Othello Act 3 Study Guide

Why does Desdemona want to avoid admitting to Othello that she lost the handkerchief he had given her?

1. It was passed down by an enchantress to Othello, and now to Desdemona. 2. It protects love. 3. It was Othello's first gift to Desdemona.

State the two reasons Bianca is upset.

1. She found a handkerchief in Cassio's bedroom. 2. He hasn't been talking to her for a week.

When Cassio asks Desdemona about his situation, what does she tell him?

Be patient, she is talking to him but he's not acting like himself.

During scene 1, how could Cassio upset Iago's devious plan?

By getting his job back because of his friendship with Othello and taking a step back.

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 if feeds on." What is Othello's response?

"O misery!" He won't be jealous of people complementing his Wife and Desdemona chose HIM, it wasn't arranged.

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

Cassio quickly leaving Desdemona as Othello enters the room.

Othello makes Iago his lieutenant. What task is Iago to perform?

He must kill Cassio in three days.

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

He says that she will realize that she doesn't want to marry him and is going to compare him to more attractive men her age.

Why does he demand to see the handkerchief when he already knows that Desdemona does not have it?

He wants her to admit to cheating.

What flaw of Desdemona's does Iago hope to use against her?

Her naturally caring personality and desire to help Cassio get his position back.

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

Him talking about her in his sleep and he "saw" Cassio dabbing himself with Desdemona's handkerchief.

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

Iago basically says that women will do whatever they please, as long as their husbands do not find out about the bad they have done.

Desdemona pleads Cassio's case, and Othello agrees to reinstate him. What happens next?

Iago tries to make his "friendship" with Desdemona suspicious.

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago. He says "She did deceive her father, marrying you, and when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, she loved them most."

After Iago tells Othello about his "proof", what is Othello's mood.

Othello is distraught and vengeful. He is now convinced that Desdemona is cheating.

What does Desdemona think is the cause of Othello's anger? What point does Emilia raise?

She thinks it's from work. She says he may be jealous and it takes 1-2 years to see all sides of a person.

What does Emilia tell Cassio at the beginning of scene 1?

That Othello is considering re-instating Cassio as Lieutenant, so take a step back.

Othello returns and is quite upset at this point. What warning does he give Iago?

That if he is wrong and can't get any visable evidence, he will hurt him.

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an important piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it? Finally, who gets it, and what is to be done with it?

To alleviate Othello's headache. She drops it by accident. Emilia planned on reproducing it to give to Iago. Iago gets it, and wants to plant it with Cassio.