Name of Analyzer: _____________________
Act 3, Scene 2
1. Ironic: Military order vs. Personal Chaos
2.This scene fulfills Iago’s intentions to get the Moor away so Cassio and Desdemona can speak alone
3. This scene prepares the audience for the assault on Othello
4. While Othello is absorbed with military matters, it is dramatic irony because we know as the audience
that his personal affairs are being steadily undermined.
5. Cassio falls right into Iago’s trap—Snipe!
Act 3, Scene 3
Line 12-13: According to Desdemona, why is Othello waiting to reinstate Cassio? What purpose is he
taking into consideration?_______________________________________________________________
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How will Desdemona convince Othello that he should reinstated Cassio?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Line 35, 37, 38-41: What is so significant about these lines? What does each one suggest? What tactic is
Iago using to implement his plan of revenge in speaking these lines as he does?_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Here are some descriptive terms to keep in mind regarding Desdemona’s interaction with Othello on
behalf of Cassio: Determined, playful, urgent, energetic, open, honest, confident, generous, meddling
and almost that of nagging him.
Line 40: The word “Suitor” signifies a double meaning. What is that double meaning? What is the effect
that it has?___________________________________________________________________________
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Why is Desdemona able to “meddle” into the affairs of Othello and Cassio?
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Line 90 & 92: Look at the two negative abstract nouns “perdition” (punishment in hell) and “chaos”.
What two literary devices do these two words represent? What purpose do they serve to enhance our
understanding of Iago’s revenge? What truths do they convey about Othello’s and Desdemona’s
relationship?__________________________________________________________________________
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Line 98,100,104,105,106,108,109,116,118,126131,136: Highlight the number of times the words
“thoughts/think” and “honest” are mentioned in these lines. At this point you need to be very
perceptive to pick up on Iago’s most infamous tactic in orchestrating his demise of Othello, in using
these two words. What does Iago do? This is the key to understanding Othello.
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Line 109-110. What is so ironic about these lines spoken by Othello to Iago?
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Line 120-123: Translate these lines and relate them to the theme of Appearance Vs Reality.
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Lines 126-127: What effect do these thoughts of Iago’s have on the audience? What is Iago’s intentions
in saying them?
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Lines 130: What is Othello’s tone at this point? ______________________________________________.
Lines 144-146: Here we find Iago trying to convince Othello that Othello does not need to hear his
thoughts. What tactic is Iago applying at this point to obtain is ultimate goal of revenge?
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Lines 154-160: Translate: What is Iago’s philosophy about money and reputation? Do you believe in
these ideas?
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Line 162 & 165: What is Othello’s tone? ____________________________________________________.
Line 166 &167: Take note here, Iago urges his master not to be jealous without telling him directly why
he should be jealous.
Lines 192-255: How is Iago able to plague Othello’s mind with doubt? He does so in five ways.
Determine the line and the reason that Iago gives Othello to question Desdemona’s integrity, and her
commitment to him.
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2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Throughout this scene seek out how many references there are to the imagery of sight: see, watch,
look, observe, eyes. Mark them down and comment on their undertones or significance.
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