Character Motives
Why does Iago suggest that Othello might think Desdemona is unfaithful?
Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, planting the idea that Desdemona could easily be unfaithful.
What does Cassio ask Desdemona to do at the start of Act 3?
What is speak to Othello on his behalf?
This emotion is described as a "green-eyed monster" and begins to consume Othello.
What is jealousy?
What is the significance of Iago’s line, "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." (Act 3, Scene 3)
Iago warns Othello that jealousy is dangerous, calling it a "green-eyed monster" that destroys people. But the irony is that Iago is the one making Othello jealous on purpose to manipulate him.
What does the act of Othello giving Desdemona the handkerchief symbolize?
The handkerchief represents Othello’s love and trust. When it is lost, it symbolizes the loss of their love and trust.
This character seeks to regain his position as Othello’s lieutenant and believes that Desdemona’s intercession will help him accomplish this goal.
Cassio
What happens when Desdemona drops her handkerchief?
What is Emilia picks it up and gives it to Iago?
Iago manipulates Othello by pretending to be honest and trustworthy.
What is deception?
Why does Othello say, "Give me the ocular proof!"(Act3, Scene 3)
Othello is asking for real, visible proof that Desdemona is cheating. This shows that he is starting to doubt her and is becoming more influenced by Iago’s lies.
How does the idea of poison function symbolically in Act III?
Iago’s lies act like poison, slowly filling Othello’s mind with jealousy and anger until he can’t think clearly.
What motivates Othello to begin doubting Desdemona’s loyalty?
Iago’s plan by planting the seed in Othello's head, getting Emilia to steal the handkerchief, combined with Othello's growing jealousy and vulnerability, which leads him to question Desdemona’s loyalty.
How does Iago convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair?
What is using Cassio’s dream and the handkerchief as false proof?
Desdemona tries to help Cassio because she believes in fairness and loyalty.
What is justice vs. injustice?
What does Emilia mean when she says, "They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, They belch us."(Act 3, Scene 4)
Emilia compares men to people who eat and women to food. She means that men use women when they need them but get rid of them when they no longer want them.
How does Desdemona’s persistent talk about Cassio symbolize her innocence?
Desdemona keeps asking Othello to forgive Cassio, not realizing this makes Othello suspicious. This shows she is innocent and doesn’t know Othello is being tricked.
How does Iago manipulate Roderigo’s emotions in Act 3?
Iago encourages Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona, promising that he will win her love and trying to use Roderigo as a tool in his plot.
What does Othello demand from Iago before fully believing his accusations?
What is visual evidence?
Othello demands “ocular proof” but ultimately believes lies instead.
What is appearance vs. reality?
What does Othello’s line, "I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not." reveal about his internal conflict? (Act 3, Scene 3)
Othello is confused. He wants to believe Desdemona is faithful, but Iago’s words make him doubt her. At the same time, he is starting to wonder if Iago is really a trustworthy friend.
What is the significance of Othello kneeling with Iago in Act III, Scene 3?
Othello kneels to make a promise to get revenge on Desdemona. This moment looks like a wedding vow, but instead of love, it symbolizes Othello’s commitment to jealousy and anger.
Why does Othello refer to Iago as "honest Iago" despite the deceit?
Othello is deeply trusting of Iago, who positioned himself as a loyal friend, and Othello’s jealousy blinds him to the truth. Irony.
By the end of Act 3, what decision does Othello make regarding Desdemona?
What is he vows to kill her?
Othello’s belief in Iago’s words over his wife’s honesty shows this theme about men and women.
What is gender and trust in relationships?
What is the dramatic irony in Iago’s statement, "Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!"(Act 3, Scene 3)
Iago is saying that people should be honest, but he himself is the most dishonest character in the play. This is ironic because he is tricking Othello while pretending to be loyal.
How does the contrast between light and darkness serve as a symbol in Act III?
Light represents truth and understanding, while darkness represents lies and confusion. As Othello believes Iago’s lies, he is metaphorically falling into darkness.