Othello: Act IV Scene II Cathy Gu, Julian Leung, Tea Myftaraj, Tara Sutudeh, Victoria Wu

Overview 1. Othello questions Emilia about Desdemona’s affair but refuses to believe what he is told and confronts Desdemona about his suspicions 2. Desdemona turns to Iago for reassurance 3. Roderigo approaches Iago about his unfair dealings; Iago convinces Roderigo that everything is going according to plan 4. Iago persuades Roderigo to murder Cassio

Significance of Act IV Scene II Othello confronts Emilia and Desdemona about his suspicions with both of them denying the accusations, but Othello does not trust them, signifying a turning point in their relationship Roderigo begins to suspect that Iago is manipulating him Iago convinces Roderigo to murder Cassio which builds up to Iago’s final plan123

Development of Plot Scene demonstrates Othello's stubborn nature Othello will not listen to Desdemona Roderigo gives readers a spark of hope Roderigo (previously the most gullible character) is finally starting to make sense of things while everyone else is still manipulated by Iago Falling Action

Theme Love & Jealousy: Othello and Desdemona's relationship is clearly faltering in this scene as demonstrated by Othello unwilling to be direct with Desdemona or listen to her words Deception & Betrayal : Iago continues to fool and betray everyone by making them believe he is on their side. He manages to fool people so well that even as Emilia is talking about a villain making up the rumor, she is unaware that the antagonist is right beside her

Setting Sexist, patriotic society Women are seen as liars, manipulative demonstrated by Othello’s distrust of Emilia and Desdemona Men are more respected Military setting ie. Othello trusts Iago due to the belief that a fellow soldier would never betray him 1. Military 2. Men 3. Women

Timing of the Scene This scene solidifies Othello’s suspicions towards Desdemona, preparing for the resolution of the play. Roderigo threatens to expose Iago; shows that he might ruin Iago's plan Last chance for Desdemona to prove to Othello that she is loyal and trustworthy but fails to do so since Othello refuses to listen. Foreshadows Desdemona’s murder

Characters – Othello & Iago Othello Ruled by doubts and insecurities Bitter and angry, no longer trusts those he once loved Has lost grip on reality with imagination out of control Iago Continues to display how manipulative and cunning he is when Roderigo begins to doubt him Puts his final plan into action

Characters – Desdemona, Emilia & Roderigo Desdemona Continues to be submissive to Othello’s behaviour Does not blame Othello, giving the explanation that it is work stress Emilia Becomes bold and protective over Desdemona, stating that she did no wrong Believes that a “villain” created these false accusations Roderigo Becomes sceptical of Iago’s plan Wants to see action carried out by Iago and not just words Eventually falls back into Iago’s manipulation

Mood The mood becomes pessimistic and cynical as Iago’s plan progresses and Othello continues to fall under Iago’s trap Mood improves slightly as Roderigo begins to doubt Iago’s plan

Dramatic Techniques Dramatic Irony  " I will be hang’d if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devis’d this slander; I’ll be hang’d else" (129 IV.ii.129)  “O good Iago, What shall I do with my lord again?” (148)  “O no, he goes into Mauritania and takes away with him the fair Desdemona…” (221). Dramatic Irony  " I will be hang’d if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devis’d this slander; I’ll be hang’d else" (129 IV.ii.129)  “O good Iago, What shall I do with my lord again?” (148)  “O no, he goes into Mauritania and takes away with him the fair Desdemona…” (221).

Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths - Roderigo begins to stand up to Iago - Emilia starts to speak up and is more bold - Desdemona is direct with Othello, figuring out why he is angry - Desdemona contrasts Othello who is indirect Weaknesses - Roderigo falls for Iago again, does not expose him - No one, but Roderigo, questions Iago and his motives

Symbols 1.Wedding Sheets  "“...lay on my bed my wedding sheets …” (104).  Symbolize the passionate love and desire that Othello and Desdemona once shared.  Contrasts Othello's current feelings towards their marriage. 1.Wedding Sheets  "“...lay on my bed my wedding sheets …” (104).  Symbolize the passionate love and desire that Othello and Desdemona once shared.  Contrasts Othello's current feelings towards their marriage.

Symbols continued 2. Exchange of Money  “We have done our course; there’s money for your pains. I pray you turn the key and keep our counsel” (90).  Symbolizes the inequality between social classes.  Othello sees the need to "bribe" lower classes. 2. Exchange of Money  “We have done our course; there’s money for your pains. I pray you turn the key and keep our counsel” (90).  Symbolizes the inequality between social classes.  Othello sees the need to "bribe" lower classes.

Motifs Concept of Trust The basis of Othello and Desdemona's marriage depends on the trust they have in one another Characters seem to continuously turn to Iago for reassurance Iago is known for being trust worthy even though the characters should trust him the least

Rhetorical and Literary Devices  Parallel Structure: " To fetch her fan her gloves her mask…” (8)  Personification: ”Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks." (76)  Allusion: “Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse!” (15)  Alliteration: "Cough or cry 'hem' if anybody come" (29)  Parallel Structure: " To fetch her fan her gloves her mask…” (8)  Personification: ”Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks." (76)  Allusion: “Let heaven requite it with the serpent’s curse!” (15)  Alliteration: "Cough or cry 'hem' if anybody come" (29)

Rhetorical and Literary Devices  Balance: " Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife." (34)  Simile: “Oh ay: as summer flies are in the shambles” (65)  Repetition: "Made to write whore upon? What committed!...Committed...What committed!...What committed?" ( 71, 75, 79)  Verbal Irony: "I cry you mercy then/ I took you for that cunning whore of Venice/ That married Othello. You, mistress." (89)  Balance: " Your wife, my lord, your true and loyal wife." (34)  Simile: “Oh ay: as summer flies are in the shambles” (65)  Repetition: "Made to write whore upon? What committed!...Committed...What committed!...What committed?" ( 71, 75, 79)  Verbal Irony: "I cry you mercy then/ I took you for that cunning whore of Venice/ That married Othello. You, mistress." (89)

Discussion  What would have happened if Othello was direct with Desdemona about "cheating" on him ?  Should Roderigo have listened to Iago about killing Cassio? Is he gullible because he is uneducated or too trustworthy?  Why do the characters trust Iago? Is it because of his reputation? His way with words? Explain.  What would have happened if Othello was direct with Desdemona about "cheating" on him ?  Should Roderigo have listened to Iago about killing Cassio? Is he gullible because he is uneducated or too trustworthy?  Why do the characters trust Iago? Is it because of his reputation? His way with words? Explain.

Thanks for Listening! Presented by: Cathy Gu Julian Leung Tea Myftaraj Tara Sutudeh Victoria Wu