A CT III, S CENE 1 This scene provides some comic relief from the drama that has transpired in the previous act Iago makes it seem as if he is helping Cassio’s cause; whereas, in reality he is setting up the situation for Othello to find Cassio and Desdemona speaking

A CT III, S CENE 3 When Emilia comments that the rift between Othello and Cassio “grieves [her] husband / As if the cause were his” we see how Iago has managed to deceive his own wife who doesn’t suspect the evil in his nature This is an example of dramatic irony in which the character is not aware of vital information as the audience or reader is Desdemona’s further remark, with reference to Iago, “that’s an honest fellow,” is as ironic because she is not aware of the treachery being connived either

A CT III, S CENE 3 In a brief soliloquy, Iago recognizes the effect he is having as “the Moor already changes with my poison.” Iago continues the metaphor he created in Act II, Scene 3 in which he compared his lies to a poison he would pour in Othello’s ear At this point, Iago has sufficiently aroused Othello’s jealousy

A CT III, S CENE 3 This scene represents the turning point for Othello as he borders on doubt and certainty with respect to Desdemona’s fidelity and Iago’s honesty Iago heightens Othello’s jealousy and desire for proof of her infidelity Iago hypocritically suggest that “she may be honest yet” and then plants the lie that he saw Cassio wipe his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief Given the significance of the handkerchief to Othello, it is no surprise that Othello’s rage turns to vengeance

A CT III, S CENE 4 The clown, who is Othello’s servant, in this scene provides some comic relief to offset the intensity of the previous scene The pun on the word lie is made when Desdemona asks for Cassio’s whereabouts, but the clown responds as if she had called him a liar The dramatic irony with this pun is clear because Iago’s whole scheme is based on the lie of Desdemona’s infidelity

A CT III, S CENE 4 The possible loss of the handkerchief infuriates Othello Emilia is not motivated out of evil, but rather genuine concern for Desdemona The incident is also a prelude to more of the behavior which is being manipulated by Iago

A CT III, S CENE 4 At the end of the scene, the handkerchief becomes more significant because Cassio gives it to Bianca for her to copy its design Iago’s attempt to plant it in Cassio’s lodging was successful, and Cassio inadvertantly becomes trapped in the plot