feels that all women and wives are driven by lust and cannot be trusted to be faithful.

- we see how jealousy warps a person's mind.

- it suggests that although Othello has treated Desdemona well and as an equal he also think of women as a male possession. He is possessive of Desdemona/

‘if she be false, o then heaven mocks itself; i'll not believe it’

Othello 3.3

- Desdemona enters with Emilia and his lodge for her and faith in her returns

- from this moment on his mind switch's and alternates between love and hate

- his former confidence in her 'my faith upon her life ' 1.3 to her father has been replaced by confusion. He is always torn now between his love and the fears and hate that Iago has planted.

- he tells her he has a headache and she tries to tie her handkerchief around his head but she drops it

- they then leave for dinner , Emilia is left behind

"This was her first remembrance from the Moor. My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it."

Emilia 3.3

- Emilia picks up the handkerchief

‘I am glad I have found this napkin.

This was her first remembrance from the Moor.

My wayward husband hath a hundred times

Wooed me to steal it. But she so loves the token

(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)

That she reserves it evermore about her

To kiss and talk to.’

Emilia 3.3

- Emilia picks up the handkerchief

- it was the first gift Othello ever gave to Desdemona

- Iago has asked her to steal it for him many times ( he knows it's importance)

- she loves it and often kisses it and talks to it - it represents her love for Othello

- Othello made her promise to always keep it with her - it is a symbol of their love and loyalty to one another

"I nothing but to please his fantasy"

Act 3 Scene 3

- Emilia decides to give get the handkerchief copied so that she can give it to Iago

- even though he treats her badly she believes it is her duty to obey and please him

- she wants to win his favour

- Her subservience reflect the obedience of all women in the play to their male counterparts.

- Society puts women under pressure to serve their husbands and follow their will. Men have all the power in relationships.

- she has been conditioned by a patriarchal , sexist world.

'Do not you chide. I have a thing for you '

Emilia 3.3

- when Iago enters snaps at her in his usual manner. He also calls her a 'foolish wife'

- He mistreats and speaks rudely to Emilia and considers her to be beneath him. In this scene even though she helps him get something he deeply desires he is still dismissive and disrespectful.

- Emilia offers the handkerchief in the hope that it will win her his approval and positive attention.

‘Why what is that to you ?’

Iago 3.3

- Iago is pleased and takes the handkerchief from her

- when she asks why he wants it he rudely tells her she has no need to know that

- he speaks to her in an abrupt , rude and Curt manner

- unlike Othello he is not open with his wife and does not treat her as an equal in any way

‘If it be not for some purpose of import, give't me again. Poor lady, she'll run mad when she shall lack it.’

Emilia 3.3

- Emilia does not want to cause Desdemona pain

- she regrets giving it to Iago and asks for it back unless he needs if for some important reason.

- Iago refuses and orders her to keep the fact that she gave it to him a secret , he then rudely commands her ' Go leave me'

- Emilia , in order to try to be a virtuous wife, will order.

"I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin and let him find it"

' Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ'

"The Moor already changes with my poison"

'Dangerous conceits ...burn like the mines of sulphur'

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago soliloquy

- Iago reveals his plan to put the handkerchief in Cassio's room so that he finds it , when Othello discovers that he has it he believes it will strengthen his suspicious and jealousy and act as proof that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio.

- he says that to the jealous mind small things can seem like unarguable proof of their worst fears and imaginings.

- he states that the Othello's mood has already beentransformed by the growing jealousy within him. He hopes that the if Othello believes Desdemona has given Cassio her handkerchief that Othello gifted her it will completely convince that she has been unfaithful and this will cause him great pain and drive him mad.

- he says jealous fears and doubts burn in a jealous mind like the fires of hell, jealousy makes a person suffer like they are in hell, this also connects Iago to demons and the devil by infernal imagery.

‘Nothing 'shall ever medicine there to that sweet sleep

Which thou ow'st yesterday'

Iago 3.3 ( aside - to himself)

- he can see that Othello's mind is disturbed and tormented by jealous fears

- he gloats that Othello will never have a peaceful nights sleep again

- he takes pleasure in causing conflict within people, disturbing their peace of mind and causing them to suffer.

'Thou has set me on the rack'

'Cassio's kisses on her lips'

'The general camp ...had tasted her sweet body'

'O now for ever Farewell the tranquil mind!"

"Farewell content , farewell the plumed troops and the big wars ......and all quality, pride, pomp and circumstance of war.....farewell othello's occupation gone.'

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

Othello returns and is now distraught and raving angry. He is furious and is speech is frantic and fevered. He is losing all self control.

- he feels tortured and tormented by his doubts and suspicions and jealousy and fears that Desdemona is unfaithful. ( a rack was a torture device ) He is suffering great pain and anguish.

- It highlights his hamartia ( tragic flaw) of jumping to quick conclusions when he doubts loyalty or feels jealous.

- he feels he has lost everything and his life has lost its meaning and all his achievements mean nothing.

- He fears Desdemona's infidelity would ruin his reputation and his authority as a general. It would destroy his ability to lead as no one would respect him anymore. He cries out that his 'occupation' is gone and all his hard won accomplishments are now meaningless. He believes the loss of Desdemona would mean he has lost the right to respect and his honour.

- Furthermore, the repetition of "Farewell" highlights the continuing loss of his sense of self for Othello.

- this reminds us of his earlier words when he said that when he felt his love for Desdemona was lost that he would feel a sense of chaos. His mind is breaking down and disintegrating under the pressure of jealousy.

- the calm, composed, content and confident man in love has been replaced by a maddened, angry, out of control jealous man convinced he has been betrayed.

- he is tortured by images in his mind of Desdemona cheating with Cassio and other men.

'Villain be sure thou prove my love a wh'ore. Give me the ocular proof or by the worth of my eternal souls thou hads't been better been born a dog than answer my naked wrath'

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

- Othello grabs Iago by the throat and threatens him aggressively. He is full of violent and savage intensity and has lost all self control. He is unrecognisable from the man who showed calm self control under pressure in Act 1 scene 2 and 3.

- he demands 'ocular proof' which means physical evidence he can see. He says that if Iago cannot produce such evidence he will punish Iago severely.

- Iago is in danger here. He has to produce physical evidence to support all his false accusations or possibly die.

- what follows is not physically 'ocular' at all, but a play on Othello's fevered imagination.

- othello's desperate need and haste to be certain means he is likely to believe or imperfect weak proofs

- 'God buy you, take mine office '

- 'O monstrous world , take note, take note, o world. To be direct and honest is not safe'

- 'I'll love no friend , with love breeds such offence'

Iago 3.3

- Iago offers to resign his post.

- he says it is 'monstrous' and unfair that a loyal friend who speaks honestly only out of concern and care should be so badly threatened.

- Othello backs down and tells him that he wants him to remain honest with him

"I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou are just, and think thou art not, I'll have some proof. My name that was a fresh as dian visage, is now befriend and black as mine own face.'

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello

- Othello does not know what to believe as he last pulled between two different versions of reality lie before him. He is not sure what to believe. He demands proof.

- This is one of the most important passages in the play. When Othello suspects that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio (she's not, by the way), he suggests that his "name," or his reputation, is now soiled and "begrimed" because of his wife's supposed infidelity. (This idea, that a wife's fidelity to her husband can make or break a man's good reputation is pretty common in Shakespeare's plays. )

By saying his reputation will be soiled like the colour of his face he suggests that he is ashamed of his race and has been made to feel inferior because of it.

- his reputation and name is very important to him.

Othello has quickly fallen into a state of great disturbance, confusion and uncertainty shown through is anxious speech.

‘I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied ?’

Othello 3.3

- Othello cannot endure or live with uncertainty , he finds the uncertainty of not knowing whether D has been cheating on him worse than the reality.

"I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion"

Iago 3.3

- comment on the extreme passion of jealousy that is consuming Othello

- he is in the grip of an excessive and overwhelmingly strong emotion that unbalances his calm , rational self.

- he is now passions slave

- his mind is warped and hijacked by jealousy.

'But how satisfied ? Would you grossly gape on and behold her topped'

'It is impossible you should see this, were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys'

Iago 3.3

- using coarse and crude language Iago wonders if he would want to see the proof of Desdemona having sex with Cassio

- he says that even if they were as lust crazed as goats or monkeys they would not be so careless as to selves to be caught in the act.

- the language and imagery that Iago uses is designed to drive Othello into a stronger -passionate rage that leads him to act

- he knows that if Othello is enraged and consumed by he is capable of violence

- he wants Othello to kill Desdemona and Cassio - if they live on his plot and lies will eventually be found out.

"In sleep I heard him say sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our love""

" and then cry , 'cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!' Iago

Act 3 Scene 3 Iago:

- Iago responds to Othello's demand for visible proof with a new lie and circumstantial, unverifiable evidence.

- he tells him that he shared a room with Cassio and that in his sleep Cassio said 'sweet Desdemona and that should hide their love'

- he says that Cassio kissed him in his sleep thinking he was Desdemona and and cursed the fact that she married Othello.

- , overcome by jealousy, Othello accepts this proof. Notice also that Othello immediately thinks of killing Desdemona.

"O monstrous, monstrous!"

"I'll tear her all to pieces"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello: Very brutal and destructive language is being used here by Othello, as it can be seen to mirror Iago's own destructive language that we have seen previously in the play. The use of the word "tear" highlights Othello's own capacity for aggression and violence when he is consumed by mind disturbing and warping jealousy.

- his language gets more broken and shorter as his mind disintegrates under the pressure of jealousy.

' And this may help to thicken other proofs that do demonstrate thinly '

Iago 3.3

- Iago says that all his ' proofs ' seem slight by themselves when added up together are strong evidence and very convincing.

- the reference to 'thin' proofs links back to 1.3 when the Duke allowed Othello to answer his accusers and having carefully weighed up the evidence he said the proofs against Othello were 'thin' , meaning they did not prove anything

'but such a handkerchief-, I am sure it was your wife's - did I today/ See Cassio wipe his beard with.....

It speaks against her with the other proofs'

Iago 3.3

- Iago saves his strongest card until the very end, when Othello is already in agony in the grip of strong jealousy, he calculates it will have the strongest impact and and destroy all remaining faith he has in Desdemona's live and loyalty.

- he tells Othello that he saw Cassio using a handkerchief that he has seen Desdemona with today.

"Now do I see 'Tis true.....

All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven.

'Tis gone.

Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!

Yield up , o love , your tiny crown and hearted throne to tyrannous hate.'

"O blood blood blood"

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello:

- any doubts Othello had now disappear. He is now certain in his mind that Desdemona has betrayed him. handkerchief symbolises their love and was a treasured gift. If she gave it away to Cassio it shows that she cares for him no more.

- he says he lives Desdemona no more and dedicates himself to revenge.

- his language matches Iago's language from earlier in the play as he refer to hell , it shows Iago's evil influence is now dominating his mind.

- he says his love has turned to hate and that it now rules his mind and will guide his actions.

- he demands blood , his anger drives him to demand violent revenge.

- broken speech replaces his previous eloquence and reflects his unstable , unbalanced mind.

"Even so my bloody thoughts with violent pace

Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love"

''A capable and wide revenge'

Othello 3.3

- he compares his 'bloody thoughts' to a strong sea current that can only move forward to its destination which in this case is revenge. Othello is saying he is now convinced and determined to take action. He has shown before that he is from and decisive.

- but he has an absolute side to his character , once he has decided on a course of action he cannot reconsider or turn back.

- the tragic death of Desdemona now seems inevitable

- Othello wants a violent revenge - he has lost all self control and restraint - he is consumed by a destructive passion that overwhelms his reason. He is very different to the calm, composed general of 1.2 who would not be provoked into unnecessary violence. He agreed that the matter should be properly investigated. Here he gets caught up in and carried away by an extreme and destructive passion.

"He kneels" "They rise"

"Heaven" "Vow" "Engage"

Othello was kneeling when he dedicated himself to bloody and violent revenge

- He has vowed himself to this course of action

- Iago now kneels and swears to support Othello in his revenge.

- They act out a ceremony similar to marriage and vow to each other , this moment involves the use of words that belong in a marriage ceremony.

- Iago has now replaced Desdemona as the most important person to Othello. He trusts him completely and no longer trusts Desdemona. He is now married in spirit to Iago.

- Iago has degraded, corrupted and debased Othello's noble mind and nature.

- Othello has been snared in his web of deceit and lies and false and cynical suspicions.

‘I greet thy love,

Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous,

And will upon the instant put thee to't:

Within these three days let me hear thee say

That Cassio's not alive.’

Othello 3.3

- uses Iago absolutely and believes he is looking out for his best interests.

- Iago has sworn to serve the 'wronged' Othello who now instructs him to kill Cassio within three days.

"My friend is dead"

Act 3 Scene 3

- Iago eagerly agrees to kill Cassio for Othello.

‘Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her! Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.’

Othello 3.3 to Iago at end of scene

- Othello curses Desdemona and calls her a lustful and cunning flirt.

- Othello's language begins to become coarse and vulgar, misogynistic and full of diabolical imagery just like Iago's. This shows Iago's influence and dominance over his mind and how he has poisoned his thinking and understanding.

- he says he is now going to plan how he will kill Desdemona himself.

- he promotes Iago to Lieutenant as a reward for his loyalty and service.

- he has been transformed from a noble minded, contented and composed man into someone consumed by jealousy and a desire for violent revenge.

‘I am your own forever’

Iago 3.3 to Othello

- Iago now dominates Othello's mind and has corrupted and poisoned his thoughts and feelings .

- this suggest Othello will now be controlled by him.

'Where should I lose the handkerchief, Emilia ? '

'I know not madam'

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona as Emilia predicted is beside herself at the loss of the handkerchief, it is very precious to her and she is worried about it.

- Emilia lies and hides the truth from Desdemona as she was ordered to by Iago

- she has a misguided loyalty to her husband but follows the conventions of the culture which requires a wife to obey her husband.

- if Emilia shared what she knew in this moment the tragic events that will unfold would not happen.

- she will later stand by and say nothing even though Othello demands the handkerchief , get very angry and talk about the terrible consequences that will follow if the handkerchief is lost.

- this might be due to the order Iago gave her. Or her fear of consequences for him and her. She also does not suspect her husband of using it for bad purposes. She has faith in him as an honest friend to others. We know this from how shocked she is when Othello tells her in 5.2 that Iago believed that Desdemona was cheating on him with Cassio. She is stunned and does not want to believe it.

'But my noble Moor is true of mind and made of no such baseness as jealous creatures are'

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona has an idealistic view of Othello , she believes him to be pure minded and high minded and incapable of negative emotions like jealousy.

- she does not believe that he will react badly to the loss of the handkerchief.

- she says if he were a 'jealous creature' she would fear he might suffer from 'ill thinking' about the loss of such a significant , sentimental and important gift.

"Well, my good lady. [Aside.] O, hardness to dissemble!"

'This hand is moist my lady'

Othello 3.4

- Othello enters and addresses her very formally but politely.

- he is trying to pretend that all is normal but finds it difficult.

- a moist hand was seen as a sign of a lustful person, so when Othello says her hand is moist he is accusing her of being lustful

"It hath yet felt no age or known no sorrow"

Act 3 Scene 4 Desdemona:

- Desdemona answers that it is just a sign that she is young and innocent.

‘For here's a young and sweating devil here , That commonly rebels. Tis a good hand , a frank one'

Othello 3.4

- Othello goes on to say that her hand tells him that she is a young immoral person who feel lust and is unfaithful He says the hand is honest and truthful.

' I cannot speak of this , come now your promise'

'I have sent to bid Cassio come and speak with you '

' I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me , Lend me thy handkerchief',

Desdemona

Othello 3.4

- Desdemona is confused by Othello's vague accusations and changes the subject. She reminds Othello of his promise to meet with Cassio that he made in 3.4 and says that she has sent for Cassio to come so they may talk.

- at the mention of Cassio Othello demands her handkerchief .

'But if she lost it or made a gift of it , my father's eye should hold her loathed'

'To lose' this were such perdition , As nothing else could match',

Othello 3.4

- Desdemona tells him that she does not have it with her

- Othello then tells her that it was given to his mother by an Egyptian witch and that it has magical properties. His mother was told if she lost it her husband would hate her and it would lead to dreadful, dire and disastrous consequences.

- for Othello the handkerchief symbolises their love. If Desdemona has lost the handkerchief or given it away he has lost her and her love and she has lost him.

- it would mean the loss of life and fidelity

‘Why do you speak so startingly and rash?’

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona is shocked by how rudely and strangely Othello is speaking to her and his agitated state of mind.

'Is it lost? Is'tngone? Speak, is' this out o' the way?'

Othello 3.4

- Desdemona is shocked and worried by Othello's speech and warnings about the handkerchief , she is tongue tied and does not know what to say as she can see that Othello is anxious and on edge.

- her delay in answering him makes Othello impatient and more demanding.

- 'heaven bless us

- It is not lost , but what an if it were ?'

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona panics and lies as Othello's manner has frightened her. She says it is not lost but asks him what he would do if it were lost.

- Othello's suspicions are confirmed by her failure to produce the envelope. For him her ability to produce tot for him is a test of her love.

'This is a trick to put me from my suit , pray you let Cassio be received again'

'I pray talk me of Cassio'

Fetch me the handkerchief!" "The handkerchief!" "Zounds!"

Act 3 Scene 4 Othello:

- Desdemona tries to change the subject of the conversation back to Cassio's reinstatement.

- This enrages Othello further and makes him demand the handkerchief more strongly.

- Othello and Desdemona clash as they each insist that they talk about something the other wants to ignore. The back and forth shows the breakdown of communication between them and how they are no longer in harmony or 'well tuned'. Iago has achieved his goal of ruining their relationship and putting them out of tune. ( 2.1)

- Othellos' short and increasingly aggressive repetition of the word "Handkerchief" show the fragmentation of his mind and his obsessive suspicion and fear. can be seen as highly comical, as his reaction highly contrasts the try meaning of the object.

- Othello storms off in a fit of jealous rage.

‘Is not this man jealous ?’

Emilia 3.4

- Emilia immediately senses that Othello is jealous. It is possible she abs had lots of experience dealing with iago's jealousy.

"They are all but stomachs and we are all but food They eat us hungrily and when they are full, they belch us"

Act 3 Scene 4 Emilia:

- she has a negative , unflattering and cynical view of men.

- she suggests in this quote that men use women to satisfy their appetites but when they have had enough of them they lose interest and cast them aside.

- this may be how she feels about how she is treated bu Iago who shows her little love , affection or attention. When they find reason to, they often "belch" (vomit) or rudely expel women from their lives. In other words, men can't be trusted to be kind or even rational.

- Emilia is warning Desdemona that Othello, like all men, need not be trusted to behave well and treat her well all the time.

‘My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him, were he in favor as in humor altered’

Desdemona 3.4

- Cassio arrives with Iago who has been telling her to keep begging Desdemona to act on his behalf.

- Cassio pleads with her to use her influence to have him reinstated quickly.

- Desdemona in her reply says that Othello is not behaving like himself and that if his face changed as much as his personality has she would not recognise him.

- Othello is transformed for the worse by jealousy.

'What I can do I will, and more I will

Than for myself I dare. Let that suffice you'

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona asks Cassio to be patient

- she tells him that she is doing as much as she possibly can and that she is doing more to help him that she would even do for herself.

- we see Desdemona's generous , caring and selfless nature again.

"Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon/When it hath blown his ranks into the air/And, like a devil, from his very arm/Puffed his own brother."

Iago 3.4

- Iago pretends to be shocked to hear Othello was acting in an angry manner

- but he reminds us this is very unusual and untypical behaviour for Othello.

- he usually remains calm and composed even in the middle of the death and destruction of battle.

- Iago also says this to make Desdemona more worried , he lives to cause others pain.

- Iago leaves promising to find out why Othello is angry , he pretends to be concerned for Desdemona and wanting to help her.

- 'something sure of state ....hath puddled his clear spirit

- We must think men are not gods, nor of them look for such observancy as fits the bridal'

Desdemona 3.4

- Desdemona tries to find excuses for his angry outbursts, accusation, annoyance and anger.

- she tries to explain away his behaviour and forgive him.

- she suggests that some political problem has stressed him out and darkened and contaminated his mood and spirit.

- we see her love for Othello here. She gives hi, the benefit of the doubt.

- ‘I was - unhandsome warrior as I am - arraigning his unkindness with my soul’

Desdemona 3.4

- she criticises herself for judging him harshly.

- she says that women should not expect their men to be perfect always.

'Pray heaven it be state matters and no jealous toy concerning you' Emilia

'Alas the day I never gave him the cause" Desdemona

Act 3 Scene 4 Emilia and Desdemona

- Emilia is not so sure that Othello is angered by state business. She says that she hopes Desdemona is right and she prays that Othello is not jealous for any silly reason.

- Desdemona replies that Othello has no reason to be jealous.

‘But jealous souls will not be answered so.

They are not ever jealous for the cause,

But jealous for they're jealous. It is a monster

Begot upon itself, born on itself.’

Emilia 3.4

- Emilia seems to understand jealousy well. She says jealous people see reasons to be jealous just because they are jealous. She calls jealousy a monster just as Iago did and says it feeds a jealous mind becomes a monster that produces more reasons to be jealous.

- it twists how you see things and makes you see things that are not there.

- the echoes of some of Iago's thoughts and suggest they have discussed jealousy together because he has jealously imagined she has been unfaithful to him.

"Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind"

Desdemona 3.4

- she prays to heaven that Othello is not consumed by Jealousy.

- heavenly and religious imagery associated with Desdemona .

'O Cassio, whence came this ? This is some token from a newer friend. To the felt absence now I feel a cause'

Bianca 3.4

- Desdemona and Emilia have left and Bianca comes looking for Cassio

- she is unhappy that he has not visited her for 7 days since she is in love with him.

-she is a lower class woman and a prostitute.

- Cassio is at first polite and apologetic.

- He gives her the Desdemona's handkerchief which he found in his room a little while age. He says he likes th embroidery and wants Bianca to copy the design.

- this makes Bianca think that he got it as a present from another woman.

- she is feeling insecure and jealous and we see agin how jealous feelings make people imagine things that do not exist and see evidence of cheating where there is none.

"Go to, woman! Throw your vile guesses into the devil's teeth!"

'Take it , and do't , and leave me for this time'

Cassio to Bianca Act 3 Scene 4 :

- Cassio is quite rude with Bianca. He tells her to be quiet and orders her to do as he says and leave him immediately.

- The powerlessness of women is continually shown throughout the play as all three of the female characters have been shown to either be physically or verbally abused by their male counterparts. Here, Cassio is depicted as cruelly attacking Bianca for merely voicing her opinion and asking a question of him. His anger at this shown through his imperative "Go to" reflects the common belief in 17th century England that women must - bit her love for Cassio is genuine and honest so she follows his instruction.