act 3 scene 3 study questions

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

Desdemona agrees to help Cassio because she believes he truly ''does love my lord' and that he is an 'honest fellow'.       

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."?

By this, Iago refers to the fact that Cassio and Desdemona are talking privately. By saying ' i like that not' it would plant an idea and paranoia into Othello's head about the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. This would then aid his plan when attempting to convince Othello about Desdemona and Cassio's disloyalty.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

Othello's response to this is ' O misery'. This reply from Othello portrays the

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

because it would have been seen as common knowledge by Venetian men that the women of venice are disloyal,  more so than anywhere else. this would therefore ensure that Desdemona fits the stereotype which would make it more believable to Othello as a result. 

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago echoes brabantios warning to othello from act 1 when he refers back to when 'he thought 'twas witchcraft'. he does this while attempting to convince him of desdemonas disloyalty as it reminds him of the fact that she was disloyal to her father by marrying othello so it should not surprise him if it as to happen again.

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an imposrtant piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?

Emilia thinks that her husband, Iago, will use the napkin as a romantic gesture to her as Othello did to Desdemona. this would motivate her due to the fact that Iago is not very interested in her sexually or as a wife, therefore she would crave the type of relationship Othello and Desdemona have which she thinks she can replicate by being given 'that same handkerchief'.

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Iago explains his plan once he has the handkerchief which is 'in Cassio's lodgings lose this napkin and let him find it' which would as a result will prove as a 'confirmation' and 'as proofs of holy writ'. this would therefore be included in the 'ocular' proof of Desdemona's disloyalty which Othello has demanded from Iago.

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

What is Iago's final 'proof'?

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?

in this scene, Othello's language switches often as he goes from being the dominant one in the conversation, to only replying with one word or a short sentence.