Othello Act III
Scene Summaries
Scene 1
a)
b)
c)
d)
Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Othello asks for “ocular proof” 3.3.361. What does he mean by this?
3.3.287 What does Desdemona attempt to use her handkerchief for?
3.3. How does Iago get his hands on Desdemona’s handkerchief
3.4 What is the history of the handkerchief (why would Othello care
about its whereabouts?
Analyze: Unless otherwise instructed, identify the speaker, describe the
context and explain the significance for the following lines.
a) He that filches from me my good name Robs me o that which not
enriches him and makes me poor indeed (3.3.160).
Explain the irony of this statement when we consider Iago’s treatment of Cassio
and Desdemona?
b) O beware, my lord, of jealousy: it is the green-eyed monster
(3.3.167)
What is meant by this statement? What motivations could Iago have in advising
Othello to avoid this so called “monster”?
c) She did deceive her father, marrying you and when she seem’d to
shake and fear your looks she lov’d them most (3.3.208)
d) curse of marriage that we can call these delicate creatures ours
and not their appetites!(3.3.270)
How does the quote above demonstrate Othello’s increasing distrust for his wife?
e) During Scene 3, Iago begins to see the fruit of his efforts to poison
Othello’s marriage. Find a line of evidence that demonstrates the
change in Othello (not one of the quotes selected for this worksheet)
f) I am sure it was your wife’s – did I today see Cassio wipe his
beard with. (3.3.439)
g) Within these three days let me hear thee say that Cassio ‘s not
alive. (3.3.473)
h) To lose’t or give’t away were such perdition as nothing else could
match (3.4.63)
i) During this scene, the handkerchief causes problems between two
couples. Both Othello and Cassio have difficulty with their significant
others due to this object. Describe the two separate conflicts relating to
the handkerchief.
Theme: Use the following source to complete the activities.
Othello: Creative Cover Letter
Objective: Students will gain insight into a character in the play “Othello”. Students will
become familiar with the components of a cover letter.
The Assignment: Each student will compose their own cover letter based on one of the
two cases. The letter must follow appropriate letter format (see attached web sites), and
should contain one quotation from the text and at least three useful vocabulary terms.
Furthermore, it should utilize at least three of the following:
 Triple adjective or adverbs
 A transition word opener (however, furthermore, therefore, nevertheless)
 An adverb opener
 A descriptive verb
 Useful vocabulary term
 A subordinating conjunction opener
 A prepositional phrase opener
 One rhetorical device
Case #1
You are Cassio, Othello’s previous Lieutenant. Unfortunately, you are now out of a job.
The King of France, Francois LePoopie just lost his General in a bizarre deep sea fishing
accident. Obviously, there is a position available in his military. Write the cover letter
Cassio would compose that would be suitable for this new job.
Case #2
You are Iago, Othello’s new Lieutenant. Othello has promised you Cassio’s old job.
Unfortunately, there is some paperwork that needs to be filled in for the promotion to be
made official. This will require you to write a cover letter that describes the merit of your
character for Othello’s file.
Remember, the purpose of this assignment is to accurately depict the character you
selected. As such, the cover letters must be appropriately based in the play. Also, the task
asks you to utilize formal letter formats. Be sure to follow official letter writing formats.
Cover letter format: this site will help you organize your ideas prior to composing the
letter. Pay specific attention to what each paragraph in your letter should focus on.
http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/CovLetter_questions.html
Block form letter: This site provides you with a sample of how your letter should look.
Follow these guidelines when you compose your letter.
http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/BusLetter_Block.html