Othello Act IV Study Guide

Scene I

1. Iago tells Othello that Cassio has told him of his affair with Desdemona. He agitates Othello with lewd images. What is the result?

2. Cassio shows up at this point, and Iago tells him to come back later. How does Iago say he’ll show Othello further proof?

3. Iago plans to get Cassio talking about Bianca, so Othello will think Cassio is talking about Desdemona. What further information does Iago reveal about Bianca?

4. How does Iago manage to get Cassio to talk about Bianca while Othello thinks he is talking about Desdemona?

5. What is the purpose of having Bianca show up at this point?

6. Why does Othello say one moment that she is a sweet creature and, in another breath, talk of letting her rot?

7. What news does Lodovico bring from Venice? 8. How does Desdemona react to the news?

9. After Othello slaps Desdemona in front of the guests, how does she react?

10. In his somewhat deranged state, Othello refers to “goats and monkeys.” It appears to make no sense, but it is a reference to what earlier comments in the play by Iago?

11.What does Lodovico ask iago and what is Iago’s response?

Scene II

12.Throughout the discussion with Othello, Desdemona still does not understand the problem; finally, Othello calls her a whore. What is Desdemona’s reaction?

13. After she recovers, what seems to be her plan?

14. Iago, Emilia, and Desdemona discuss how it could have happened that Othello has called her “that cunning whore,” a phrase that she will not even repeat. What is Emilia’s thought about Othello’s accusations?

15.What is Iago’s reaction to this? 16. Roderigo shows up. What is his complaint to Iago?

17. Once again, Iago wins Roderigo back to his side. How?

18. Iago makes up a story to trick Roderigo. What is it he wants Roderigo to do?

Scene III

19. Othello seems much calmer since he has made up his mind. What is revealed abut Desdemona’s thoughts?

20. Desdemona asks Emilia if she thinks that there are women who are unfaithful to their husbands. Does Desdemona seem naïve with this question?

21.What is Emilia’s response? What does she say about females who commit adultery?

22. Desdemona has been abused, slapped, and humiliated by her husband, yet she loves him and hopes to convince him of the purity of their marriage. Does she seem weak or foolish and how does this fit with the women of this time period?