Eng2800: The Ancient World

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<Characters>

Othello– A Moor(an African), a general in the defense forces of the city state of Venice. He is a military man, with a reputation for courage in battle and good judgment in military matters. Othello falls in love and marries Desdemona, but during the campaign against the Turks, Othello is tricked by Iago into believing that his wife has been unfaithful with his lieutenant, Cassio.

Iago– Othello’s ancient(captain) in the Venetian defense forces. He had hoped for promotion, but Othello passed over him in favor of Cassio, and Iago works revenge on them both.

Desdemona– A noble Venetian lady, daughter of Brabantio. She organizes her life intelligently and shows courage, love , and loyalty in following her husband into danger. She accompanies Othello to Cyprus on the campaign against the Turks but finds him becoming distant and making wild accusations against her.

Cassio– Othello’s lieutenant in the Venetian defense forces. Cassio accompanied Othello as his friend when he was courting Desdemona. He is popular, he speaks well, and he is lively and trusting. Iago eventually convinces Othello that Cassio is Desdemona’s paramour.

Emilia– Desdemona’s lady-in-waiting and Iago’s wife. She knows Iago better than anybody else and is suspicious of his actions and motives. She does not realize until too late that the wicked person who has poisoned Othello against Desdemona is Iago, her own husband.

<Summary of Act 3(Scene 1-4)>

Scene1– Desdemona has a meeting with Emilia and in between Cassio’s presence is stumbled upon.  The musician and clown he paid himself was a reminder for Desdemona to remind her husband for his title back.

Scene2– Iago is ordered to send his Turkish war report to the senate and Othello offers his help

Scene3– Iago claims that Othello’s wife is cheating on him with Cassio.  After hearing Iago’s rumor Desdemona confronts her with her presence and Othello is very unhappy.  Desdemona feels discomfort while he tries to comfort Othello’s headache with her handkerchief which was her first gift from Othello.  The handkerchief was a symbol of Othello’s happiness with his wife.  As soon as he discarded the handkerchief his happiness no longer existed by the corruption of Iago’s rumor.

Scene4– Othello is in rage and confronts his wife with the rumor he has been told by Iago.  She rejects of any such action and mentions about Cassio’s title to be reinstated.  Othello ignores the subject and does not give her an answer.  Desdemona still insures him his position and tells Cassio to be patient.  While this scene is going on Bianca confronts Cassio for his absence the past couple of days and is not pleased.  Cassio promises to make up for his absence but demanded to be left alone.  While going back to his room the handkerchief is stumbled upon that Emilia, Iago’s wife found and placed in Cassio’s room.

<Questions>

1. What do you think the symbol of the handkerchief in Act 3?

2. There are many irony plays an important role in Othello. Do you remember any irony in Act 3?