This confuses the general and tricks his imagination. As Othello asks to explain, Iago answers nothing. Second, he says that Cassio looks ashamed. He says, “I like not that.” Rather than accusing of infidelity, he directs Othello to make this conclusion. Iago uses this fact in his favor.įirst, Iago makes an innocent remark about the way Cassio looks. As Shakespeare explains it in Act 3 Scene 3, Desdemona and Cassio became friends while Desdemona and Othello started a courtship. Just as her affection for him, she even guarantees that she would rather die than give up hope of helping him. This episode demonstrates that Cassio and Desdemona’s friendship is solid. Throughout the scene, as Othello turns against Cassio and Desdemona, it will get confirmed. Desdemona’s comment about Iago’s honesty is ironic as well, as he can make anyone believe in his sincerity. All his remarks towards the audience serve as a reminder that appearance is not the same thing as reality. Only the audience finds out about Iago’s plan and his true intentions. He fools everyone even Emilia believes that her husband is genuinely concerned with Cassio’s well-being. This scene also demonstrates how little other characters know about Iago. Nevertheless, the audience knows that the general cannot decide if he does not have Iago’s approval or assessment. She is sure that Othello’s ability to make a sound judgment will win. As the scene starts, Desdemona promises to plead on Cassio’s behalf. Iago achieves what he needs, and Othello promotes him to the rank of lieutenant.Īct 3 Scene 3 is the most extended in Othello. He does not need to see the evidence to confirm it.

He exclaims, “Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.” Iago quickly tells the story about the handkerchief, and it leaves the general angry, “I’ll tear her all to pieces!”Īt the end of the scene, Othello is convinced that Desdemona and Cassio have an affair. Othello comes back to the stage and pressures Iago to find proof of Desdemona’s lie. Iago also confesses that the Moor is already changing with “Iago’s poison.” He explains that he will hide “this napkin” in Cassio’s lodging so that it will become proof of Desdemona’s infidelity. As she takes it, she says that Iago asked her to steal this handkerchief many times, “a hundred times.” Finally, she gives it to Iago to please him, though she doesn’t know why he needs it.Įmilia exits, and Iago is left alone on the stage. He says that he has a headache and that her “napkin is too little.” He pushes the cloth, and it falls. Intricately, Iago plants the thoughts about Desdemona’s infidelity into Othello’s mind.Īs Desdemona returns, she tries to calm Othello down with the handkerchief that he gave her. It makes Othello angry, and he demands an answer. Finally, Othello asks if Cassio is honest. He tries to understand the nature of these questions, not seeing that Iago leads him to some conclusions. Othello confirms that: the couple frequently spent time together with Cassio. Iago asks if Cassio knows that the Lord loves Desdemona. She leaves the stage with Emilia after several attempts to reason with Othello.Īlone with Iago, Othello confesses that he loves Desdemona. He promises to do that but not as quickly as Desdemona wants. She immediately starts asking Othello to reinstate Cassio. Several seconds later, Desdemona joins them.

He describes it as “guilty-like,” as if he stole something from Othello. Othello’s attention focuses on Cassio, and he asks, “Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?” Instead of answering directly, Iago comments on the look that Cassio has. Othello tries to clarify what Iago means but to no avail. As Cassio leaves, Iago makes a remark, “I like not that.” It’s the first time he openly tries to make Othello suspicious. Emilia, not understanding her husband’s intentions, says that Iago is preoccupied with the matter “as if it was his.” Desdemona is fooled by Iago’s act too and calls him “honest fellow.” She also says that she always keeps her promise and asks Emilia to assure this.Īt the same time, Othello and Iago regard the trio from a distance. 💢 Othello Act 3 Scene 3 SummaryĪct 3 Scene 3 of Othello starts with Desdemona’s promise to Cassio to help him plead his case for reinstatement. Othello asks Iago to kill Cassio and plans to kill Desdemona. Iago tells Othello that he has seen Cassio using Desdemona’s handkerchief. Emilia finds Desdemona’s handkerchief and gives it to Iago who is planning to leave it in Cassio’s room as a proof of his affair with Desdemona. Iago makes Othello suspect Desdemona of infidelity. She then convinces Othello to talk to Cassio. Desdemona promises Cassio that he’ll be reconciled with Othello.

Othello act 1 scene 3 summary