Act 2 Scene 3: Othello’s justice Hold, for your lives! Act 2 Scene 3: Othello’s justice Othello enters to restore order and wants to find out who started the fight Iago: “I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio.” (LIES!!) ‘Reluctantly’, Iago tells how Cassio started the fight – Othello sacks Cassio on the spot! Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, speak, who began this? On thy love, I charge thee.

Reputation, reputation, reputation! Cassio moans about the loss of his reputation, believing it to be the most important part of himself – Iago tells him this is not important saying “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition” Iago suggests that Cassio approach Desdemona about his reinstatement – her good nature and influence over Othello will get his job back. Cassio leaves wishing goodnight to “honest Iago”

Iago’s soliloquy (end of Act 2 Scene 3) Iago reveals his plan to lie about Desdemona and Cassio having an affair – Desdemona pleading to get Cassio his job back will make things worse for all three of them! Will put ideas about D and C into Othello’s head: “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear”

Act 3 Scene 3 Desdemona promises Cassio that she will help him Iago notices Cassio leave Desdemona’s room: “Ha! I like it not” (Draws attention to Cassio’s suspicious exit) Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s job back Iago drops more hints about Cassio but insists he is honest “Men should be what they seem” (Irony!) “Good name in man or woman, is the jewel of their souls” – Saying reputation is important, unlike in the last scene when he said the opposite! Warns Othello of jealousy: “Beware my lord of jealousy, it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on”

Act 3 Scene 3 Othello assures Iago he is not a jealous man and he is confident that Desdemona is faithful Iago warns him to watch Desdemona to Cassio & that she is capable of deception: Remember, she lied to her father in order to marry Othello! Iago’s wife Emilia picks up Desdemona’s dropped handkerchief – “her first remembrance from the Moor” mentioning Iago has asked her “ a hundred times to steal it”