Othello Quotes Act 3, 4 and 5

A5S2, Positives emerging

"Cassio rules in Cyprus"- Cassio's promotion. Only character who ends Othello on a high. Most powerful of all characters, entrusted in Iago's punishment. Reversal of power. But, is Cassio just as flawed and human as Othello? Cyclical structure- catastrophe will repeat.

A5S1, Iago's aside

"I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense"- Roderigo is Iago's puppet. "Now whether he kill Cassio, or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, every way makes my gain"- depths of Iago's depravity. Willing to trick people into attacking each other to serve his own ends. Caesura- fear and doubt in his own plans. Are his intentions clear in his own mind? Villain of anarchy.

A5S2, Desdemona as a tragic victim

"I hope you will not kill me"- either believes their love will convince him- sadly mistaken. Or is she accepting her fate? "I will so"- obedient, passive. Compare to feisty in A1s3 and confrontational in A2S1. "A guiltless death I die"- innocence, preserving Othello's dignity. "Commend me to my kind lord" . 1. All-consuming love for Othello. 2. Kind lord= God. Dying as a Christian- not blaming someone else.

A5S2, Emilia standing up as an autonomous female, protecting Desdemona.

"I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak"- standing up to her husband. "Tis proper I obey him but not now". Repetition of lie "A wicked lie!"- link to epithet of 'honest'. Trying to rewrite the perception of Iago. "O more the angel she, and you the black devil!" "If he say so, may his pernicious soul rot half a grain a day!He lies to th'heart". "I will speak as liberal as the north"- freely and bitterly as the north winds.

A5S1, Othello's professed admiration for Iago

"Iago keeps his word" "O brave Iago, honest and just"

A5S1, Roderigo's anagnorisis

"O damned Iago! O inhuman dog"- first person to recognise Iago as the villain.

A5S2, Othello's anagnorisis

"O fool! Fool ! Fool!" "Of one that loved not wisely, but too well"- pathetic, foolish= downfall. "Of one whose hand, like the base Indian, threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe". 1. Pearl= Desdemona. Ignored the value of his jewels. 2. Viewed by Europeans as inferior. Othello 'othering himself' in an attempt to justify his actions. So, can we sympathise with him here? is this anagnorisis or his last moments of self-deception?

A5S2, Emilia's death

"O, lay me by my mistress' side"- although she asks to be laid on the bed, it is never noted that this happens. Is she just left on the floor, whilst men talk about Othello and ignore her? "I will play the swan and die in music"- swan= Emilia. Mute until death. "Willow, willow, willow"- symbolic of dishonoured women who suffer at the hands of men. Refrain of A4S3.

A5S1, Emilia's treatment of Bianca

"Oh fie upon thee strumpet"- cursing at Bianca. Bianca: "but of life as honest as you that thus abuse me". Demonstrates that women do entertain gender prejudices/stereotypes against other women.

A5S2, Othello's soliloquy showing him as torn.

"Put out the light, and then put out the light"- euphemism of killing his wife. The extended metaphor of the different lights he intends to extinguish is measured, philosophical, that of a rational man set on a wrong line of reasoning by deception. Image of Desdemona as a rose he will pluck and "cannot give vital growth again". Sorrow of a jealous lover, destroying what he loves rather than sharing it.

A3S4 Emilia: "They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, they belch us"

Astute- recognises the male mind. Negative view of Othello/men in general. TREATMENT OF WOMEN- metaphor to express relationship between men and women. Feminist critics underscored Desdemona's initial independence and Emilia's eventual strength, and outlined the ways both women- as well as Bianca- were constrained by the male character's patriarchal suppositions.

A3S4, Bianca. "This is some token from a newer friend. "

Bianca's jealousy demonstrates that women are also subject to the jealousy that Emilia attributes only to men. Bianca= contrast to Desdemona. Bianca a *****, while virtuous wife is Desdemona. But the depiction of Bianca as a jealous woman who truly cares for Cassio complicates this. Bianca= the issue of patriarchal stereotypes. She is patronised by others, e.g. Iago, Emilia and Cassio. Labelled as a sex worker due to the insinuation of a w/c woman as sexually promiscuous. But never does anything which solicits sex.

A4S3, Emilia as a proto-feminist.

Blames female infidelity on male behaviour- cynical view of marriage. "Say they slack their duties/ and pour our treasures into foreign laps"- men cheat first. "Throwing restraint upon us"- criticising excessive male power. Feminist critics outline the way both women were constrained by the male character's patriarchal suppositions. Early modern England's preoccupation with cuckoldry demonstrates a basic male insecurity about women's sexuality.

A4S2, Desdemona "Upon my knees, what doth your speech import"

Bowing down to her husband. Naive/ignorant?

A5S2- Cassio's promotion to Governor of Cyprus

Initially appears satisfactory with his promotion completing the cycle of promotion and demotion present in the tragedy, indicating a sense of restored order by the end. His politeness shows restraint and strength of character, "Dear general, I never gave you cause" which allows the audience to perceive that he would make a good leader, and to prevent tragedy from reoccurring. BUT it is clear that Cassio is not innocent, and so it appears unfair that sexist and drunk Cassio is rewarded whilst innocent Desdemona is killed. His promotion represents Venetian acceptance of such patriarchal contempts. By installing a flawed but good of heart leader, the tragedy is cyclical, with Cassio taking position as tragic hero, implying there will be no escape from tragedy and death.

A4S2, Tragic flaw

Desdemona continues to assert her loyalty to Othello, "Be not a strumpet" but her protest only stands to feed his anger, "impudent strumpet". Othello's flaw of jealousy is feeding on itself.

A4S3, Tragic victim/ blindness

Desdemona is blind to her situation- unaware of the true consequences. "tell me Emilia. That there be such women who do abuse their husbands in such a gross kind"- display of incredible virtue and faithfullness. Proves her innocence/naivety. Scene ends- "Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend"- Eager to learn. Heightens sympathy as she is tragically ignorant of Othello's actions and her impending death.

Summary of A3S4

Desdemona is determined to advance Cassio's suit, only to be confronted about her handkerchief. When she tells him she doesn't have it, Othello offers a lengthy explanation of its origins and importance. Losing it, would break the spell of love. When Othello exits, Cassio arrives to plead further with Desdemona. She tells him she is trying but her husband was out of sorts. They speculate about what is going on with Othello, wondering aout the cause of his sudden jealousy and anger. At the end of the scene, we learn that Cassio has found the handkerchief in his chamber and asks his lover, Bianca, to copy the stitching on it.

A3S4 Emilia: about jealousy, "It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself"

Jealousy is inborn, warps Othello's vision. Clear contrast between E and Desd- Emilia is more wordly and less idealistic. Semantic parallelism- same imagery as Iago- "green monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on".

A3S4 Othello: "This hand is moist my lady" "Argues fruitfulness and liberal heart"

Hinting at Desd as lustful and sexually promiscuous. Clear that Othello is using any excuse to justify his jealousy.

A5S1, Summary

Iago sets up Roderigo to ambush Cassio, hiding so he can help if he needs to. Roderigo attacks Cassio which ends with Cassio wounding Roderigo, and Iago (unseen) wounds Cassio. Othello hears this and sees this as a sign of "brave Iago, honest and just" has killed Cassio, and heads to kill Desdemona. Gratiano and Lodovico enter, with Iago who enters with a light to help find them, pretending he has just arrived from bed. Iago kills Roderigo. Bianca enters and Iago blames her due to her relations with Cassio. Iago tells Emilia to go and tell Othello what has happened.

A3S3, Othello: "I have a pain upon my forehead here"

Iago's 'poisons' have made him physically ill. Foreshadows his physical collapse in Act 4. Not a man with a rash nature, but a man lashing out while enduring pain and anxiety, desperate to maintain his public image as a stoic, brave soldiers- masculinity?

A3S4, Desd, "I think the sun where he was born, drew all such humours from him"

Link to Othello as other- racism? Oblivious to the change in Othello. "For was that hand that gave away my heart"- naive to Othello's subtle hints at promiscuity. Dramatic Irony- we know that Othello is jealous. TRAGIC VICTIM?? Sudden shift from wrongly jealous Othello in A3S3 to Desdemona emphasises her innocence and virtue.

A4S1= Othello's tragic fall

Lodovico's repect lies with his military success, "worthy general" and so it is immediately obsvious that his loss of job contributes to his fall- link to military man left with no war to fight. Vulnerability of his power? His job is like the letter, "an instrument of their pleasures". Othello has no autonomy and his position entirely rests on him submitting to white power, "This fails you not to do". His position has always been vulnerable and so the tragic fall has been fated from the start. His repetition of the 'devil' indicates a loss of rationality and reason, and links to the power of Iago. His lack of explanation indicates a lack of self assurance and the extent to which he is controlled by Iago. He can no longer speak, and only reacts in the way he knows, "she weeps".

A4S1, Significance of Lodovico, "Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate call in all sufficient?"

Lodovico= voice/symbol of Venice in Cyprus. His questions mirrors that which the audience are positioned to consider. = order and rationality, hasn't been affected by the chaotic setting of tragic Cyprus. So, his shock in Othello's behaviour signifies his change in personality in this society= tragic fall. His reactions reminds us that Othello is almost unrecognnisable from the calm, noble figure of Act 1. Or, even in the presence of reason, Othello is blinded to Iago's manipulation and his change in character, adding to the foreboding of the tragic ending.

A3S4 Emilia to Desd, "I know not, madam"

Lying re: whereabouts of the handkerchief. Carrying the same duplicity as Iago. Or is she simply protecting the man she loves?

A3S4 Desd in regards to handkerchief: "Here, my lord" when previously she asked Emilia "Where should I lose the handerchief?"

Lying to Othello. Not as innocent as she seems.

A3S3, Why is it all in one scene?

Many small scenes cascade into justifying Othello's anger. We see how jealousy affects Othello in one scene. Turning point. Power of Iago and his words in manipulating Othello. (By the end, many productions end the scene with a physical closeness between Othello and Iago to present how Othello becomes trapped in Iago's evil).

Significance of A4S1

Midpoint in the escalation between the threat of violence in A3S3 against Desdemona and her actual murder in A5S2 is her public chastisement and beating at her husband's hands. Volta from Othello's position from respect to pity. The outburst comes directly after Iago acts upon him, manipulating him into bearing witness to Cassio's supposed confessions, " I marry her! What? A customer". Therefore, the strike is the result of a sustained, deliberate attempt to mislead Othello. Othello's language here directly echoes that of Iago, "Goats and monkeys!" Context= public setting. Shows that Othello's jealous nature is no longer confined to the domestic setting, implying that the tragic ending is near.

A4S2, Blindness

Narrative arc shows how Othello exaggerates her infidelity more and more as the scene progresses. Hyperbolic description of her as "summer flies are in the shambles" compares her infidelity to impossible standards, alerting the audience to his loss of rationality. The comparison to an animal shows how Othello now rejects her despite her unchanging demeanour from the beginning. Othello= Iago's repulsive view on sexuality.

A3S3, Othello: "I'll tear her all to pieces"

No considered judgement. But does this ominous outburst come from his rash nature or after sustained goading by Iago.

A5S2, Cassio realises Iago is responsible for the chaos, "And he himself convinced but even now/ That there he dropped it for a special purpose/ Which wrought to his desire"

No longer the vain and hyperbolic speech that was evident previously- a positive change in Cassio, events have calmed his ways. Moral growth from exuberance to reservedness.

A4S3, Summary

Only scene which focuses on the female characters. Mainly focuses on Desdemona's relationship and the bond between Emilia and Desdemona. Opens with Othello summoning Desdemona to bed. His tone in commanding and distanced. Emilia confronts Desdemona re: Othello's behaviour. Desdemona sings the willow song. She has a sense of her impending death. Emilia leaves Desdemona in her wedding sheets.

A4S2, Has Desdemona started to accept their fate?

Or is she naive to Othello's change in behaviour? "Faith, half asleep"- dazed by Othello's mistreatment. "Lay on my bed my wedding sheets".

A4S1, Othello: "Handkerchief-confessions- handkerchief!"

Iago's repetition of the handkerchief and his allegations= Othello's fit. Clear that Iago's words are having a direct effect on Othello's speech. Iago: "With her, on her: what you will". His fragmented, broken speech contrasts with his eloquent, elevated speech in A1S2- clearly fallen from his high social position. Fit= can't speak. Dehumanising- he has become the animal that the prejudiced characters described him as. Symbol of his degradation. He has been degraded by Iago, and has now degraded himself.

A4S1- Tragic villain

Iago's silent presence enforces the view of Iago as spectator of chaos by placing him away from the action. Staging- he is often placed behind Othello to mirror the 'devil on the shoulder'. He can now retire from his position as the director, as the evil is now in effect, he can now watch. Desdemona's speech, " the love I bear to Cassio" in which she unwittingly damns herself, Iago no longer needs to prey on Othello, he jumps to conclusions himself, "Fire and brimstone!". The lang represents Iago's increasing hold on Othello, and the inevitability of Desdemona's death.

A4S1, Link to Iago's villainy as fiendish and inexplicable.

Iago's villainy comes from pure hatred and a desire to bring down Othello. He has already achieved the promotion he originally wanted, and so his aim is break up the marriage of Othello and Des- vehicle of the state's racial and patriarchal contempts? Machiavellian?

A3S4 Handkerchief, "Did an Egyptian to my mother give" "There's magic in the web of it" "To lose it or give't away were such perdition"

Important to him. Connects to Othello's non white background/ otherness. Is this a fabrication of the truth? Storytelling. Becoming increasingly similar to Iago. Illusion- such as those Iago is using the handkerchief to create. Perdition= hell. Affects fate.

Summary of A3S3

1. Cassio asks Desdemona for help. 2. Desdemona first asks Othello to talk to Cassio. 3. Iago torments Othello re: doubts of Cassio and Desdemona. 4. Othello's soliloquy on assumed cuckoldry. 5. Desdemona tends to Othello's headache. 6. Emilia finds the dropped handkerchief. 7. Emilia gives this to Iago. 8. Iago gives false evidence against Cassio and Desdemona to Othello. 9. Othello is determined to kill Desdemona and gives Iago the job of killing Cassio.

Summary of A4S1

1. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona and Cassio have slept together. 2. Othello has an epileptic fit. 3. Cassio comes to Othello's aid but is told to leave by Iago. 4. Iago manipulates Othello into believing him by getting Cassio to talk about Bianca. 5. Othello sees the handkerchief in Bianca's hands, confirming his suspicions. 6. Othello is now entirely convinced of Desdemona's infidelity and knows that he must kill both her and Cassio that night.

What is Othello's downfall?

1. Insecurity within his race 2. Vanity/masculinity 3. Insecurity within his relationship. 4. Fate 5. Military background. Is there something inherent in soldiers that has a violent nature.

A4S2, Summary

1. Othello questions Emilia re: Desdemona. 2. Othello accuses Desdemona, and she protests her innocence. 3. Desdemona is distraught and asks Emilia to leave her to bathe and set out her wedding sheets. 4. Emilia and Desdemona tell Iago of Othello's behaviour, and Emilia states that she thinks somebody could have created this rouse, but Iago denies that such a man could exist. 5. Desdemona asks Iago to vouch for her to Othello. 6. Roderigo is angry at Othello because Iago has stolen his money. 7. Iago manages to convince Roderigo that he still has a chance, and states that unless harm befalls Cassio then Desdemona and Othello will move far away, ruining his chances. 8. Roderigo says he needs more proof of why he should kill Cassio.

A5S2, Summary

1. Othello speaks before the sleeping Desdemona. 2. She wakes. Final dialogue. He kills her. 3. Emilia discovers the murder, confronts Othello. 4. Montano, Gratiano and Iago arrive. Emilia reveals what's happened. Iago kills Emilia. 5. Emilia's death speech. Gratiano and Othello. Othello has a second sword. 6. Lodovico and Cassio arrive with captured Iago. Iago's silence. Othello's final speech and death. Order is restored.

A3S3 Two interpretations of the scene,

1. Scene is a montage, a series of undercut scenes over a couple of days. Othello's jealousy is slow-growing and Iago's plan acts on him gradually. 2. Scene plays out in real time. Events come one after the other. Othello's jealousy is sudden and rash. Iago's plan triggers something irrational in him.

A3S3, Iago: "It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on"

A jealous man becomes more ridiculous. Poignant prophecy of Othello's imminent fate.

A3S3, Othello impulsively throws aside the handkerchief "Your napkin is too little"

A symbol of his newly consommated marriage which he highly values. Clear that this is not Othello's nature as this handkerchief was so precious to him.

A5S2, Othello: "an honest man he is, and hates the slime That sticks on filthy deeds"

About Iago. Iago hates corruption- deeply ironic. Othello blind?

A5S2- significance of Othello's death

Othello's death= existent racial stereotypes. Montano is quick to condemn Othello, "O monstrous act" despite fawning over him in A2S1. It is apparent that racism still exists, as Othello mostly suffers rejection as a result. Emilia chastising him containing the semantic field of blackness, "The blacker devil" and not centering him on his crimes as a murderer. There is no sense of resolution from racism suggesting that Cyprus/Venice will continue to be a place of inequality despite this cautionary tale; the "tragic loading of this bed" has been futile.

A4S3, Treatment of women

Othello: "Get you to bed on the instant"- demanding, ordering. Contrast to A1S3. Shows how Iago's poisons has had an effect on Othello's nature. Desdemona, "I will my lord". Obedient, demure. Desdemona is blind to Othello's change in behaviour- scene ends with her alone tragically ignorant of what Othello brings. 2 female characters discussing the hardships women face- Emilia playfully, Desdemona very seriously.

A4S1, Iago's reply to Lodovico, "He is much changed" power of Idaho's villainy

Our revulsion for the villain and pit for the tragic hero heightens here by the dramatic irony of this. Othello has been made to act in this way, it isn't his nature or flaw. Lodovico, "I am sorry that I am deceived in him"- dramatic irony. Unaware that is it Iago who is deceiving him. Strength of Iago's ability to perceive others as the villain. Lodovico= symbol of Venice law and order. Fact that Iago is able to manipulate Venetian order and reason= tragic ending is fated.

A4S1, Desdemona as the tragic victim

Remains silent and hides her suffering through her obedience and pure devotion to her "sweet Othello". "I will not stay to offend you"- indicating a woman who is devoted to fulfilling her marital role whilst suffering at her husbands hands. Obedience either suggests that she is blind to her husbands rash and impulsive nature, or she is a woman who simply accepted her fate of suffering at the expense of men. Link to A4S3, "Shrowd me in my wedding sheets". Confirms Desdemona's role as the victim of male malice, whose naivety and complacency leads to her death.

A5S1, Iago's treatment of Bianca

Repeats her question cynically, "Who is't that cried?" implying that Bianca is faking her feelings for Cassio and cast doubts on her sincerity. "I do suspect this trash to be a party in this injury"- Iago uses misogynistic stereotypes to implicate innocent Bianca.

A4S1, Othello: "Good. Good. The justice of it pleases. Very good"

Repetition of good= sickening pleasure. Suggests he is taking pleasure in the thoughts of his revenge. Clear link to malign influence of Iago. Othello's madness demonstrated, "justice". Laden with dramatic irony-we know that both Des and Cassio are completely innocent.

A4S3, Desdemona: "Give me my nightly wearing"

Sense of impending death. The physical act of disrobing emphasises her fragility and vulnerability.

A5S1, Significance of the scene to the rest of the play.

Sets up the violent and tragic ending. Iago's words are no longer empty threats and now become a reality- Iago= director of chaos. Set during the night= associated with hell/devil. Iago's actions are cowardly by attacking Cassio from behind.

A4S1 Desdemona as the tragic victim

She remains the same devoted woman. It is Othello's change of behaviour that leads to her unnecessary death= the injustice of her death as she remains the same woman that Othello fell in love with, yet Othello is blind to this. Use of stichomythia has previously been used to show their love, but now has been converted into a tool of argument, representing the change in their relationship. Dialogue of Lodivico, "make her amends" shows that reason sides with Desdemona, she is innocent and a victim yet her final line suggests resignation, "I will not stay" and points to the fated tragic ending. Othello is too far gone to listen to reason, and so there is no hope for the tragic victim.

A4S1, Othello hiding to listen to conversation between Iago and Cassio.

Significant in indicating the change in Othello's character. At the start, Othello was at the centre of the action but now his honour is starting to decline, he sulks around the periphery. Link to pride- his arrogance/ masculinity is the fall= demise.

A4S2, Dramatic Irony between Iago and Emilia

Since Emilia is the one who outs Iago in the end, so this scene may foreshadow Iago's plans being revealed. Emilia states that "the Moor's abused by some most villainous knave", an "eternal villain". to which Iago becomes defensive and tells Emilia "you are a fool; go to".

A4S1, Significance of Iago's silence

Staging= Iago= devil on the shoulder. He has completed his plans and now stands back to watch the downfall unfold.

A3S3, Significance of dual nature of time in the play

Two compelling takes on the effects of Iago's words. Dysphemistic, animalistic description of Desdemona's infidelity: "Prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, as salt as wolves in pride"- either the climax of one intense afternoon of antagonising Othello or the slow drip-feed of paranoia-inducing suggestions over a series of weeks. Clear that Othello's reactions are due to external pressures. E.g. He adopts the very Iago-like language he adopts in his anger, "haggard".

A5S2- Othello's anagnorisis

does bring some catharsis when Othello realises his tragic flaw, "Roast me" and "whip me" and Desdemona's innocence is restored, " she was chaste". But this is short lived and shallow in his soliloquy. he self dramatises and focuses on his legacy, " speak of men as I am" and not on his remorse. The audience feel that justice is not complete, as Desdemona's death is not afforded a high status in the tragedy. He dies as a coward, without accepting responsibility and the punishment dealt on him, again implying that Des death is of lesser importance. "Self- circumsised dog?" His shallow soliloquy leads to a shallow feeling of resolution, and ultimately less satisfaction. He kills himself upon the premise that Desdemona was innocent, "I never gave you cause", implying that if she slept around, "she was a *****" then it would be just.

A3S3, Othello's soliloquy

"This fellows of exceeding honesty"- too trusting in Iago. Caesura breaks the rhythm. Split between two thoughts- distressed/heart broken. Are these divided thoughts connected together to solidify his tragic flaw? Contrast between "if I do prove her haggard" and "I am abused"- talked himself into her deceit. Shows insecurity of relationship as it doesn't take him long to encompass this jealousy. Haggard= untamed/wild hawk. Clear that Iago is having an influence as he is marginalising Des to an wild animal whom he cannot control. "Haply for I am black/ And have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have"- blaming his race for Des. 'infidelity'. Chamberers= ladiesmen. Reference to Cassio? In the shape of Iago, Othello finds unleashed upon him the venomous rage of a society whose foundations have been rocked by the mere fact of his marriage= insecurity. This deep seated racism has even poisoned the view of himself. "for i am declined into the vale of years"- ageing/getting old. Paranoid re: lack of physical potence and masculinity. "That we can call these delicate creatures ours/ And not their appetites"- unable to control her thoughts. Adopting Iago's msiogyny. Or has this always been there. "the thing I love"- possession.

A5S2- Emilia's final speech

Brings some catharsis as she refuses to remain silent. "I will play the swan and die in music". Her bravery in standing up against Othello leads to his anagnorisis and Iago's eventual condemnation, "lie". The audience gains some sense of justice as Emilia rebels from gender constraints that oppress her. She refuses to listen to her husband's orders, "get you home". But is this unsatisfactory? She is killed by her oppressive husband, "your sword upon a woman" indicates that all hope of a liberated Cyprus has died with Emilia. Staging= both women are dead leaving only men on stage looking down on them, physically representing the continued subordination of women. Although she is asked to be laid on the bed, it is never noted that this actually happens. Perhaps she is left on the floor whilst men discuss Othello and ignore her. There is no sense of Cyprus becoming equal or fair and so the ending is unsatisfactory- no sense of resolution by Emilia's death.

A3S3, Desdemona's dialogue with Cassio, "I give thee warrant of thy place"

Can be performed as either Desdemona being kind/compassionate or flirty, contributing to her presentation as either not as innocent as she seems, or simply naive to her situation. Is she a tragic victim or she deviant in terms of her marriage? Are her attempts to act as the 'good wife' a factor in her demise? "For thy solicitor shall rather die than give thy cause away"- pure compassion. Won't stop trying. Dramatic irony- foreshadows her death.

A5S2, Lodovico: "If there can be any cunning cruelty, That can torment him much and hold him long, It shall be his"

Chaos is averted, restoration of the state. But a corrupt order has been restored. Lodovico=voice of Venice. Willing to torture Iago. - Negative to women, foreigners.

Motif of handkerchief in A3S4

Comes to the forefront in this scene. In Act 1, Othello dismisses Brabantio's charges of witchcraft but here, succumbs to the idea that this little piece of cloth has power "in the web of it". Demonstrates a further erosion of his self assurance- tragic fall.

A5S2, Othello and pride

Compelled by pride to cast himself as just, "I that am cruel am yet merciful/ I would not have thee linger in thy pain. So. so"- it is the pride within him all along which motivates him, not the impulsiveness Iago has tried to instill in him. Pity and forgiveness- believes he is being decent by letting her die a painless death.

A4S2, Othello, "subtle *****" "cunning ***** of Venice"

Contrasts to "pray you, chuck".

A4S3, Sadness/fate

Desdemona's willow song. About a "maid called Barbary" and she was in love with a man who "proved mad"- recognising her own situation/fate. Shakespeare heightens the pathos here, Desd embodies betrayal of love. The woman "died singing it"- accepting/foreshadowing that Desdemona will ultimately die from this same fate- fate of violence/jealousy. Willow= sadness/death. Is Desdemona accepting her fate? Surrendering her autonomy- "If I do die before, prithee shroud me/ IN one of those same sheets"

A5S1, Roderigo: " I may miscarry in't"

Doubt. Clearly pressured to kill Cassio by Iago.

A4S1, Iago: "Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated"

Foreshadowing the way Desdemona dies. Iago= director of anarchy. Iago is now more confident in his hold over Othello, directing him in the manner of his wife's murder.

A5S1, Bianca, "O my dear Cassio! My sweet Cassio"

Genuine affection for Cassio. Other characters dismiss Bianca as a promiscuous character, although she never actually embodies this stereotype.

A4S1, Bianca; "This is some minx's token" "Give it to your hobby horse"

Genuine distress/jealousy for Cassio. Not a courtesean- just perceived as one by others. This plays directly into Iago's hands. Therefore, clear that his villainy is opportunistic- machiavellian.

A4S2, Loss

Othello's anger stems from the loss of "the fountain from which my current runs". othello is so hurt by her infidelity as it threatens his masculinity, and his chance to father a child. Othello is suffering the loss of his pride, wife and children all in one.

A4S2, Misjudgement

Othello is unable to make sound decisions because the only thing he trusted, "thou young and rose-lipped cherubin" has been disproved "there look grim as hell". Othello no longer has a point of reference for decision making.

A4S2 Treatment of women,

Othello speaks harshly to Desdemona, semantic field of prostitution- "*****" "strumpet". Othello no longer sees his wife as "gentle" and "sweet, but rather someone who means nothing to him. The way Desdemona responds to Othello's rude behaviour highlights the power imbalance. Desdemona allows this all to happen and continues to act obediently, "my lord"= tragic victim. Her naivety + vulnerability= downfall as she eventually gets killed by her noble lord. Othello pays money to Emilia, "there's money for your pains" to imply that Emilia is a pimp. Women are treated as nothing more than bodies intended for male desires.

A4S1- Treatment of women

Othello strikes Desdemona, Clearly, he has lost the respect for women which he had previously. Adopted Iago's misogyny. Staging of Othello's assault could reflect the hierarchy of gender contextually, placing men above women. He admonishes Desd like a naughty child, "Out of my sight" or towering above her in a position of masculine superiority, reflects their unequal positions. Only speaks when she is questioned by her husband. Forebodes a tragic violent ending, as now the protection of innocence has been broken. Othello's use of animal imagery reflects his misogynistic views on women as predators who sexually trick their prey, "Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile" and reflects his ingrained view on women as evil and manipulative. Echos Iago in A2S1, and is a tool to show Othello's submission to Iago's control. A sign of Iago (and Venice in general) success. Cassio re: Bianca, "Tis such another fitchew"- fitchew= stinking creature.

A5S2- Tragic villain

Typically, tragedies end with the death of a villain. But, Iago escapes justice. By remaining silent, " I never more will speak word" Iago retains power as the director and so he evades punishment. The survival of Iago, " I bleed sir, but not killed" seems unfair given the innocence of the victims on the deathbed, and so Shakespeare presents a tragic ending in which evil triumphs over good. The Venetian state, as represented by Lodovico, deems a woman less important than the tragic villain. It seems unjust that Iago has to be removed from Cyprus in order to be punished. Means of punishment are unfair, "torture and violence" which are still used against the characters despite what has been demonstrated. Desdemona's trial by murder has not acted as a cautionary tale: these acts are fated to be repeated. There is no sense of moral growth, and it seems that the tragedy has been in vain.

A3S4 Cassio to Bianca, "What make you from home?"

Why are you away from home? This 'perfect gentlemen' is willing to oppress his lover, revealing his misogynistic motives.

A5S2- unsatisfactory ending?

Yes. Due to: Othello's self dramatisation in his soliloquy, Iago's escape from justice shown through his silence and the continued existence of sexism and racism. A5S2 represents a bleak ending in which justice is not meted out, and innocence is killed.