C235 Agenda

Act 3, Scene 1

Cassio arrives with musicians to honor Othello and Desdemona. As Iago has recommended, Cassio asks Emilia to arrange a meeting with Desdemona, even though Emilia assures him that Desdemona is already urging Othello to reinstate him.

Act 3, Scene 2

Othello prepares to tour Cyprus’s fortifications.

3.3.103-282 Iago counsel's Othello

3.3.254-297 Iago counsel's Othello

3.3.299-328 Othello's Jealousy

3.3.378-428 Iago twists the knife

3.4.23 -231 (end) Desdemona looks for her handkerchief - entire scene

Act 4, Scene 1

Iago continues to torment Othello with vivid descriptions of Desdemona’s alleged sexual activity. Othello falls into an epileptic seizure. Iago next places Othello where he can see (but not hear) a conversation between Cassio and Iago about Bianca, telling Othello that the bawdy talk is about Cassio and Desdemona. Othello’s fury grows.

Lodovico arrives from Venice with orders from the duke and senators that Othello return to Venice and that Cassio be appointed in his place. Othello strikes Desdemona in Lodovico’s presence, then rudely dismisses her, leaving in a jealous rage. Lodovico expresses his astonishment at the change in Othello.

Act 4, Scene 2

Othello questions Emilia about Cassio and Desdemona’s relationship, acting as if Emilia is the mistress of a brothel and Desdemona one of her prostitutes. Othello denounces Desdemona to her face as a whore. Desdemona turns for help to Iago, who reassures her.

Roderigo, protesting to Iago that his gifts to Desdemona have won him no favor from her, threatens to ask for the return of the gifts. Iago counters this threat by telling Roderigo that Desdemona will leave for Mauritania with Othello unless Roderigo can delay them. The best way to do this, says Iago, is by killing Cassio.

4.3.11-118 entire scene

4.3.11-23 Desdemona's Willow song

0 Actor's discussion: Desdemona and Emilia

4.3.97-115 Emilia's Monologue