Othello

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have completed Act 4.2-3 of Othello.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over Othello 4.2-3.

• B. Discuss 4.2-3 of Othello. Use the following questions to direct discussion and my answers to evaluate that discussion.

  Scene 4.2

  • 1. In the face of Emilia’s eyewitness testimony concerning Desdemona’s dealings with Cassio, Othello says only, “That’s strange.” Which of the skills that have gained him his high reputation must have departed from him to allow him such a comment?

    Surely he has lost his ability to discern the facts from intelligence reports. If he had the ability to judge character, it has departed from him.

  • 2. What does Desdemona suspect to be the reason for Othello’s wrath?

    She suspects that Othello is angered at being called back to Venice and directs his wrath at her because her father could well have had a voice in Othello’s recall [42 - 47].

  • 3. After Othello berates her and after she sends Emilia to fetch Iago, Desdemona asserts, “‘Tis meet I should be used so, very meet” (107). What do you think she means? What does it reveal about her character at that moment?

    This is an OPEN QUESTION. However, students should be led to see that Desdemona in her innocence may be taking the line of her contemporary society, believing that a wife deserves whatever treatment she receives.

  • 4. What facts does Emilia recall to lie in contrast to Othello’s accusing Desdemona of being a whore? What does that comment reveal about her character at that moment?

    Though Othello calls Desdemona a whore, Emilia reminds Iago that Desdemona turned down many noble suitors and left her father and homeland because she loved Othello more [125 - 127].

    She probably regards Desdemona as Othello’s superior in rank, in breeding, and in character.

  • 5. How is Emilia’s speech in lines 130 - 133 ironic? What do Iago’s and Desdemona’s responses reveal about each of them?

    Her speech is an example of dramatic irony. The audience knows that she is unwittingly speaking of her own husband as “an insinuating rogue.”

    Iago, in an obvious attempt to throw off suspicion, vehemently asserts that no such man can exist [133].

    Desdemona prays that God will forgive any such slanderer [135].

  • 6. How does Emilia explain Iago’s suspicion that she had cuckolded him with Othello? Does her comment shed any new light on our understanding of Iago? Or on Shakespeare’s intentions?

    Emilia asserts that some deceiving rumor-mongerer must have suggested to Iago that Emilia was cheating - though he offered no proof 145 - 147].

    Iago has the power to deceive even his own wife about his purposes and powers.

    Shakespeare may intend this scene to establish a later falling out between Emilia and Iago.

  • 7. Iago has promised Othello to kill Cassio, but at the end of this scene he convinces Roderigo to do the deed. What does this maneuver reveal about Iago’s character? How can you explain Roderigo’s willingness to accept Iago’s plan to murder Cassio?

    Iago prefers to plan and use words while he will use others to carry out the action.

    THIS IS AN OPEN QUESTION. However, students should be led to recall how susceptible Roderigo is to his desire to possess Desdemona.

  Scene 4.3

  • 1. What is the tone of the “Willow Song”?

    The tone of the “Willow Song” is one of resignation and foreboding, of melancholy and disappointment.

  • 2. What is the basic idea behind Emilia’s closing speech?

    Women may cheat on their husbands, but it is their husbands whose actions teach the wives by bad example to do so. Further, she asserts that women are like men in their desires and needs.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Act 5.1-2 of Othello. Complete the corresponding study questions.