This is in part due to his technique much like with Cassio earlier his demeanour makes him plausible, as Othello returns angry but is calmed and appeased due to Iago’s declared allegiance to him. Once again appearance does not reflect reality and when this is viewed by someone as single-minded as Othello, it is even more effective this is an important part of how the play will progress towards its conclusion.ĭeception: Again Iago manages to deceive another without concrete evidence or proof of what he is saying. The ease at which Othello finds difficulty in their marriage contrasts sorely with earlier declarations of the strength of his love, such as when he declares ‘Perdition catch my soul/ But I do love thee, and when I love thee not,/ Chaos is come again’ this serves to show how the marriage is not as strong as Othello presents it.Īppearance and reality: While Othello believes Cassio’s possession of the handkerchief is ‘occular proof’ of Desdemona’s betrayal, this is not the case. Othello needs to be able to trust Desdemona, which he no longer can as he she has lost the handkerchief which he believes is indicative of her lack of love. Later, when there is the slightest suggestion of her being unfaithful Othello immediately seizes on this he admits that he is only given doubt by Iago, ‘be once in doubt/ Is once to be resolved’ but this is enough to create a divide. However, Othello does not respect her wife for having independence or strength in her convictions rather he is troubled by her requests, which seem a chore to fulfil. Here there is the first true conversation Desdemona and Othello have previously Desdemona has interjected into events and discussions without having much influence, whereas here she asserts her presence. Love: The scene suggests that the love between Desdemona and Othello is not steadfast as was suggested earlier. Iago kneels with him and as he pledges allegiance to this cause is appointed lieutenant by Othello. Despite asserting that this was only a dream, Iago then remarks that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with a handkerchief which was Othello’s first gift to Desdemona this enrages Othello who vows to heaven that he will enact revenge on Cassio and his wife. Iago says this is impossible but reveals that while sharing a bed with Cassio that he kissed Iago, called out Desdemona’s name and warpped his leg around Iago’s thigh. Iago then plans to frame Cassio by planting the handkerchief in his room but is interrupted in this thought by a returning Othello, who is angered by the previous accustations and demands proof of Desdemona and Cassio engaging in sexual activity. As the two leave Emilia notes that it is the handkerchief her husband wanted her to steal, ‘This was her first remembrance from the Moor,/ My wayward husband hat a hundred times/ Wooed me to steal it’ which Iago is delighted by. Desdemona and Emilia then enter to go to dinner but Othello announces he has a pain in his head when Desdemona attempts to put a handkerchief to his forehead he pushes it away and it drops to the ground. In response Othello commands Iago to have Emilia keep watch on Desdemona and despite Iago’s attempts to lessen the weight of his accusations Othello believes he has lost his wife due to his age, race and lack of manners, lamenting ‘Haply for I am black/ And have not those soft parts of conversation/ That chamberers have or for I am declined/ Into the vale of years – yet that’s not much -/ She’s gone’. Iago suggests hypocrisy and adultery on Cassio’s part when he is asked if he believes Cassio to be honest, and when pressed warns Othello to watch his wife closely when Cassio is in her presence. Left alone, Iago suggests that Cassio and Desdemona had an affair while Cassio acted as a messenger for the two during the time Othello courted his wife. Desdemona criticizes such procrastination but he assures her he will do anything she wishes, and that he wishes to be left alone. Iago declares that Cassio would not act akin to one who is guilty, while Desdemona once more argues Cassio’s case, which causes Othello to agree to meet with him at an unspecified time. He soon enters, and Cassio departs as he is too nervous to argue his case suitably. Desdemona assures Cassio that she will do everything possible to regain favor with Othello.
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