English II Honors: Othello Act 3 Study Guide

At this point, how could Cassio upset Iago's plan?

Cassio could upset Iago's plan if he decided to just wait until Othello reinstated him (that way it wouldn't look like he was having an affair with Desdemona).

Cassio knows he is going to get his job back, so what worries him now?

Cassio is worried that while he isn't in his position, Othello won't want him back.

Why does Cassio pay money to the clown to find Emilia?

Cassio pays the clown to find Emilia because he wants to see her to get her to get Desdemona to meet with him.

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

Desdemona believes it is some problem with the government/his job. Emilia brings up the point that hopefully it is not because he is jealous of you.

Why did Desdemona bring out her handkerchief? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it? Who ends up with it in the end, and what do they intend to to with it?

Desdemona was going to wrap it around Othello's head, but he brushed away and it fell on the floor. Emilia picks it up with the intention of making a copy of it but Iago sees it and takes it. He plans to put it in Cassio's room to make it seem like Desdemona was there.

Why does Desdemona not with to admit to Othello that she lost the handkerchief?

Desdemona doesn't want to admit to Othello that she lost the handkerchief because it has a lot of sentimental value and she feels horrible that she lost it.

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to help Cassio?

Desdemona is pleading Cassio's case because he asked him and because she thinks she will be helping Othello by reuniting him with Cassio- his friend.

Is Emilia part of Iago's plot or does she truly believe that Iago is upset by what happened to Cassio?

Emilia isn't aware of Iago's plans.

What does Emilia tell Cassio?

Emilia tells Cassio that Othello and Desdemona have already talked and it would be best if he waited until everything settled down because then Othello would probably reinstate him.

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

He is referring to Cassio slipping away when Othello approaches him and Desdemona (he is hinting at a possible affair).

What is Iago's final proof?

He said he saw Cassio wipe his face with the handkerchief that Othello had given Desdemona.

Othello returns quite upset. What warning does he give Iago?

He warns Iago that he must be able to prove what he said about Desdemona or he will be no better than if he was "born as a dog."

Who echos Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona already lied to her father so she is more inclined to deception (which is what Brabantio said).

What does Iago says about the women of Venice?

Iago says that Venetian women are known for cheating on their husbands.

What bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?

Iago says that he fears Desdemona will get tired of Othello and be more interested in more handsome/young men who are who she "naturally is attracted to."

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

Iago says that while he was on guard duty he was sharing a bed with Cassio. Cassio talked in his sleep about Desdemona and he kissed Iago thinking he was Desdemona.

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

Othello asks her to leave him alone for a little while. This will allow Iago to get inside Othello's head.

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

Othello is angry and filled with jealousy so he keeps questioning Desdemona to be hard on her even though he knows the handkerchief is gone.

At this point, what is Othello's mood?

Othello is very angry and he wants to kill Desdemona.

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

Othello might believe this because he his foreign and he isn't familiar with Venetian women.

After Othello urges Iago to speak his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of the jealousy;/It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock/The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response?

Othello's response is that before he gets jealous he needs to see proof of the affair.

State the two reasons why Bianca is upset with Cassio.

She says he hasn't been near her for a week. Then he gives her the handkerchief and she believes it is from another woman so she gets even more upset.

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

She tells him that he needs to be patient because Othello is in a bad mood for some reason.

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

Within 3 days Iago is supposed to kill Cassio.