Suspicious BehaviorIago creates suspicious behavior between Cassio and Desdemona by planning a secret meeting between them in Othello’s home. Iago then places himself next to Othello and when he sees Cassio leave he points out to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona were just alone together, trying to imply they were doing something Othello would disapprove of.
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"Chaos" will "come again"
Othello tells Iago that when he no longer feels any love for Desdemona “Chaos” will “come again.”
Indeed
Iago uses words like “indeed” “seems” and “think” when talking about Desdemona's faith to Othello and Cassio’s loyalty to him. This is Iago’s way of creating doubt in Othello about what kind of people Desdemona and Cassio are.
Methods Of ManipulationIago uses many forms of manipulation in Act III more specifically Act III Scene III. He uses the words “seems”, “think”, and “indeed” to imply he has uncertainty. Iago makes extremely vague statements that he uses to provoke Othello's curiosity and imagination. Iago is trying to make Othello pry the answer out which will make him seem more credible to Othello. When Othello tries to make Iago be more specific Iago warns Othello that his thoughts will provoke jealousy in Othello and tells him jealousy is dangerous.
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Othello's Insecurity
Othello tells Iago he is insecure about Desdemona’s love for him and that he is prone to jealousy.
The Handkerchief
Emelia brings Iago the handkerchief that Othello gives to Desdemona as a wedding gift. His mother gave it to him and told him it had magical properties and that if he gave it to his wife she would never be unfaithful and never leave.
Most Important Quotes Of Act III
“I will in Cassio's Lodging loose this Napkin, |
Iago reveals to the audience in a soliloquy that he is going to plant Desdemona’s handkerchief on Cassio. This will help to prove to Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are indeed having relations with each other. This will be the thing that helps Iago push Othello over the edge and aid Iago in convincing Othello he needs to kill Desdemona and Cassio.
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Iago tells Othello in this quote that his reputation is everything. Iago just got through implying Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio and through this quote is trying to say if he rehires Cassio his reputation will be ruined because he would have let Cassio play him for a fool. This is one of the quotes that leads Othello to the murder of Desdemona.
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“But he that filches me from me my good name |
“And yet, how nature erring from itself” |
In this line Othello reveals the biggest insecurity he has about his and Desdemona’s relationship together which is his feeling that they come from two very different worlds and that it’s unnatural for them to be together. Othello says this to Iago revealing his biggest insecurity. Iago uses this to his advantage in his destruction of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage.
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Desdemona says this to Othello regarding Cassio. This is a poor choice of words for the current situation a suitor means both someone who has something to gain from another, or someone trying to gain the affection of another. Desdemona is speaking of the former as Cassio has been asking her to talk to Othello about giving Cassio his job back. Othello however who has been made to think Desdemona is cheating thinks she means the latter and reacts to that as proven later in the play.
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“How now my Lord? |
“Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse.” |
Desdemona says this to Emilia when she sees the handkerchief Othello gave to her is gone. Desdemona is saying that she really regrets losing it. Meanwhile Iago is using it to create the illusion that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio for Othello.
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Planting The Handkerchief
Iago plants the item Emelia brings to him on Cassio, making it seem as if Desdemona gave it to him or left it on him accidentally.
Othello's ReversalAt the end of Act III Scene III Iago and Othello plan to murder Desdemona and Cassio. When Iago first started telling Othello that Desdemona was cheating with Cassio he didn’t believe him at all, but now Iago has him furious and ready to kill.
Strange BehaviorOthello starts to show the jealousy he's been feeling towards the end of the act and snaps at Desdemona a couple times. His actions confuse and upset Desdemona and she thinks she did something wrong.
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