Othello - Act IV


Act 4, Scene 1
  1.  a)  Why does Othello fall down?
b)  How does Iago respond to this situation?
  1. What does Iago tell Othello to do while he has a conversation with Cassio?  What “ocular proof” will thus be provided?
  2. a)  Why does Iago joke with Cassio about Bianca? 
b)  What is revealed about the true nature of the relationship between Cassio and Bianca?
  1. Why is Bianca angry with Cassio?
  2. Describe Othello’s feelings towards both Cassio and Desdemona after he sees his handkerchief in Bianca’s hand.
  3. a)  How does Iago suggest Othello should kill Desdemona? 
b)  Why does Othello say that: “The justice of it pleases”?
  1. Who is Lodovico and why has he come to Cyprus?
  2. What does Iago ‘tell’ Lodovico?  How will this advance his plot against Othello, even if everything else fails?
Act 4, Scene 2
  1. Why does Othello question Emilia?  What is his response to her answers?
  2. Othello identifies his weakness in his speech of lines 46 – 63 (beginning with “Had it pleased heaven…).  Quote a specific line of text and explain Othello’s weakness.
  3. What names does Othello call Desdemona to her face?  What has changed about Othello’s language since Act 1?
  4. Why does Desdemona not react more strongly when Othello accuses her of infidelity?
  5. a)  What does Emilia think is the reason for Othello’s rage and jealousy? 
b)  What is the dramatic irony within Emilia and Iago’s statements to Desdemona?
  1. What advice does Iago give Desdemona?
  2. What is Roderigo’s complaint against Iago?  What do you think Iago has really done?
  3. a)  How does Iago soothe Roderigo?  What plan does he propose?
b)  What does Roderigo agree to do for Iago?  What is his ‘logical’ reason for doing so?

Act 4, Scene 3
  1. What does Othello order Desdemona to do?  Why is this significant?
  2. Describe the initial mood of this scene.  Quote a specific line to support the emotion.
  3. Where did Desdemona learn the “Willow Song”?  What is the dramatic irony contained within that story?
  4. Give proof in this scene that Desdemona is very innocent, even ignorant, about marriage.
  5. a)  Would Emilia ever cheat on her husband? 
b)  What reasons does she give for a wife’s adultery?
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