Othello
Act 3
NAME_KEY
1. How does Iago skillfully reveal to Othello the notion that Desdemona has been
unfaithful with Cassio?
Iago hints at Cassio's guilt and Desdemona's unfaithfulness without coming right
out and accusing them directly, forcing Othello to drag the information out of him.
Because he seems reluctant to accuse Cassio and Desdemona directly, Othello never
questions his information.
2. According to Iago, when has Desdemona previously shown evidence that she is
capable of deception?
Iago accurately points out that Desdemona deceived her father by marrying Othello
secretly.
She also deceived Othello when she pretended to "shake and fear" while listening to
his stories, but really was fascinated by his words.
3. What’s the importance of the handkerchief in Iago’s plot?
Othello dropped the handkerchief when Desdemona tried to wipe his brow. The
handkerchief was Desdemona's first gift from Othello. Iago obtains the
handkerchief from his wife, Emilia; he has often asked her to get it for him.
Iago plans to leave the handkerchief in Cassio's chamber, and then tells Othello that
he saw Cassio wipe his beard with it.
The handkerchief will provide the "ocular proof" that Othello demands to prove
Iago's charges against Desdemona
4. What does Othello order Iago to do regarding Cassio?
Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio within three days.
Who said it and what does it mean?
5. “Thou hast set me on the rack
I swear ‘tis better to be much abused
Than but to know’t a little.”
Othello returns in the middle of Scene 3 and acknowledges that he is tortured by the
partial information Iago has provided. He then demands that Iago show him proof
of Desdemona's sin.
6. “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.”
In a famous metaphor, Iago warns Othello to beware of extreme jealousy. This is
ironic, since jealousy is the prime motivation for Iago's actions in the play.
7. “I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses.”
In another vivid metaphor, Othello reveals the disgust he feels at having to share
Desdemona.
This quote adds another animal reference. As Scene 3 progresses, the animal
references become more frequent, and Othello becomes more bestial as he succumbs
to Iago's influence.
8. “I am your own forever.”
In the final line of Scene 3, Iago pledges loyality to Othello, who has just made him
his lieutenant. Othello has just ordered Iago to murder Cassio, and he has decided
to kill Desdemona. He is completely under the influence of Iago.
At this point in the play, Iago has accomplished his goal. His motives for going
further with his evil are the subject of much criticism.
This quote is also somewhat ironic, because Othello is really Iago's "own" for the
rest of the play.