Act 4 Scene 1


Othello


placing Othello out of earshot and encouraging Cassio to discuss Bianca, Iago fans the flames of Othello’s jealousy. So influential is Iago, that he actually suggests how Othello should kill Desdemona: ‘Do it not with poison; strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.’ Othello is a deeply conflicted character, torn between his love for Desdemona and his jealous resentment. As Othello’s suspicions become convictions, his wounded pride causes him to use wild and violent language: ‘Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight, for she shall not live’, ‘I will chop her into messes!’. However, Othello’s violent imagery is juxtaposed with language of adoration: ‘O, the world hath not a sweeter creature!’, ‘Hang her! I do but say what she is: so delicate with her needle, an admirable musician – O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear – of so high and plenteous wit and invention’. The audience cannot help but be moved by a man utterly destroyed by such powerful emotions. Othello’s status as a noble, unflappable leader is simultaneously ruined alongside his personal happiness. Othello strikes Desdemona in public which immediately spurs Lodovico to call Othello’s character into question: ‘Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate Call all-in-all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident, nor dart of chance, Could neither graze nor pierce?’


Othello’s world, both publicly and privately, is unravelling. Despite Othello’s irrational behaviour, Desdemona acts with composure. After she has been struck and insulted she replies with dignity: ‘I have not deserved this.’ Desdemona avoids any kind of emotional spectacle and shows great restraint, saying to Othello as she leaves, ‘I will not stay to offend you.’ Some critics see this as testimony to the depth of Desdemona’s love. Others argue that Desdemona is unable to reconcile Othello’s abusive behaviour with her ideal of the man.


Questions


1. This scene begins mid-conversation. What do you think Othello and Iago were discussing just before they came on stage?


2. Iago plays on the word ‘lie’ in the early part of this scene. (a) Explain the two meanings of the word here. (b) What effect does this word have on Othello? (c) Why is it ironic for the audience that Iago dwells on the word ‘lie’?


3. How does this scene show that Iago has considerable influence over Othello? 4. How is Othello shown to be a conflicted character in this scene? 5. (a) How does Cassio suggest Bianca is a prostitute? (b) Do you think this is a fair or unfair characterisation? Explain why you think so.


6. Basing your answer on this scene: (a) How does Cassio feel about Bianca? (b) How does Bianca feel about Cassio?


7. Why do you think Iago wants Othello to strangle rather than poison Desdemona? 8. (a) What is Lodovico’s reaction to Othello’s treatment of Desdemona? (b) What does this tell us about how Othello’s fortunes are changing?


9. Comment on how Desdemona behaves in this scene. 10. ‘Iago is a masterful manipulator.’ Discuss this statement in relation to this scene.


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