Clavis Libri
Plans Sign in

Othello · Act III · Scene III

Iago tempts Othello

LoveHonor and ReputationJealousyPrejudiceTruth and Lies

Scene summary

Desdemona promises Cassio, in front of Emilia, that she will plead for him with Othello until he is weary of it. When Othello arrives with Iago, Cassio withdraws hurriedly, claiming he is not prepared to speak, and Iago murmurs "Hm, I like not that". Othello asks what he said, and Iago replies "Nothing, my lord", a lie (l. 37). Desdemona asks Othello to take Cassio back; he postpones the decision, says he denies her nothing, and asks to be left alone.

Alone with Iago, Othello says that if he ceases to love Desdemona, it will be Chaos again. Iago asks whether Cassio knew of the courtship and, without accusing anyone, hands back to Othello his own words: "Honest, my lord?", "Thinking, my lord?". Restless, Othello demands that he say what he thinks. Iago refuses, warns that jealousy is a green-eyed monster, and suggests that Othello watch Desdemona with Cassio, recalling that she deceived her own father and refused suitors from her own land and color. Othello answers that he wants to see before doubting and, once doubting, he wants proof. After Iago leaves, Othello lists her color, his age and his lack of eloquence as possible reasons for her having preferred another.

Desdemona and Emilia return to call Othello to supper. Othello says he has a pain in his forehead; Desdemona wants to bind it with the handkerchief, he refuses it, and she lets it fall. Emilia picks it up and gives it to Iago, who had been asking her to steal it, without knowing why. Alone, Iago says he will drop the handkerchief in Cassio's room, because for the jealous man such signs are worth as much as Holy Scripture. Othello returns already convinced, bids farewell to peace and to the soldier's trade, seizes Iago by the throat and demands ocular proof that Desdemona is unfaithful. Iago reacts as if offended at being punished for his own honesty, then says that, sleeping beside Cassio, he heard him murmur Desdemona's name in a dream, and says he saw Cassio wipe his beard with the strawberry handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona. Othello kneels and swears vengeance, Iago swears to serve him, and Othello asks for Cassio's death, says he will find a quick means of killing Desdemona, and names Iago lieutenant.

Analysis

Unlock with a subscription

Subscription

The complete analysis of every act of Othello comes with a subscription, along with the explanation of each quote, the quiz, the PDF guide, and the study workbook.

See the plansAlready subscribed? Sign in