Iago's "proofs" also rely on the animal imagery which has run throughout the play; he makes Desdemona and Cassio seem like lustful lovers, describing them as "prime as goats, as hot as monkeys" (III.iii.403). Understand every line of Othello. "Some unhatched practice, made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, hath puddled his clear spirit," Desdemona says (III.iv.140-142). Othello says he will humor her, and the subject is dropped for a while. However, Iago refrains from saying very much; "I cannot think it that he would steal away so guilty-like" is the most incriminating thing he says about Cassio. View all Available Themes and Colors Key LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Othello, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. Othello's dialogue includes the pervasive black/white imagery to express his grief and rage at Desdemona's alleged treachery: "My name, that was as fresh as Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face"(III.iii.386-388). Iago knows how important this handkerchief is to Othello; it was his first gift to Desdemona, and was given to him by his mother. New York: Clark & Maynard. Desdemona is undone by her own goodness, and her need to step into affairs on a public level, which upsets Othello. Iago seizes on this opportunity to play on Othello's insecurities, and make Cassio's exit seem guilty and incriminating. Had Desdemona not felt such a sense of justice or been good enough to advocate for a case in which she was not involved, she might have survived. Read a character analysis of Othello, plot summary, and important quotes. He is deeply disturbed, and seems to be questioning and examining her to prove that she really is the harlot he believes her to be; however, he is so bent upon proving her guilty, that he does not consider that these tests mean nothing, or perhaps even exonerate her. Desdemona binds her reputation to Cassio's, to the detriment of them both; she says that if Cassio is wrong, "I have no judgment in an honest face". Othello, Act 3, Scene 4 _____ Explanatory Notes for Act 3, Scene 3. It is based on the story Un Capitano Moro ("A Moorish Captain") by Cinthio, a disciple of Boccaccio, first published in 1565. Othello thinks that the handkerchief, quite literally, is Desdemona's love; and when she has lost it, so has she forsaken his love. O thello by William Shakespeare is a tragic play of jealousy and deceit set in Venice. This simile highlights the skill with which Iago operates. Iago is stirring the deep rooted jealousy and hatred in Othello.He is misleading him into such a state of mind which demands nothing but revenge. Even Hamlet had Polonius and the gravedigger to lighten up certain scenes, but in Othello, there is no relief from the tragedy that unfolds. Othello suspects his wife's language, and Cassio's as well; he is distracted from suspicion of Iago, even though it is Iago's language which has taken away Othello's ability to speak because of overwhelming grief and jealousy. In Act I, Scene I, Iago seems to do a great deal of character analysis and exposition for the audience. Desdemona does not like Othello's tone; he seems obsessed with this object, and Desdemona is so frightened by him that she wishes she had nothing to do with it. Read our modern English translation of this scene. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. Othello Act 4 Summary and Analysis by Shakespeare - In a very cunning manner, Iago plants the notion of infidelity in Othello’s mind. But, Bianca is not disturbed, and leaves with the handkerchief. Cassio then enters, with Iago; he laments that his suit is not successful, and that Othello does not seem likely to take him back. Yet, in the next breath, he says, "tis a good hand"; the juxtaposition of the two statements shows that Othello is trying hard not to betray his disappointment in Desdemona (III.iv.43). Othello study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Othello begins to voice his insecurities when it comes to Desdemona, and himself as well. Act III, scene i: Before the castle. "His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift," Desdemona says of Othello; these paradoxes highlight Desdemona's determination to set things right. Test your knowledge of Soon, Othello begins to doubt his wife, as Iago lets his insinuations gain the force of an accusation against her. The minor comic relief that is present is reminiscent of Feste's wit in Twelfth Night. Act 5, scene 2. "Why do you speak so startlingly and rash?"