Othello Act III Questions
ANSWER ON A SEPARATE SHEET TO EARN CREDIT
Name ________________________________
Scene 1:
1. Who brings in the musicians? Why?
2. What does Cassio ask the clown to do?
3. What does Emilia agree to do for Cassio?
4. What is Emilia's opinion of Cassio?
5. According to Emilia, why did Othello dismiss Cassio?
Scene 2:
1. What task does Othello assign lago?
2. Why do you think Shakespeare included such a brief scene? What is the function of this scene?
Scene 3:
1. What are Cassio and Desdemona talking about in this opening scene?
2. What is the irony in line 50 in the statement made by Desdemona?
3. In lines 89-90 what do you think of Desdemona's knowledge of herself and her situation? Is she as obedient as
she sees herself, for example?
4. Why does Cassio leave Desdemona quickly when lago and Othello arrive?
5. How does lago raise suspicions about Desdemona in Othello's mind? List FOUR ways.
6. How does lago end up with Desdemona's handkerchief?
7. What does lago promise to do within three days?
8. Are you surprised that lago turns Othello against Desdemona so quickly? Why do you think lago is
successful in persuading Othello to condemn her?
Scene 4
1. Why do you think Emilia lies to Desdemona about the handkerchief?
2. How does Emilia's view of men differ from Desdemona's view of Othello?
3. What is the irony in Desdemona's statement?
4. Who is Bianca? How does she end up with Desdemona's handkerchief?
5. What does Bianca agree to do for Cassio?
6. Do you think Othello is telling the truth about the handkerchiefs curse?