Othello Act 3

Cassio’s plea

Cassio meets the musicians outside Othello’s castle. Asks the clown to call Emelia Iago meets Cassio. Says he will draw Othello aside so Cassio can talk to Desdemona Emelia tells Cassio Othello and Desdemona are speaking about him. Othello needs no other suitor to plea for Cassio. Emelia invites Cassio in.

The first seeds of jealousy and suspicion

Othello, Iago and a gentleman meet. Othello sends Iago on an errand. Says he will be walking in the forest. Desdemona and Emelia are speaking. Desdemona says she will plead for Cassio Othello arrives and Cassio, embarrassed and takes his leave hurriedly. Iago says, “Ha I like not that!” Sows the seed of suspicion/ jealousy in Othello’s mind

Desdemona’s pleading

Desdemona asks Othello to call Cassio back. He declines. She teases him to call him back. Desdemona sees it as a game. Othello is reluctant and asks to be left alone. “Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again” Iago asks about Cassio and his relationship with Desdemona. Sows seeds of doubt about Cassio’s honesty.

Iago builds up the case against Cassio’s honesty. Jealousy

Iago implies he cannot vouch for Cassio’s honesty, that Cassio is not honest. Iago takes Cassio’s lines about reputation and uses them. Eventually Othello begs hims, commands him to tell him what he is thinking. “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on;” No, Iago; I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this,— Away at once with love or jealousy!.

Iago warns Othello to look to his wife. Women in Venice are immoral. Reminds Othello she deceived her father in marrying him. Othello is swayed by Iago and begins to doubt Desdemona's honesty. Iago takes his leave. Othello tells him to find out more. Iago leaves and comes back- warns Othello not to talk to Cassio. Othello is shaken by Iago’s insinuations. He begins to have a fit (epilepsy).

The handkerchief

Desdemona and Emelia arrive. Desdemona tries to soothe his head with her napkin (Handkerchief) He pushes the napkin away. It falls. Exit Othello and Desdemona Emelia picks up the handkerchief. Says Iago has always begged she should steal it. Emelia gives Iago the handkerchief. He plans to leave it in Cassio’s rooms

The poison begins to work. The “dream” lie.

Othello returns. His mind is poisoned by doubt and jealousy. Demands ocular proof. Iago lies about hearing Cassio speaking in his dream about making love to Desdemona. Iago says he saw th handkerchief with Cassio. Othello swears he will tear Desdemona to pieces.

The oath Iago lieutenant.

Othello falls to his knees and swears to take revenge. Iago swears to serve Othello Othello says he will kill Cassio. Iago says spare Desdemona, but Othello says he will kill her. He makes Iago his lieutenant.

The lost handkerchief and the lie

Desdemona asks the clown to tell Cassio she is working on his suit to her husband. Desdemona asks Emelia if she has seen her handkerchief anywhere. Emelia lies and says she has not. Desdemona and Othello has a little “battle”. He asks for her handkerchief and she tries to get him to reinstate Cassio. Othello becomes angry and leaves Cassio arrives. Desdemona says she will keep her word.

Cassio gives Bianca the handkerchief

Bianca meets Cassio. Invites him to supper Cassio gives Bianca the handkerchief as a gift and tells her someone left it in his chamber. Bianca accuses Cassio of not loving her He says he will meet her at her rooms later.