Act 3, Scene 3

Lines 277-297
1.
'I am to blame.' To whom does Othello say address this line? What's his state of mind? What are the
reasons Othello might have to claim that he is to blame?
2.
Predict what Iago may do with the handkerchief.
3.
What do you understand about the relationship between Emilia and Iago from Emilia's soliloquy?
Lines 298-328
1.
Can you give a feminist interpretation and a traditional interpretation of this scene?
2.
Mention examples of a psychological interplay between the couple in this scene.
Lines 329-362
1.
What's the theme highlighted in this passage?
2.
Lines 343-355 - This is famously called Othello's general camp speech. Identify the imagery and
FOS here. Comment on the diction used. What's the tone of the passage?
3.
What does the speech suggest to you about Othello at this point if the play? Is there any evidence of
the 'of' Othello here? (Othello as he was presented in Act 1 and the first part of Act 2)
4.
Decide what Othello might be referring to when he says 'ocular proof' in line 358. Can you detect any
inconsistencies in the way he is thinking?
5.
Line 362- 'Is't come to this?' - Suggest what Iago might mean with this sentence and the dramatic
effects of the same.
Lines 363-395
1.
Comment on the diction and tone used by Othello in this passage.
2.
Comment on the themes highlighted in this passage.
3.
Identify the FOS and imagery in this passage.
4.
'Honesty is a fool' - Consider how far Iago's phrase could be regarded as central to the play as a
whole. Why might Iago conclude that honest people are fools?
5.
'Death and damnation' - what're the dramatic effects of this phrase?
Lines 364-429
1.
Identify the images used in this passage.
2.
Comment on the significance of dramatic action seen here.
3.
'I'll tear her all to pieces!' - comment on the language used by Othello in this passage in the light of
this sentence.
Lines 430-459
1.
Just a few lines ago, Othello asked repeatedly for proof of Desdemona's infidelity. Now he greets
Iago's comment about the handkerchief with the words: 'Now do I see 'this true.' Yet Othello has asked for
'ocular proof'. Up to now, what exactly has Iago offered by way of 'proof'?
2.
Comment on the language used in this passage.
3.
What's the Othello's state of mind seen here? How does the style of his language (vocabulary,
length of sentences and punctuation) reflect the intensity of his thoughts and feelings?
Lines 460-477
1.
Why do you think Iago tells Othello to let Desdemona live? Consider the following possibilities.
A. He has no quarrel with Desdemona, and/or is attracted to her.
B. He seeks only Cassio's death.
C. He's displaying old-fashioned courtesy towards women.

D. He needs her alive to torment Othello further- and to torment her.

E. He actually means the opposite; he's planting the idea in Othello's mind on purpose.
F. It's all happening too quickly; it's going beyond what Iago had planned.
G. He wants to appear merciful in order to aid his deception.
Rank these statements from most likely to least likely, then five reasons for your choices.
2.
Comment on dramatic action seen in this passage.
3.
This scene ends on Iago's statement, 'I am your own forever.' What ominous meanings might his
words carry, when Iago has successfully stirred Othello to hatred, jealousy and determination to murder?