Othello – Act IV study guide (rev. 16)
Name ___________________________________________ Period ______ Date ___________
Act IV, scene i
1) What plan does Othello devise for Desdemona? What alternative does Iago suggest? Why do you think he
makes this suggestion?
2) Lodovico is surprised by the changes in Othello. What does he say about Othello? What does this tell us
about the way he used to be?
Act IV, scene ii
3) Why do you think Othello begins to cry?
4) Cite the lines from this scene that prove Othello still loves and cares for Desdemona despite the fact that he
thinks she must pay for her betrayal?
5) Desdemona asks Emilia to do a specific task. What does she ask her to do? Why do you think she makes
this request?
6) Quote the line(s) that proves that Emilia knew Iago thought she had an affair with Othello?
7) Based on her comments, do you think Emilia really did have an affair with Othello? Why or why not?
8) Why is Roderigo upset with Iago? What is he threatening to do and why?
9) What do you think happened to Roderigo’s jewels?
10) Why do you think the conversation between Roderigo and Iago is in prose?
Act IV, scene iii
11) Cite the evidence that suggests Desdemona might actually have a feeling about what is to happen to her this
night.
12) What six reasons does Emilia give for why husbands are to blame if their wives cheat.
13) Do you think Emila had an affair? Give evidence from the play to support your theory.
14) How might Emilia’s response to Desdemona’s question about betraying one’s husband contribute to Iago’s
behavior?